I don't feel like I have baggage, exactly. It's more like a constant struggle for me to balance idealism and realism. The idealist (part perfectionist?) wants to create the optimal situation for my kids' education. The realist knows that this is not remotely possible--is it even desirable?

When I reflect on my own experiences as a gifted child I can see that there are opportunities for emotional and character growth in less than perfect educational situations. The idealist says that this is only true to a point. There is a limit to what people can tolerate.

To me this seems like many other aspects of parenting--the struggle to find the right balance for each child. For some kids it seems like that zone of balance is a knife edge.

Cathy