Sometimes we under estimate the reasoning and intelligence of our own gifted children. I often found that honest discussion about such topics as what learning is and what it takes to do so can have a great effect. Helping them to understand that the greatest strides in learning are often accompanied by a certain level of frustration, that real self confidence comes from not just success but a struggle leading to success (give them examples they can relate to) and that in reality, our biggest competition is indeed ourselves helps them to analyse on their own why they won't push themselves.
