I find it sad because their jealousy of your child just shows their own disappointment in their own child.
I don't think most people are necessarily jealous; I've found it's more curiosity and astonishment. (Yes, sometimes with the question about "working with" the child at home; but I connect that more with them pitying the theoretically overworked child than with them admiring the results.) Around here, being too smart is not universally admired.
I wouldn't assume that they are disappointed in their kids. Just because a child is not academically gifted doesn't mean that child is "ordinary" at all. I feel strongly that all kids have talents that can be recognized and cultivated; and I don't like the assumption that gifted kids are of another kind altogether than other kids, or more valuable.
DeeDee
