Hi eastcoast,
Just wanted to say that I don't believe it's just an American thing. I am from Germany and there is such a strong "anti-elitism" that a lot of parents of gifted kids actively try to hide their kids' accomplishments ... and nature, I guess. Most Germans I know believe if a child shows any interest in and aptitude for academics before they're 6 that you must be horrible parent who pushes the poor child into something that is completely against the child's nature. I have stopped talking to my brother about anything academic/school because I was met with just plain hostility.
Very sad. Who do we get to talk to? Sometimes you want to ask advice or commiserate about something that is not working. But really message boards such as this and the one friend I have who also has gifted kids are about the only areas where I feel safe.
Stef
