Did it sound like the person was saying, "Oh, it's not so great that your child is highly intelligent. I know this other highly intelligent student and here's what happened to him."

Never underestimate the strong possibility of jealousy. It can be very hard on anyone, even family members, to feel like they struggle with what comes easily to someone else.

It's not a pleasant topic, but, there is plenty to observe of people chiding the highly intelligent people.