I think I was lucky in some respects--I went to gifted magnet middle and high schools (amazing for now, much less way-back-when!). My high school friends (who all ranked single digits in class of >400 at the gifted magnet HS) and I had lively discussions about life, philosophy, books...though we grew apart a few yrs after we went away for college.
My mom & dad were only children, intellectuals, & loners who had trouble forming relationships. My sisters were/are HG as well.
I don't know if I've thought out a strategy for my kids to avoid pitfalls I experienced other than encouraging them. Actually, the older I get, the more I seem to channel my mom. At least I don't have the stuff-hoarding traits dad has...it's on the level of mental illness.
