The problem is, DS has been getting frustrated with the problem solving enrichment packet. He gets really upset that it doesn't come easily to him and that he doesn't always know the answer right away, and he'll sometimes get frustrated and cry a bit. I kinda think it's just because he's never had to really think much at school, so it's good for him to feel some frustration.
This was the cycle I was working to break from the very beginning. Our son was being spoiled by knowing everything all the time -- without any real effort -- and he had no clue what effort was required of most of the kids his age.
In fact, it wasn't until he met the evilest of all evils -- 3-digit long-division -- that he was faced with a genuine challenge in school. Because this challenge came 3.5 years into his schooling, he was really thrown for a loop. He's since slain that dragon and while he still groans deeply when it comes up, he (I think) appreciates how hard he had to work, and that he doesn't have to be afraid of challenges like that any more.
We work with his teachers behind the scenes trying to keep him from getting too comfortable (lazy?) and it is wonderful watching him tackle new challenges as they arise.
If you haven't already seen it, take a look at this article, "What a child doesn't learn," it adds some interesting perspective to the discussion:
http://www.wku.edu/academy/?p=430Dandy
