You know what? I've sort of forced myself to be more open about these things. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I go around bragging to anyone or everyone but it's sort of like my feelings on nursing in public. If you do it in a natural, very matter of fact way, it can get more people used to the idea in a positive manner. I also try and answer questions (even if others might consider those questions offensive) openly and give the questioner the benefit of the doubt.
So, if we're in a playgroup and it's relative to the conversation, I might mention something DD has done. I wouldn't purposely bring anything up but I also wouldn't hide something either. I don't want DD to be ashamed of what she can do and I think if you are always trying to hide a child's abilities they will pick up on that. Also, if someone is going to judge her for what she can do that's probably not someone I want being her friend in the first place. I've gotten some strange looks at times but these parents still talk to me so I guess I didn't screw up things to badly!!
Also, I've even had some moms approach me about giftedness and we've had some nice conversations about that so that has also been a plus.
That being said, I've always happened to be in playgroups where the other moms tend to be smarter (not necessarily gifted but above average, I'd guess). It's just where I've felt more comfortable and we have better conversation. I'm not saying they are all gifted but I've purposefully sought out non-competitive playgroups that match my parenting style. I've tried a few others and never found myself returning because either the parents were too competitive or their parenting styles conflicted so much with mine that I knew they wouldn't be able to relate to our lives at all (I do have friends with different parenting styles but they are ones that are understanding about it and open for discussions, these other moms were NOT).
