Telling the truth, how interesting of a topic. DD9 was similar and had a "healthy" self-image that didn't win her too many friends. Over time and after many conversations she has learned that although some things are true, you don't say them out loud. Like commenting on a person's weight, or disability or intellect. She is old enough to have learned tact, whereas it is a harder skill for younger children.
We have always approached her intellect like any other attribute (brown hair, great sense of humor, tall etc.) She is different from other people because of the combination of all those attributes, not because of one single one. Not to say that this has always worked perfectly, but maybe it has helped.
Jen
