�Guess I just think they're going to set up obstacles and hinderences for him and I'd rather they not have any gimmes. ... �Well that's THEM, the nay-sayers and excuse makers. �They're sometimes cruel and prejudiced. And they don't like the bright kids regardless if there's an iq test or not. �
If we want to make it a bumpersticker "Embrace your hopes not your fears" would be the one I'm thinking as I read this. I think it is a huge mistake to parent based on fear and negativity. That is imposing negative on to your child's life that doesn't even exist and may never exist in his life. Yes, you could make every moment of parenting be preparing for the worst case scenario but doing that really puts a huge burden on everyone in the entire family.
I am the parent to a gifted teenager. We have not encounter cruelty, prejudice, or dislike of our gifted child. I am not denying that it may exist in the universe, but I am saying I would not start from the premise that your job is to change your child to avoid it. We've been fortunate to have wonderful teachers, mentors and friends who care about our child and about our family. They think it is fantastic to meet a kid who learns so readily and so eagerly and they've gone out of their way to kind and supportive. While I'm sure of that is just luck, starting from a very positive perspective doesn't hurt.
And, as far as your list I can't say I agree with even a little bit. Rising to a challenge, persevering, and critical thinking rank are all essential and traits that I've seen receive very positive response from others. I see absolutely no purpose to teaching a child to do work slowly for the sake of doing it slowly.
