Introduction by GiftedKids.in
Ask an Indian parent what practice looks like and the answer is usually a number. Write it ten times. Do the whole page again. Finish two more sample papers. Repetition is not one method among several here — it is the method, and a child who resists it is not read as bored but as careless.
So a particular kind of evening becomes familiar. A child who spent the afternoon explaining how engines work will not write out ten sums he can already do. Dr Inderbir Kaur Sandhu's account of what is happening is not laziness, and it does not end with letting him off the practice.
“My child loves documentaries, reads books well beyond his age and asks endless questions. Yet getting him to complete ten similar maths questions or spelling exercises becomes a daily battle.”
A Concern I Often Hear From Parents
This is one of the most common concerns I hear from parents of gifted children. They are often puzzled because their child clearly enjoys learning, but seems to dislike schoolwork. The key is recognising that learning and repetitive practice are not always the same thing.
Why Repetition Can Be Frustrating
Gifted children often grasp new concepts after only a few examples. Once they understand the underlying idea, completing many similar questions may feel unnecessary. They are usually motivated by novelty, challenge and meaning rather than repetition. This does not mean they are lazy—it simply means their brains are seeking intellectual stimulation.
What I Have Learnt From My Assessment Room
Many gifted children tell me they enjoy solving difficult puzzles or exploring new ideas but dislike worksheets that repeat the same skill. During assessments, they often become energised when faced with unfamiliar reasoning tasks, yet quickly lose interest when activities become predictable. This pattern is surprisingly common among intellectually advanced learners.
How Parents Can Help
- Explain that practice builds fluency, even when something feels easy.
- Break repetitive work into shorter, manageable chunks.
- Offer choice where possible—for example, completing fewer questions but explaining the reasoning.
- Provide enrichment activities after essential schoolwork is completed.
- Praise perseverance and effort rather than only speed or correctness.
Did You Know?
Research suggests that gifted learners are often driven by intrinsic motivation. They are more engaged when learning is meaningful, challenging and allows them to think creatively rather than simply repeat what they already know.
Myth vs Reality
If a gifted child refuses repetitive work, they are lazy.
Many gifted children need to learn persistence just like other children, but they also benefit from appropriately challenging learning experiences that keep them intellectually engaged.
Dr Inderbir's Reflection
One of the most important lessons I have learnt is that gifted children still need to develop resilience and good study habits. While it is important to understand why repetition can be frustrating, it is equally important to help children appreciate that mastery often requires practice. The goal is not to eliminate routine work but to balance it with opportunities that inspire curiosity and deeper thinking.
Want to Learn More?
Dr Inderbir Kaur Sandhu is a psychologist, gifted education specialist and author of The Secret to Raising a Smarter Child. With over two decades of experience working with gifted and twice-exceptional children, she specialises in understanding how children think, learn and thrive. Her work focuses on cognitive assessment, talent development and helping families nurture children's strengths while supporting their social and emotional development.