Learning and schooling are not always the same experience.
A Concern I Often Hear From Parents
A child may have a deep passion for science, history or problem-solving, yet struggle with repetitive tasks, slow pacing or work that does not feel meaningful.
When that happens, marks slip, motivation fades — and parents are left wondering how a child so capable can find school so hard. The ability is real. So is the struggle.
Why Gifted Children May Struggle
Gifted children can experience difficulties for many reasons. Some become bored when they are not sufficiently challenged. Others develop perfectionism and avoid tasks where success is not guaranteed.
Some children have advanced reasoning skills but weaker organisation, planning or attention skills. This can confuse adults because the child appears highly capable in some situations yet struggles in others.
❤️ What I Have Learnt From My Assessment Room
"One pattern I have seen repeatedly is that adults sometimes ask, 'If this child is so smart, why can't they just do it?'"
"The answer is that ability does not remove challenges. Gifted children are still developing children. They need guidance, support and opportunities to develop resilience, persistence and effective learning habits."
"Understanding the reason behind the struggle is far more useful than assuming a child is lazy or not trying hard enough."
Gifted children do not need constant pressure to perform. They need adults who understand.
How Parents Can Help
Parents can support gifted children by:
- Focusing on effort and growth rather than perfection.
- Providing appropriate challenges that stretch their thinking.
- Helping children learn organisation and coping skills.
- Encouraging healthy attitudes towards mistakes and failure.
- Working with schools to understand the child's learning needs.
Myth vs Reality
❌ "Gifted children will succeed on their own"
It's a comforting assumption — they're smart, so they'll figure it out. But left alone, many capable children quietly disengage, underperform or burn out.
✓ The Real Truth
Gifted children also need guidance, encouragement and environments that allow their abilities to develop.
📚 Want to Learn More?
- Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
- Davidson Institute — Gifted Underachievement Resources
- Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development
- The Secret to Raising a Smarter Child — Dr. Inderbir Kaur Sandhu (2019)
Part of the series Observations on Giftedness: Conversations with Parents
← Previous: Why Gifted Children Ask So Many Questions? | Next: Twice-Exceptional (2e): When Strengths and Challenges Coexist →
Is Your Capable Child Struggling in School?
Understanding the reason behind the struggle is far more useful than assuming a child is lazy or not trying hard enough. A conversation can help you see what your child truly needs. You don't have to figure this out alone.
Schedule a Consultation Today