Many years ago a gifted young man told me something I’ve never forgotten: “The only thing worse than being denied opportunities is being forced to take them.” So many of our gifted kids are strivers and achievers, but they are still people who need to understand the importance of quiet and the benefit of doing absolutely nothing at all. This balance between drive and solitude is often hard to maintain, but it is vital to the personal growth of every gifted kid–and the adults who care for them. Remember: giftedness is someone you are, not just something you do.
