Stressing Out Over Grades

"I got a B!" When some children shout that statement to their parents, it is a shout of joy. They've studied hard and their studying paid off. For some gifted children, however, that shout is a cry of despair. Until that B, all their grades have been A's. Contrary to what some people think, parents of these children do not push, punish, or threaten their children about grades. The stress and worry about grades is self-imposed.

If you have a child who worries about grades, plan to "celebrate" that first B. When your child comes home and cries "I got a B!" give him or her a treat. For example, you could go out to dinner to celebrate. Make it clear that the treat is not a reward for getting less than an A; it is a celebration of being human, of being less than perfect in all things at all times.

Not all gifted children, of course, stress out over grades; some are quite the opposite: they underachieve. Which type of child do you have? Take the poll and let us know.

Poll: Does your child worry about grades?

• Yes, and has gotten all A's so far
• Yes, but has gotten less than an A
• No, but still does well in school
• No, and is an underachiever

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