How much did you "push" your kids

anon94785555
Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:14:40 +0000

Definitely check out your regional Talent Search- in the Midwest it’s run by Northwestern (Midwest Talent Search). Hoagies is a gifted website. Many have stated it - READ. Son couldn’t be pushed- too independent, stubborn, etc. He did do the free SAT and ACT practice tests, as well as the middle school talent search tests. Repeated the SAT general instead of subject test (there’s a story there) Dec of senior year- got a 2400. Refused to apply to any IVYs, but we’re not east coasters… Only applied to 2 elite schools and had an okay high gpa, not a 4.0 (you have to do the homework…), but we have an excellent public flagship so he is now applying to math grad schools.

Relax and let your son be a kid. Let him explore subjects in middle school he won’t take in HS when his gpa matters. Push him and he will eventually be out of his depth/league. Have good family library/reading habits. You could read up on gifted/talented materials to determine if your son is very bright to gifted, then pursue things according to his academic/educational needs. Home habits will tip the balance for bright kids- seeing parents take time for books and choosing the types of TV programs and museum visits et al instead of concentrating on sports and pop culture. Much better in getting a good foundation than cramming at some test prep center.