<p>My son won local and state math contests in middle school, but did that with little commitment to special study or training. It just didn’t interest him that much. In high school, however, he found something that really challenged him and fired his competitive spirits, while giving him a team to work with: debate. We couldn’t have pushed him in math. We didn’t need to in debate. He ended up as state champion in senior year. I’m sure it played a role in his overall intellectual development – reading, researching, organizing arguments.</p>
<p>I agree with those above who say that your kid has to find the activities that interest him, even if he may have multiple talents. If he becomes seriously engaged in one or two major EC’s that’s rather enough. You can encourage, provide resources (including financial and emotional support). But let him choose.</p>