Parents of Preschoolers  Discussion Forum

Do children who show high intelligence at a young age live up to expectations? Swapna replied. I showed an early aptitude for math and problem solving. By 3rd grade I knew my times tables up to 99 (my father drilled me with flash cards). In high school (a exclusive prep school with very high standards and strict discipline), I was the only one to graduate with high honors in 4 subjects. Then came college - of course it was a prestigious one. I did quite well the first two years, but struggled after that. After college (ended up not getting a degree after 4 years), I soon landed a job as a computer programmer at a small company in a mid-sized mid-west city. It wasn't much, but I thrived there for more than 30 years and was happier than I had ever been before. I have never done anything noteworthy (in the sense that it would make the nightly news or Who's Who, let alone a Nobel prize), but I believe I have led a fulfilling and joyous life without ever being in the limelight. So, did I live up to expectations? Whose expectations? My parents, wife and children were never critical of my life and supported me in all my endeavors. I'm happy with the life I've lived so far.