How do I handle perfectionism and underachievement in a gifted child?

Gifted children often experience a 'potential gap' — when schoolwork feels too easy, they disengage; when it's challenging, perfectionism can cause paralysis. Praise effort and process ('You worked really hard on that problem') rather than results or intelligence ('You're so smart'). Advocate for appropriate challenge at school through differentiation, enrichment, or acceleration. If your child is refusing to try or shows anxiety about failure, consult your pediatrician or a psychologist who specializes in gifted children.