17 People Who Grew Up As Gifted Students Reveal What Being The 'Smart Kid' Did To Their Lives

Being the smart kid always seemed to carry a lot of perks. Aside from having the brains, they always seemed to have everything that everyone else wanted.

Of course, they had good grades, and who doesn’t like good grades, right? With good grades comes the favor of teachers and the pride of parents, and that’s what a lot of these kids had. 

If you’ve ever had a smart kid in your class, we bet they were always the model student your teachers or parents aspired for you to be as well. They also always seemed to be the kind of people who would get far in life, so no wonder. 

As it turns out, though, being gifted isn’t as filled with sunshine and daisies as a lot of people might think. Sure, they get a lot of perks in school for being the smart kid, but once they cross over to the real world, that’s when everything comes crashing down. 

Over on dear old Reddit, a now-deleted user asked, “'Gifted' students, what was it like growing up as the 'smart kid?' Has it affected your adult life in any way?”

As the user confessed, they were once the 'smart kid,' but nothing particularly negative came out of it. However, seeing the responses to their question, they quickly realized that they might be a little alone in that experience. 

Here is what former gifted kids had to say about how it changed their lives. 

Can't measure self-worth in numbers, honey

Reddit

Your emotions will definitely be tested a lot in math

Sloane__Peterson

Comes from years of not having to work so hard to figure out what in the world the teacher meant

Reddit

The Burden of Being a Gifted Child

Growing up as a gifted child often comes with unique challenges that can impact emotional development. Research by Dr. Barbara Kerr at the University of Kansas indicates that gifted children frequently face heightened expectations, leading to significant pressure and anxiety.

This pressure can manifest in various ways, including perfectionism and fear of failure, which can persist into adulthood.

Gifted individuals may also struggle with social integration, feeling isolated from peers who don't share their intellectual interests.

Skipping a grade doesn't always mean you're welcomed with open arms

OminousOmnipotence

Honestly, sometimes, a lot of it is the adults' fault

Jumbie40

The kind of existential crisis that's just a little bit more sad

asexybookwyrm

Understanding the psychological implications of being a gifted child is critical for emotional health. Studies suggest that developing a strong sense of identity outside of academic achievement can help mitigate feelings of inadequacy.

Encouraging gifted individuals to engage in diverse activities can foster a more rounded self-concept and promote resilience.

Therapeutic approaches focusing on self-acceptance and emotional literacy can vastly improve life satisfaction for former gifted children.

Not every smart person in the world has to become a lawyer, scientist, doctor, or whatnot. Let them do what they want.

mamamully

Just because you're gifted doesn't mean that your common sense is on the same level as your IQ

kirolm

No amount of smarts will prevent a mental illness

joinedforafewwords

The Pressure of Expectations

Research indicates that gifted individuals often internalize external expectations, creating an inner narrative of needing to excel constantly. This phenomenon can lead to burnout and disengagement from previously enjoyed activities.

Dr. Ellen Winner, a psychologist at Boston College, emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these feelings and working through them in therapy.

Creating supportive environments that celebrate effort rather than just achievement can alleviate some of this pressure and promote healthier emotional outcomes.

Nothing's more crippling than finding out you're not really that special and that a lot of people are better than you in many aspects of life after finding comfort with what you have

fightoffyourdemons-

When it comes to academic achievements, they're just not worth losing your sanity over

splika

Getting tuned out might just be one of the saddest things to happen to that gift

laterdude

The phenomenon of 'gifted kid burnout' is becoming more recognized in psychological literature. Studies suggest that many gifted individuals may experience a decline in motivation and interest in activities they once excelled at.

This often stems from a lack of intrinsic motivation, as external validation becomes the primary driver of their efforts.

Finding ways to cultivate internal motivation through personal interests can help mitigate these feelings and restore passion for learning.

Using that gift to blow off the bureaucracy might be one of the coolest things ever

Reddit

Life after high school will crush every idea you've formed of yourself in those years

Silvercaster

At least some people realize it a lot earlier than others

Reddit

Navigating Adult Life as a Gifted Individual

Transitioning to adulthood can be particularly challenging for gifted individuals. Research shows they may struggle with career choices, relationships, and managing expectations placed upon them.

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, a psychologist at Columbia University, points out that many gifted adults feel a sense of inadequacy when they don't achieve what they believe is expected of them.

Creating a supportive network of peers who understand these unique challenges can be invaluable for personal and professional growth.

Lonely because the world just isn't made for you

DocGrey187000

Gifts shouldn't be wasted after all, but still

spittingpigeon

A lot of us wish we were ‘smart’ since it does seem like it might make a lot of things easier, but just as all these people have testified, living life to its full potential isn’t just about being brainy. After all, it’s not just our brains that will put food on the table or happiness in our lives, right?

It's crucial for gifted individuals to learn coping mechanisms for managing anxiety and perfectionism. Cognitive-behavioral strategies can be particularly effective in helping them reframe negative thoughts and build self-compassion.

Mindfulness practices have also been shown to promote emotional regulation and decrease feelings of isolation.

Engaging in activities that foster connection with others can help mitigate the loneliness that often accompanies giftedness.

Psychological Analysis

This discussion highlights the unique challenges faced by gifted individuals, particularly the pressure to constantly perform at high levels. These expectations can lead to significant emotional distress, which may not be immediately apparent to those around them.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Understanding the complexities of being a gifted individual is essential for fostering mental health. Research published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology suggests that supportive environments can significantly improve emotional outcomes for gifted individuals.