<p>We let our “mathy” kid guide and lead. He chose to join mathcounts in middle school. He was reading chess and magic books at age 7 as well as Mensa books (which he bought with his own money because it was "fun:). He did like band, also LOVED computers, programming, puzzles or all sorts, and reading pretty much everything. He was offered a chance to do research when he was in HS, but he declined as he didn’t want any more structure–then and now, he’s always loved choosing his own path and time.</p>
<p>It is indeed a delicate dance to nurture and provide the resources without out pushing our kids who are finding their own talents. In HS, even tho S was officially a student, he was largely self-taught because he missed much of HS due to chronic health issues.</p>
<p>He is happy as a federal employee and project manager now, with his EE degree.</p>