This is a question many parents, teachers and researchers have pondered for years. Are bright children destined to have highly successful careers and lives? Or can high intelligence in childhood dissipate over time? Here we will examine the evidence around this issue.
What does it mean to be a “smart kid”?
First it is important to define what we mean by a “smart” or “gifted” child. There are a few key ways a child can demonstrate higher than average intelligence:
- High IQ scores – Generally 130+ on standardized tests
- Quick learner in school – Mastering academic concepts rapidly compared to peers
- Excelling in one or more academic domains – e.g. math, science, languages
- Strong memory and concentration skills
- Advanced reasoning abilities
So in summary, a smart child is one that has a high level of cognitive function compared to the norm. However, intelligence on its own does not guarantee adult success…
Why intelligence alone is not enough
Psychologists emphasize that high intelligence or IQ alone is not enough to predict outstanding achievement later in life. Other psychological, social and environmental factors play a crucial role as well. These include:
- Personality traits – Such as conscientiousness, motivation, resilience and work ethic
- Opportunities – Access to education, enrichment activities, mentors and networks
- Family support – Encouragement to develop talents and pursue ambitious goals
- Interests – Discovering and pursuing a passion
- Health and wellbeing – Overall physical and mental health
So a child’s intelligence or academic aptitude alone is not enough to ensure they will accomplish great things in adulthood. Personality, environment, relationships and chance play a huge role as well.
What does the research say?
There have been many longitudinal studies tracking the lives of gifted and highly intelligent children over decades:
- The Terman Genetic Study of Genius – tracked over 1500 Californian children with IQs over 135 from the 1920s. The subjects were assessed at regular intervals as they grew up. The results showed they were more educated, successful and healthier compared to average. However extreme eminence (fame) was rare.
- The Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth – tracked over 5000 mathematically gifted children, identifying them by SAT scores before age 13. It found their achievements were correlated to their career interests. Those interested in their talent field (maths, science) did exceptionally well.
- The Templeton Study – followed children with IQs over 150. Only a small percentage went on to change the world in a major way. Most enjoyed above average success but not at genius level.
In summary, these studies found childhood giftedness was associated with positive life outcomes – but extreme eminence into adulthood was uncommon. Most bright kids went on to live happy, successful lives but did not change the world with true original genius.
Why do some gifted children not fulfill their potential?
There are a few reasons why even very smart children may fail to reach the heights expected of them:
- Lack of motivation or persistence. If not sufficiently challenged, gifted youths may never develop a strong work ethic.
- Focus on performance over learning. Bright children used to easy success may fear failure.
- Boredom and disillusionment. The education system may not stimulate them.
- Perfectionism. Extremely high standards can lead to crippling self-criticism.
- Social isolation. Feeling rejected by peers if not “normal”.
- Mental health issues. High intelligence comes with greater emotional sensitivity.
- Arrogance. Overconfidence in abilities can prevent further striving and growth.
So underachievement in gifted children is often not due to low ability, but psychological and social factors impeding their fulfillment.
How to nurture gifted children
As the above shows, raw intelligence is not enough. Here are some expert tips on nurturing gifted children to help them flourish:
- Provide challenging and enriching activities to develop their abilities. But avoid pushing too hard.
- Teach them it’s OK to fail. Praise effort over results.
- Encourage following passions over what looks most prestigious.
- Expand their horizons and social connections.
- Help them find peers with similar interests and values.
- instill ethics and empathy. Serve as role models.
- Provide unconditional love and acceptance regardless of achievement.
With the right environment, most bright children can grow into happy, successful and well-balanced adults. While only a small percentage may change the world, all can live flourishing lives.
Takeaways: Do smart kids become smart adults?
In summary:
- Smart and gifted children have high cognitive abilities compared to their peers.
- Intelligence alone does not guarantee adult eminence. Other psychological, social and environmental factors are crucial.
- Longitudinal studies show bright children are more likely to be successful and educated. But extreme fame and genius are uncommon.
- Underachievement can happen due to motivational, emotional and social issues.
- Parents and teachers need to provide both intellectual stimulation and psychological support.
- Most bright children can grow into happy, thriving and well-adjusted adults. But they are unlikely to change the world with true brilliance.
So in conclusion, while smart kids have abundant potential, they are unlikely to become “child prodigy” type geniuses without the right environmental support. But almost all can lead fulfilling lives if given the nurturing and opportunities to develop their talents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gifted youth programs beneficial?
Yes, gifted youth programs help provide intellectual stimulation and peer socialization that bright children may not get in regular schools. They allow them to learn at an appropriate pace with like-minded students. However balance is still important – children should not be forced into advanced academics if it creates excessive stress.
Does early genius predict eminence?
Not necessarily. Child prodigies are rare, and while some go on to be eminent (like Mozart), most do not change their fields. Early genius seems to require not just intelligence, but intrinsic motivation and access to resources. So while it can predict great success, it does not guarantee eminence.
Are gifted adults happier?
Not always. Some studies show above-average intelligence correlates with greater career and relationship satisfaction. But other research finds highly gifted people are prone to issues like perfectionism, over-excitabilities and social isolation. Success requires nurturing emotional intelligence as well as academic abilities.
Do IQ scores change over time?
IQ is generally stable over the lifespan after reaching adulthood. However researchers have found IQ scores can change in childhood by as much as 20 points from year to year. The mind is more “plastic” in youth. Major illness or trauma in childhood may also impact later IQ. After adolescence, IQ remains relatively constant barring brain damage.
Can gifted students be underachievers?
Absolutely. Many gifted students become bored, disconnected and develop bad study habits in school if not sufficiently challenged. This sets them up for underachievement later on. Parents and teachers need to enrich the curriculum, emphasize effort over grades, and encourage passions. Twice exceptional children, with both gifts and learning disabilities, are also at high risk of underachieving.
Conclusion
In summary, while bright and gifted children have abundant potential, an enriching environment is crucial to help them flourish into happy, successful adults. Very few child prodigies go on to change the world as adults. But almost all can still lead fulfilling lives. The key is providing both intellectual nourishment and emotional support. Raw intelligence alone does not determine destiny. With the right conditions, most gifted children can achieve their full potential.