Question: I have heard the term "classic underachiever" applied to children--will you define that concept for me?
Answer: The underachiever is a student who is unsuccessful in school despite his ability to do the work. He may have an IQ of 120 or better, yet earn D's and F's on his report card. If possible, underachieving children are even more numerous and less understood than slow learners or late bloomers. The confusion is related to the fact that two specific ingredients are necessary to produce academic excellence, yet the second is often overlooked. First intellectual ability must be there. But mental capacity is insufficient by itself. Self-discipline is also required. An able child may or may not have the self-control necessary to bear down day after day on something he considers painful and difficult. Furthermore, intelligence and self-discipline are frequently not correlated. We often see a child having one without the other.s problem?"
Dr. Dobson Answers Your QuestionsBy Dr. James Dobson