Living with Intensity

"Because they can be so greatly stimulated, and because they perceive and process things differently, gifted children are often misunderstood. Their excitement is viewed as excessive, their high energy as hyperactivitiy, their persistence as nagging, their questioning as undermining authority, their imagination as not paying attention, their passion as being disruptive, their strong emotions and sensitivity as immaturity, their creativity and self-directedness as oppositional." excerpt from Living with Intensity by Susan Daniels and Michael Piechowski
It doesn't always make it easier to deal with gifted children's intensity to understand the theory mentioned (Dabrowski's Overexcitabilities), but it helps to recognize that what makes gifted children difficult to parent or teach is actually an asset and strength. It just needs growth and direction. Without that great drive, nothing great will be achieved.