academic differences between siblings

[baby24]

Has anyone else had experience of one very academically bright dc and another one not so academically able? I know there are much more important things than academic success but just wondered how you handle it.

ds1 is far more academically able than dd.... wouldn't be an issue if they were a few years apart but dd is a year older and they're in the same room at school. He only started in September and he's going to overtake her in reading ability before Christmas.

Luckily dd couldn't give a toss about reading so it doesn't bother her but i could imagine it being a huge problem if she was sensitive about it.

Oh dear, cory . He really is going through adolescence rather early! And probably feeling a bit depressed and insecure. I always liked being different... much more interesting. Maybe one day he will learn to feel like that.

Can be even harder if they are far apart, cat- and the younger one is ahead. My brother and I were like that: I was nearly 5 years younger. He is over 50 and his confidence is still dented.

DS1 is 14 and his three younger siblings, from one to six years younger, have all surpassed his academic achievements. He is aware of it too and feels like he doesn't fit into the family, even though we have always tried to praise him for the things he is good at (he is very sporty). It is a very difficult situation, compounded by the fact that he has different birth parents. :(