The early environments which foster giftedness in children also make them vulnerable to feeling extreme pressures. The praise and power which cultivate a positive learning environment may become "too much of a good thing." Gifted children may thus internalize highly competitive pressures to be brilliant, perfect, extraordinarily creative, beautiful and/or popular. The pressures that gifted children internalize can lead to motivation or may also cause them to learn defensive patterns which lead to underachievement. Families and schools can help gifted children to cope with these pressures by providing realistic challenges and guidance. Schools which provide for the needs of gifted children will encourage them to make a commitment to their education and a contribution to society. They can learn to feel good about their personal accomplishments and about themselves.