I went to college early (14, graduated 18). I've spoken with a lot of similar folks over the years, and the biggest takeaway for me was that everyone's experience and needs were different.
Some people were pushed by their parents, but mostly it was people who were bored with the normal experience and found an out. Out of that set, maybe about half regret it, and wished they had slowed down and enjoyed high school/childhood more.
People tend to assume that folks who go to college early would be socially awkward, but that was not my experience. The social/emotional intelligence distribution was pretty normal.
Out of everything, the common denominator was supportive parents.
What do you mean by "supportive parents"? I think that eludes some. You can be supportive without really being helpful. Can anyone provide some context as to what that support looked like?
Yes, that is tough to define. "Enabling" might be a better way of phrasing it.
I wasn't a completely functioning adult at that age, in a lot of ways. I did not know college was an option, I just complained to my folks that I was bored (like any bored kid). They really helped find things to keep me occupied, and eventually found the college option for me.
In addition, the typical stuff you might expect was also important. For example, paying for college would have been very difficult for me (getting a job at 14 would have been too much on top of everything else). Getting to/from campus was also difficult, and I was too young to live on campus or drive. I also had to deal with all of the normal teenager BS (hormones, depression, etc), in addition to going to college, and they helped (as I expect most good parents do).
Sorry if that doesn't answer your question, the circumstances varied a lot depending on the individual.
Not being destructive, to start with. Providing a stable environment. Being aware of the options available in life and having the resources to take advantage of them. A true desire to see your child succeed and find themselves, rather than using them to fulfill your purpose or goals. Showing them the success and happiness your own life brings you.
My observations are similar, the kids have to want to do the work and it's hard enough that parental support is essential. It's too hard otherwise. The University of Washington has a program that brings in 12ish early entrants each year. The program's process seems to be repeatable and although the staff have a strong liberal arts bent they produce students in all fields including at least two YC founders.
Some people were pushed by their parents, but mostly it was people who were bored with the normal experience and found an out. Out of that set, maybe about half regret it, and wished they had slowed down and enjoyed high school/childhood more.
People tend to assume that folks who go to college early would be socially awkward, but that was not my experience. The social/emotional intelligence distribution was pretty normal.
Out of everything, the common denominator was supportive parents.