Always praise your kid even if he/she is unresponsive to learning. By insulting them and putting them down, you will only push them away and make them feel inadequate around other kids. Have faith that your child's brain is an evolving planet. It will naturally be attracted to or repel certain subjects -- and always rotate at its own speed. Be patient. Just as there are ugly ducklings that turn into swans, there are flunky kids that turn into serious innovators and hardcore intellectuals.