Another thought that's worth consideration and contemplation is this
Research has indicated that many kids who have been praised for being smart all the time, will tend NOT to weather failures very well. They are so concerned that being smart is important and if he has to work hard, then he must not be smart enough. With that mindset fixed on him, he will not allow himself venture out (facing the possibility of working hard and still failing). Instead, he would run away from it and pretend as if he doesn't care.
Look hard in it, and see if it makes sense in this situation. Kids are smarter than you think.
