I don't think that's necessarily the case, though. I find myself to be above average intelligence, and I've been told that throughout my life. However, it wasn't until somewhat recently (probably in past 3 or 4 years) that I truly started to accept it. I imagine I accepted it when I was very young, just as I accepted pretty much everything that was told to me, but there was definitely a large gap in my development where I didn't find myself to be anything above average.

My parents told their 6 farm kids "You are all really smart; you will all go to college". No financial support, no reading at bedtime, no clubs or activities other than chores. 4 computer professionals, 1 Environmental researcher, 1 Clinical Researcher. 3 VPs in Fortune-500 companies (not me)

I think your parents were doing a lot more than assigning chores and telling their offspring that they were smart my friend! :-)

Children learn 24/7, not just at designated "learning times". You had the benefit of having been blessed with extremely good teachers as parents.

I don't think the issue is whether or not the kids know they are smart. I think the issue is what quality of theirs gets them positive feedback and attention.