When do people learn to give up?

While grading papers yesterday, I came across one from a very bright, little girl. She'd barely answered any questions. This doesn't surprise me as most of the homework she turns in is like this. I've talked to her parents, but it doesn't seem to do any good. She's only in first grade. It's rather early to start giving up, don't you think?

Now, you know we weren't wired for this. If we were, we'd never learn to walk or talk or eat or any of these survival skills. So, when do people start giving up when things grow a little challenging? And what triggers it? And how do we combat it?

And, no, she doesn't have a learning disability. She's been tested. She just refuses to do anything that requires a bit of effort.

On a lighter note, have you checked out Google's April Fool's jokes?

Kit