When he was young, your child was a wiz at math and science. But he also liked history and music, though he didn't ace them. Now, in high school, his main interest and best grades are in science and math, with other subjects falling by the wayside. You may wonder: Could this narrow academic focus hinder his college and career goals?

This alignment of interest and skill is pretty common, according to a study of almost 1,000 kids recently reported in the journal Child Development. The study found that kids in early grades may like a subject in which they don't feel competent, or they may feel competent in a subject despite a low mark. But by twelfth grade, they're most interested in the subjects in which they shine.

The findings also show that boys are more likely than girls to specialize this way, while girls are more apt to stay generalists. Though expertise in one area may be good for some careers, such as those in the medical field, it may be limiting when the labor market is geared toward flexibility and versatility.

The challenge is to give both boys and girls time to pursue varied interests without judgment of their ability, says Mary Earick, PhD, a professor of early childhood at the University of South Carolina. "If we give them this time, they'll be more apt to explore areas they like but don't necessarily excel in. And parents are critical in this process."

First consider the messages you send your child. When he brings home an A in math and a C in English, do you focus on the A? "Your child may be happy with that C, with a strong interest in the subject," says Dr. Earick. "But if you don't discuss and explore his interest, you might influence him to veer away from something he truly enjoys." Also, be sure to communicate with your child's teachers—even in higher grades. "Maybe they see something you don't," she suggests. "Your child could be good at statistics and enjoy it but not test well."

Finally, help him see a well-rounded picture of life through community involvement—"to show the difference children can make in the world," says Dr. Earick, "whether they love math or music or both."