The article discusses influence of family on child's development. On the basis of empirical data collected with the help of surveys the author analyzes the link between the "theory of instruction" supported by the parents (a system of empirical notions of the goals, means and strategies of education) and peculiarities of attitude to school on the part of primary schoolers and young adolescents. The author argues that the parental theory of instruction may affect development in the child of personal motivational sets which may promote or inhibit development of giftedness in adolescents.