Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy here's a switch...

Oooh, very important and true! I personally think it's that best thing ANY parent can do - but that's probably another topic.

Zhian and HannahZ, tks so much for sharing. We're not Americans ourselves, so while I don't know what it is like to be American, I do know what the expectations are in an Asian context. I have people (my DS' classmate's mom, for example) telling me how I should bring up my kid - he asks too many questions, he doesn't know how to make friends, etc. Like they presume they can tell me because when I explain why I want DS to do certain things or if I don't sign up for a class because he doesn't want it, that comes across as being too soft with the kid.

Hugs to you guys and thanks for providing deep insight into what my child is possibly feeling. I'm so glad there are teachers like you, Zhian. Hope to meet someone like you soon.

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I'm actually Canadian by birth, and have lived in too many countries (Germany at the moment) to label myself with a nationality. I spent some time teaching in China and I've taught Taiwanese and Japanese kids (in England) as well, so I know exactly what you mean when you say that, for what your culture expects, your son "asks too many questions". The fact that questioning, and especially questioning authority, was even more discouraged in Asia than in the West was one of the reasons I left Beijing. Good for you raising your son against that particular grain.

Hah...this might count: yesterday the lunch lady was being stupid and trying to force her to eat something she didn't like. She asked me if she really had to. I told her "You're in charge of what goes in your stomach, and don't you let anyone tell you differently!"