Originally Posted by Lovemydd
This is how I distinguish between an enriched environment and hot housing. I buy my kid Lego blocks. She is happy to get them. Once I open the box for her, I walk away. She builds with them, uses them as projectile objects, or water containers or anything else she chooses. I don't interfere. While she makes a mess using lego blocks in every unintended way, she is talking to herself or questioning me on gravity, liquids vs. solids, balance, etc. I am as engaged or disengaged as she wants me to. Otoh, I buy her a Lego set that can only be put together one way. I make her sit and watch as I assemble the kit. Then I make her practice till she gets it right, I am hovering right there to make sure she doesn't make any mistakes. Yay, my kid can build complex Lego kits. I am a proud (hothousing) mama.
+1 great example smile
The enrichment described may encourage growth mindset; the hot-housing described may limit a child to a fixed mindset, sans exploration, inquiry, and resilience.