Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Hothousing- did you, didn't you, will you?

I still say it's about your purpose. Why are you giving the kid more to do? What's your reason for doing it?

If you encourage the child to get ready alone in the morning because the child likes feeling independent and is happy about it, then that's okay in my book. If you're doing it to brag to your friends or to prepare her for college (this makes more sense with flashcards than getting breakfast for herself) or for any other reason than because it makes the child's life better and happier, then I think it's hothousing and it's mostly bad pressuring.

And "better and happier" can be in the future, but I think there has to be some sort of current payoff. If the main reason you're prepping a 3yo with math facts now is for college in 15 years, then that's misguided and probably harmful.