((wink - Val))
I always thought the phrase was 'got extincted.'
Giggle - Recently I wondered with DS11 if all little boys could be divided into ones who love Dinos v. one who love trains or trucks...
Here's plug for Rimm's reminder how important it is to handle comments from strangers.
When the strangers comment on 'smart' or 'pretty' - qualities that are inborn and the child has no control over -
Smile, and in an "Thanks for the compliment, you are so perceptive" tone, answer back with a subtle switch the enphasises a character quality that you want to encourage.
"Why yes, she has such wonderful curiosity (or persistience or consentration or whatever!)
It is weird for kids to hear comment after comment on a quality that they were 'born with' or to hear us squirm when they 'stick out.' Much better to graciously accept and re-direct to a compliment of a character trait that you want to encourage.
And if this sounds like a patronizing way to treat people, well, ((shrug)) I think it's worth it!
Grinity
