What's confusing me is not the amount of time. It's really not that much time and honestly less time than an average preschool. It's that I am teaching him things I want him to know (handwriting, deciphering instructions). I'm surprised how far some of it has gotten doing just a little each day. Lessons add up quickly. If I had never read about Hothousing I would have only thought I was teaching my child.
I'm sure I sound all defensive. I am nervous about what they're going to say when he starts school. I worry that many people don't think it's cool to specifically teach little children academics. I talked to the principal last year about early entry. She said there are a lot of gifted kids (including her granddaughters) who could use an early entry. I also know a teacher who taught her daughter to read before school. I keep going back and forth wether I should be worried about this (perception) or not.
I'm also confused now if this thread is looking for tips on what/how to educate a young child. If so I just went off the rails again with my ping-pong game of Hothousing thoughts. I think it's because I know in two more months I'm going to take my son to school and I know that means my parenting decisions can be judged. Since I've read about Hothousing and helicopter parents I know what some of those judgements might be even if they don't say them to me. I just need to remember to listen with my ears and not assume I know what they are thinking.
