Thanks ultramarina. I'm most concerned with DS internalizing the messaging.

We just returned from a vacation with family where he was told once that he was "too old to nurse" by my father, and now he's in the habit of saying, "I don't like nursing" before he requests to nurse. It's heartbreaking to see a young child feel conflicted about what he loves best when there is only external basis for that sense of shame. With the breastfeeding, we already had 21 months of optimal messaging coming from me, which continues anon.

I do feel like I'll be fighting an uphill battle countering the "you're a [insert hyperbole]" language. It's inevitable when he hears that 10+ times per day from strangers that it'll permeate his mindser. I plan to do my best to innoculate him by emphasizing persistence, effort, enjoyment of his passions, curiosity, and creativity.

Folks, thanks for the feedback. I'm going to start a new thread on the topic for all who are interested.

http://giftedissues.davidsongifted....lation_against_external_.html#Post164675

(Excuse the lack of elegant mini hyperlink...iPhone typing at its worst!)

What is to give light must endure burning.