I have started to change my views on "hothousing". I used to think it was crazy to subject your child to tutoring and tons of after school academic work but as my kids get older my views are changing. I still think kids need TONS of free play time but I also think that as they move to 1st, 2nd grades and up they need instruction. The school simply does not have the time or the staff to provide kids with individualized teaching. If you want your kids to continue developing their skills and stretching themselves they seem to need after school instruction. Just my opinion. I'm still trying to find my with these kids!