I think hothousing is an attitude.
I completely agree. There are times I wonder if I got us into this mess. She loved books. But I remember pointing out alphabet letters in a sesame street ABC book when she was so little. We did so many crafts that probably built up the fine moter skills. Every time I used a word I realized she couldn't understand or I read one - I would say the word again and a simply word like say automatic, works by itself, automatic, works by itself. I didn't know I did it until she was older and stopped me during a car ride with "why do you repete yourself so much".
All of which to say, is looking back I wonder if I was hothousing with 100 trips to the zoo,, asking her to pick which color plate, etc.
But I never sat down and thought I'm teaching you this today. Or get over here and let's learn this. I didn't know anything about kids. I did what interested me - then I followed her lead. I just have to agree - I think hothousing has some to do with intent. Are your activities enriching or are you just focused on enriching and teaching your kids all the time.
I also agree it changes as they get older - because if you are in a setting where they aren't challenged and they come home and want to write a book - what do you do - say no. Although I did ssay that once about long divison when I started taking the no, nope, not going to help you make school even worse. But I've gotten over that :-)
