The whole "let kids be kids" gets to me sometimes because I want to let my kids do as little as possible that is structured when they aren't in school, lessons, or doing chores. When given that freedom, however, they usually choose to play at thinking things. There has to be a bigger concept of kid freedom than doing nothing or watching TV or play that doesn't involve thinking.
J
I think figuring out how to balance "letting kids be kids" and "letting gifted kids pursue their interests and develop their gifts" is REALLY hard! Almost mutually exclusive, at least much of the time, since gifted kids are often quite different in their needs and wants than the ND kids, upon whom that "let kids be kids" mantra is based.
I'm utterly ignoring my kids right this second, and they took it upon themselves to make Transformer masks. It's a whole big art project THING, and I *sure* didn't initiate it. You should see my kitchen! As you say, vegetating in front of the TV and doing nothing just isn't something they're going to tolerate for very long...No hothousing. Just THEM!
You're doing great. You're asking normal questions for someone in your position. You're doing the best you can do.
Ain't it maddening?!?
