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Sigh... thanks, Ania, for the clip from cc. I am saddened by the hostility referred to in this post. WHY do people get so bent out of shape when they hear about a kid like Chelsea? It's similar to how the adorable little reader (Elizabeth Barrett) was trashed all over the internet. Get a grip, folks!

I agree, Lorel. The "It's not fair because they could afford a music room" nonsense is so petty and wrong-headed.

As if her abilties, attitude, and efforts are all coming out of a trip to Tibet and a music room. Ugh.

Amazing! That's the education I wish I could provide! (I actually copied & emailed it to my DS13...always trying to get him thinking that there are alternatives!)

Sounds wonderful! My parents took us out of school for 2 years (my 2nd & 3rd grades) traveling like hippees. It was the best!

I do not even want to go into the negatives that have surfaced after the article was published. I want to concentrate on the fact how wholistically (sp) this family viewed their child education.

To become a citizen of the world - this is almost a scary statement in today's america. I have a tendency to say things like that, when asked why my kids are taking two languages, since they already speak two? And then I immediately regret saying anything because I have to move into defensive. In Europe nobody would ask a question like that - unheard of, just a different way of thinking :-)

I also want to point out the fact how much money we are willing to spend on summer enrichment/camps/activities for our kids, and how it would compare to an enrichment activity throught the year - in case of this family it was a French tutor.
It got me thinking. I spend $170 /month for both of my kids to take private violin lessons with one of the top teachers here (I know, it is really inexpensive compared to California or the East).This comes to less than $2000 a year, since we do not usually pay for one of the summer months. For a whole year of teaching two kids, including their registration fees for competitions and accompaniament at recitals (usually 4,5 x a year). What can a buy now for $1000 per child? A week (actually 6 days) of an enrichment program in Denver, not including the travel! Does this compare?
My kids will definitely have a Spanish tutor after this summer vacation is over :-)

Another thought - how motivated a child must be, in order for mom to work as well???

I just don't get why this family/child is getting attacked. I haven't read the negative comments about Elizabeth Barrett but I can't imagine why anyone would trash a baby.
It's very disheartening and doesn't make me hopeful about my situation with DD8. Maybe we should move overseas. DH would love to get transferred to Luxembourg.
Does anyone know the country that is the least anti-intellectual?

Neato

I just went to the link you posted for this thread on CC. I was blown away by some of the posts. I guess I'm too naive; I never would have expected anyone to be so negative. I mean, I mentioned that I wanted to go on those trips too, but I said that because I think it's SO COOL. What an incredible way to teach those subjects. But even all the trips in the world wouldn't guarantee her perfect scores on those college entrance tests without her own ability. Do people really not see that?

When I venture out of my bubble on the internet, I'm reminded of why I feel so at home and comfortable here on this board. Aside from the one bad experience we had a month or so ago, everyone is so supportive.

And neato, I'm so very sorry to hear about your daughter's situation. I hope you all find some peace in the resolution.

Amy

Eema: seriously?!?!?!? gifted parents ripping her! OMG.

thanks Amy, I hope so too.

All this hostility towards these kids is so hard for me to understand.

I was giftedquiet for a long time and I started to feel a little braver about acknowleging the uniqueness of our family. I'm feeling a little less brave lately.

Neato-

Big hugs to you. People can be cruel, and I've never understood it myself.