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Invisibility
It seems only appropriate to use my first post to discuss my oldest, Elijah.
He learns easily, doesn't struggle with his schoolwork and is quietly brilliant. He loves magic tricks and jokes. He's witty and sarcastic. He questions why school can't be on Saturdays and Sundays and allow Monday through Friday to rest. He isn't easily riled up (he gets that from his dad) and just does what he's told because he knows it's less work than arguing. He sings. He draws. He still loves when I hug him (that’s my favorite thing about him). He likes board games and loves video games. He says that he will either be a professional gamer or design games when he's older. It wouldn't surprise me if he was both.
He doesn't like to go to the store with me anymore. He wants to walk by himself to school. He puts away his clothes and cleans his own room. He can make his own lunch. He doesn't like to have conversations about his friends. Hates when I ask him what's wrong when he's noticeably upset. In other words a typical 9-year-old.
I wonder though, are we doing everything we can to assure he's well-rounded? Are we too hard on him? He's never been grounded, we don't hit him or yell, but still he's expected to know right from wrong, be nice to his sisters and get good grades.
Have we created an over-achiever? I just want him to be a good person, happy and healthy~nothing else really matters.
Today I explained how scientists have learned to bend light and make objects invisible. I expected a reaction. He watches Harry Potter, he loves magic. I expected him to get excited and ask lots of questions. I thought he would think it was cool and ask if he could be invisible.
Instead he thought for a second and just said, "Wow. But they're still trying to find a cure for Cancer right?”.


Comments
The fact that you worry is precisely the reason you are doing just fine as a parent. It never occurs to the people who are really screwing up their kids, that they might be doing just that. I have a close friend who works as a child protective services officer. Whenever I express my doubts as a parent to him, he tells me stories that would make you cry like a baby. Honestly, you have no idea what bad parenting is or how bad it can really be.
It sounds like you have a well-rounded, bright, amazing young man on your hands. He's the oldest - he will always do the responsible thing. Enjoy those hugs while you can...they're fleeting.
Yes, he is well rounded, and that question shows it. What a mature view of the world, and he's only 9 years old. From what you said, he seems brilliant!
16 reasons why your son is the greatest. I love it! Yesterday my sister told me the 16 reasons that she loves me. It's good to remember those every day.