I'm sure it's complex, and has a lot to do with wanting to please your parents, but if the ability is there, they might not be as driven by external forces as one might think, simply because what they're doing is so easy.
I developed my language skills--both speaking and reading--quite early (which almost had me flunking out of kindergarten--it's hard when they want you to read Ben the Ant and you've been reading YA novels for a year already), and I think my motivation had very little to do with my parents, and far more to do with my own desire to either make my demands known or find out what happened next in the story before the next storytime. I'm academically very, very lazy unless I'm obsessive about the subject matter, and wasn't driven hard by either of my parents, who I think just assumed I'd be fine without pressure.
I've been told that my early development in terms of language ability, especially when combined with my small stature (I may be a well rounded gal now, but I was the smallest in my class up until puberty) constantly freaked out adults. I just remember thinking that there were a lot of really stupid adults out there.
(I could have gone early entry to the U, but I rejected it when it was brought up as an option, my logic being that if I was already having problems with my peer group, suddenly being stuck as the 13 year old in a bunch of 18 year olds wasn't going to help. Wise move, as high school was actually kind of great for both focus and social skills.)
Oh, yeah, I did just fine pressuring myself without any additional parental pressure. I had their unfailing support, but there was never a sense that I'd disappoint them, or that I wasn't doing well enough for them. They were great. I was the one who was just a tad on the boiler.
I remember it being easier to talk to adults, in general, because they gave you less flack about your vocabulary. But the ones you did freak out tended to freak out in a mighty and spectacular way.
With a few exceptions, I had trouble socializing and making friends of any depth until my sophomore year in HS, at which point my peers aged into the lower range of folks I could tolerate interacting with. Not being fond of kids is somewhat isolating as an adult, but it makes for an Emily Dickensian childhood. I'm pretty sure that if my natural inclination hadn't been to be content with quiet solitude, I would have been an insufferable teacher's pet instead of merely an annoying one.
Skipping to congratulate Raquel and her DH, and to welcome Mallory James into the world!
Has this always been happening, or is tearing folk in half a trendy new thing for Aussie sharks?
It happens. Most attacks are more tentative, but I think we average about one fatality a year.
erikaj: I understood your post. I worry about me.
Tearing people in half in the land down under... Do we need sharks for that?
The message center link has gone away. My world is askew.
Tearing people in half in the land down under... Do we need sharks for that?
Actually, yes. Croc teeth aren't designed for tearing.
t Waving at billytea
How are you doing? It's been forever since I posted with you (though I have been wondering how you're doing, from time to time).
Welcome Mallory James!
Hey ThreadKiller. LeePerkins had some issues with her subscribed threads after she changed her name.
