I am not really sure where I am going with this inquiry...

Since my son was born he has always been different. He is now 2 ½ years old and is still seems very different when compared to his peers. We are having suspicions now that he may be showing some signs of giftedness. The past couple of weeks he has done things at home and at daycare that have just blown us away and made us look again at the things he does.

I rarely talk about this with others, because most of the time people will say, "oh we all think our children are smart." I will not disagree with that, I do think we all hold our children up, as well we should! I also feel like I am bragging when I tell people this stuff, please do not take it as such. But the time has come that I feel like I need to speak up and get some further resources for my son. I frequent another "mommy board" and inquired the mothers there, but was not able to get any response from anyone!!

So here goes...

My son has hit every milestone (except for sleeping) well ahead of the "normal rage." He was very alert to the world from the moment he was born. In the hospital he kept breaking his little arms out of his swaddle. He hated to be swaddled because he liked to hold things and feel things. He held his head up at a very young age. There were several occasions where I went to pick him up and someone would freak out because I wasn't holding his head. He always wanted to know what was going on, therefore he developed his neck muscles very quickly. He could roll in both directions by the time he was 2.5 months. He had mastered crawling by 4.5 months and was walking confidently by 8 months. He started saying several words at about 8 months and was pairing 2-3 words together by his first birthday.

Today, at 2 ½ years old, he is a very inquisitive little boy. He asks lots of questions and just gets things when you tell him. When we went to his 2 year well check the pediatrician (she was a new one as we had recently moved) asked if he was making sentences yet. We just laughed and told her that he speaks in paragraphs. He knows his alphabet and recognizes most of the letters, he knows his numbers, he does puzzles labeled for 3 and 4 year olds, he is VERY mechanical, he knows his colors and shapes (including semicircle and oblong ), I could go on and on. The daycare lady often comments that in her 23 years of daycare she has never met a kid quite like my son. He is the first kid in all her years that figured out there is a small place where you can escape the backyard. He figured this out last summer, and then proceeded to show the 3 and 4 year old kids how to get out.

The two episodes that really stand out and have made us question things are this.

The first one happened last Saturday. As we sat at the table and ate breakfast, my son went into a whole monologue about the lunar eclipse. We had watched the event on the 20th and talked about it a little that night and a week and a half later he tells me a whole story about the lunar eclipse. He said "The moon had a lunar eclipse. The moon was not coming apart, it was getting covered. We can not see the moon when it is getting eclipsed. It is getting covered like this (makes a motion) and then it is not bright anymore." All of this was without prompting. We then talked for probably 5-7 more minutes about the lunar eclipse. When we were done eating breakfast he spent the next half hour "eclipsing" everything. He told his daycare lady a similar story on Monday and she was also very taken aback.

The second episode happened last night when we were reading bedtime stories. He is currently very into all things trains, so we were reading a Thomas book. The book has a page that says, "The sun is yellow, the sun is round. The sun makes shadows on the ground." He asked, "what is round?" I took his finger and outlined the sun picture to show him what round was. He then said, "oh the sun is round, and the moon is round?"
I said, "yes."
"and Thomas's eyes are round?"
yes again!
"and a ball is round?"
I said, "yes a ball is round, and do you know the sun is round like a ball?"
He answers, "oh the sun is round like and ball. and the moon is round like a ball too?"
I said, "yes the moon is round like a ball too!"
Without skipping a beat, he finishes by saying, "The moon is round like a ball and Thomas's wheels are round like a circle."
This was the point at which my jaw drops and I am astounded.

I have know for a long time that he is a special little boy, but lately he has done so many things that have made me realize he is not a normal 2 ½ year old. I guess what I am wondering is if anyone has any good resources or can give me advice about how to work with this. I was considered "gifted" in school and remember being bored a lot of the time. I don't want to push my son, I just want to keep him learning and enjoying the world. On the other hand I want to make sure that he is not bored. I also am looking for resources on what to look for and how to work with the talents he has. He currently goes to a home daycare as both my husband and I work full time. Should I be finding enriching activities outside of daycare at this age? I don't even know where to began, all I know is he is not normal and I need help!! Thanks for reading this long post. I could go on for pages about all the different things my son does, but I will stop now.

Welcome. You'll soon see you've come to the right place. Yes, many of us have had similar experiences. I'm late to the party with plenty of questions myself, so I'll leave others to answer your questions.

Yes, WELCOME! Mamabird!

Trust your instincts at this point. As far as enrichment--my personal opinion is read, read, read to him. One suggestion is to read him stories a little above his chronological age. I used to visit the library every week and check out 50 story books--you shoulda seen the fines if I was a couple days late!(fables, myths, culturally diverse folk tales). I didn't have the patience for stories that were not interesting to me. If he has very specific interests, nurture them. For instance, if he loves dinosaurs, take out a lot of books on them and learn all about them together and go see a natural history museum. If he likes fighter jets, research them and see if you can go to an air show. That's another suggestion--expose him to whatever's available nearby, museums, music, children's theater. Since you work, use your car-time to recite nursery rhymes, sing songs, play games like naming things that start with "T" or the "ttt" sound, then "S", etc. I personally don't think classes are as valuable at this age as one-on-one interaction. Bingo, shape matching, etc.

Is your home daycare provider doing any activities with the kids? I used to bring art supplies to ours or educational games/videos. If he's already interested in letters, numbers, shapes, you might get a couple pre-K workbooks from the grocery store or teacher's store to help him learn. I don't consider it "pushing" or "hothousing" (see that thread on this board) as much as following his lead. If he's not interested or able to do that, wait.

Hi - I'm new to this too, but I can try to give you a couple of resources that might be useful. Since you've already found this site, you're ahead of the game already. My dear son (DS) just turned 4, and he displayed many of the same behaviors as your son. We have decided to get him formally tested to see if early K is a good option, and to learn more about how best to educate the wee-un. It's interesting about the neck muscles as a newborn - my DS4 was the same way (his neck muscles were strong at birth).

I would say since your son is just 2 1/2 you don't really need to to anything special except follow his lead in terms of what he's interested in. Going to different places is fun - zoos, childrens museums, science museums. It sounds like you are doing a great job by just listening and answering all the questions your son has. Buy your son toys you think he'd be interested in and don't worry so much about the age requirements (unless your son likes to put stuff in his mouth). Gifted kids can enjoy toys meant for older kids.

I read Deborah Ruf's book "Losing our Minds: Gifted Children Left Behind" and found it very helpful in identifying our son as gifted. There are excellent descriptions about what how gifted kids act when they were infants/toddlers and as they get older. This book also describes the different levels of giftedness (moderately to profoundly). I definitely could see my kid in many of the stories from this book. Since your son has hit many of these early milestones, this book may be useful to you. Not all gifted kids will fit into the categories listed by Ruf.

I also liked "A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children" by James T. Webb, a good comprehensive overview.

Hoagiesgifted.org is a good resource for all things gifted. Look under Parents to find articles and more.

There are many others on this website with lots more experience who will be able to give you more info. Your son sounds delightful. Good luck!

Welcome Mamabird,
I am pretty new here also but this forum is so great at getting information. My DD is almost 3.5. And I could have written many things you wrote.

I am lucky since I live in NYC and there are gifted educational options. In fact, there is a gifted preschool, for which we had DD tested last year but she missed the age cut off by one month and they wouldn't consider her. But the testing then identified her as highly gifted. We did the test again this past January to see if it was an abberation and/or how she was developing. The tester remembered her and her results were even better.

Because sometimes you think you are mistaken. If you are questioning it, chances are your child is really gifted.

Although a lot of people here favor Ruf's book, I think she just wrote the book so upper middle class white people would buy her services. Yes, there is some very good material in her book but it is unscientific, a very small sample size and totally subjective in its findings. AFter reading it, I know my child is at least a level 3. How does that help me. Saying my child is at least a level 3, probably a level 4 gets me no where with the school or what she needs for education. Ruf claims that she could finish the elementary curriculum in one year.

Sorry, I am going off now.

I agree that you try and take your child to many interesting outings. Zoos, museums, read, read, read. And there are a lot of interesting shows. Curious George, Between the Lions, that feeds their curiousity. Library is a great place to explore different topics and see what he is interested in.

I put my child in a playschool last year (totally non academic) and it worked for socialization at 2. She doesn't like to play alone much. This year she is in a really good Montessori with 3-5 year olds and she is doing math there, spelling and reading. She needs the socialization and they are also very active. Usually going out to Central Park every day. They also go on field trips to Carnegie Hall and the fire station and the zoo. They listen to different composers and things like Peter and the Wolf and have it explained. Preschools can be amazing places.

Good luck and remember you don't have to do it all at once.

Ren

Quick blurb on Ruf - for me, her book helped me to know that my child probably would not do well in an ordinary school setting, and we would have to seek out more information about how to best educate him. (Basically, helped me along the road to recovery from gifted denial.) Also, I think it's important to recognize that there are different levels of giftedness, and that kids may learn differently depending on the range. It was the first book I read on giftedness, and I don't hold it up as the holy grail. It's certainly not for everybody.

I'd like to echo Cym and St Pauli Girl (i.e. nurture his interests). We have a family membership to the children's museum of nature and science. DS2 goes every Saturday morning. Last Sunday we took him to a model train expo.

You're in good company on this site. The camaraderie is palpable.

Hi, Mamabird!

I wish I'd figured out as early as you that my child was unusual. I had a serious case of GT denial, and he was 6 before I realized he was more than "just a little gifted."

As others have noted, following your child's interests is really the best thing you can do.

We've also found that using big ideas and big words and explaining/defining them for our child has been really good for him. He learns so much more when we talk to him as we would talk to a much older child (or perhaps even an adult, depending upon the topic). If we go too in-depth for him, he makes it clear that his interest has waned and we stop. But I've often been amazed by his interest in and grasp of highly complex ideas and his proper use of a varied and complex vocabulary. (I know you're seeing some of that with your DS already...) Anything else seems like talking down to our DS, and it bores him.

Other than that, just give him the opportunities that come your way. Keep your eyes open for games and experiences that would interest your son. Keep being a loving parent.

Oh, and I recommend praising effort rather than result even now. I really believe that keeps perfectionism at bay, at least a little bit. It matters more as time goes on, but I think it's never too early to start.

Keep coming back! This is a great place for help and info!

Note to Wren:



Youch.

Maybe you could say that you don't like her methods or her sample size--both valid criticisms--without being quite so insulting about it? Insulting both to those of us who found her book helpful and to Ruf herself, since she is one of those leading the fight for GT education.

Sincerely,

A less-than-upper-middle-class white person who has never used Ruf's services and who doesn't plan to, but who found the LOGs discussed in Ruf's book to be pivotal to her understanding of her son.

WOW!! Thanks so much for all of the good information. It makes me more confident that we are already doing a lot of the things we "should be." We are very happy with the at home daycare he attends. The daycare lady runs a curriculum based program, so he is getting a lot of good exposure already. Socially, he actually does very well. Last week his daycare lady was on vacation so he was at a different home daycare for the week. Everyday he would tell me he missed his best friend Jacob. Jacob is almost 5. I mentioned this to his regular daycare lady this week when he returned and she told me that him and Jacob have been playing a lot together lately. I am guessing he is more on par with Jacob than the two other boys that are close to his age. I am so glad I asked questions and put this out there. I really doubted myself, but it sounds like my mother intuition was right again!!

Oh, yes! Generally speaking, the average 2.5yo doesn't actually play, 1-on-1-style, with a 5yo. They're still in the parallel play stage, with little interaction. From what you described, I don't think any of us doubt that you have a GT child--and probably an HG+ child--on your hands.

Second-guessing yourself is normal. But it's good to get past it quickly and start seeing what you're really dealing with. Parenting these kids is wonderful...and hard...and scary..and even heartbreaking sometimes. But the sooner you realize what you have on your hands, the sooner you can start dealing with reality.

You're about 3.5 years ahead of where I was when I figured it out! Good on ya'!

Now the journey begins!

Ha! I really envy the people who are so ahead of the game on this issue.

It sounds like you're doing everything right to me! A day care situation where he can interact with bigger kids sounds ideal.

Even thought I didn't know my son was GT until 6, I was home with him as a preschooler and just followed his lead. I just assumed every other preschooler out there pursued science experiments and was obsessed in great detail with bacteria, germs, plumbing, electrical work, furnaces, etc. I don't think my son is too scarred by me not knowing just by following his lead and listening to my intuition. He attended a very part time play based preschool that was totally open ended and had a science component to it. It worked out quite well.

You'll want to continually reasses the day care/preschool situation but the status quo sounds really great!

Good morning,

OK Kriston, as an upper white family, I think I can call it as I see it. My DH was even more critical of Ruf's book. He thought it was a total ego stroker. She never said what she used to define her levels except some subjettive standard she had of measuring motivation. She did not even say how she observed these differences in motivation, how long, over what period of time. It was purely her judgement.

And her projections of penetration of these giftedness. Half the class in an upper class neighborhood of highly educated people.

If someone is new, as I was, and reads references to Ruf like it is the forum's bible, I think it fair to say what others think.

Clearly Mamabird has an amazing child. And there is a lot of great advice here. I think it is important to provide reviews of recommendations. Because when I read Ruf's book I posted a question, saying why is this so great because I had not seen a contrary opinion.

Ruf's book is interesting, but not scientific.

Ren

Ren,

For what it's worth, Ruf's work in LOG was pretty much spot on describing my two girls. From the apgar score and alertness at birth, to the early sight reading, santa clause, so on and so on.
I don't consider it "the bible" on gifted and I think most intelligent adults would realize that to do so wouldn't make much sense.
Obviously if it doesn't apply to a child, that doesn't mean the child is not gifted.
I never read the book, probably should. I got my info on her descriptions of LOG she posts online for free.
I'm not convinced she would post the meat of her results for free online if her motivation was purely the pursuit of money.
Besides, I haven't seen her on TV at 3:00a.m.!!
But to disregard all of her(Ruf) work because it may not apply to your child, is pretty unscientific as well, I'd think.

Peace,
Incog

I totally get what you are saying Kimck, and in many ways share those feelings. But in others, I likewise lament the loss of those "carefree and innocent" days. When my kids were 2, 4 and 6, I had a pretty good idea that all three had strengths over many kids, and that DS was pretty smart. But given their ages, it was virtually a non-issue for the most part.

Thankfully DD1 was tall, as we started her early in school primarily for that reason. She was clearly "ready" for preschool and kindergarten before hitting the legal age, but I hadn't yet thought at all about how IQ/numbers/data factored into that decision! In my mind she only missed by a few weeks, and that was the driving factor.

I think I was fortunate in having what Grinity calls a "cluster grouping" right in my house, and most of our close friends have kids in the GT program. Around these "peers", life was fine. We are fortunate to live in an area with a high 120+ population, and it was only when DS really stuck out in that crowd that I needed to search for answers.

I miss those days of "normalcy", .

That said....my advice to Mamabird would be to keep good records, but don't worry too much about the future just yet. He's clearly a bright boy, and you are wise to think ahead and adjust his enriching opportunities accordingly, but you also have plenty of time to figure things out. It's a nice treat to read about the little ones, so please do stick around. I can hardly remember those years, .

It's not your opinion I have trouble with, it's the nasty, insulting tone you're taking. As I said, it's perfectly possible to state your valid problems with Ruf's method and sample size without insulting others.

It's not the first time you've been disrespectful to those of us on the forum, though it is the most glaring example. So I'm calling it as I see it.

While there are plenty of contrary opinions on the forum about Ruf--we had a lively and interesting debate about her work not long ago--everyone managed to discuss the book without turning the conversation into a personal attack, as you have done.

You don't have to like Ruf. You are welcome to tell us that you don't like Ruf. But if Ruf is an ego-stroker, pure and simple, then those of us who found help in her books must be too stupid to see that she's a snake-oil salesman. That's unfair and it's mean. What's more, you can make your point without resorting to such treatment of others. Civil disagreement is possible.

Her work has helped a lot of us. We are educated, intelligent people who read a lot, and her work helped us. Insulting us helps no one, and it might very well chase away someone who found help through Ruf's book because she's going to think this forum is unfriendly to her and her child. I won't put up with that. That's not the forum I joined.

I'm asking you to please be polite. That's all I'm asking for.

Now Kriston, I was trying to change the subject, LOL!

I have to say, I wasn't a huge fan of the book at first, but having met Dr. Ruf personally, I found her to be such an emotional speaker, that I've learned to just accept her less than concrete statements as an understanding approach to the fact that people don't always fall into scientific boxes.

I love my numbers....but the more I analyze data to the extreme, the more I see their very real limitations. Dr. Ruf has a somewhat alternative approach that adds to the picture more than it takes away.

And yes, let's please all be polite! This is one of the few boards I've come across that has always had that aspect, and I'd hate to lose it.

I know what you mean too! After I typed my response in, I thought that I kind of feel bad about following my DD3 around with my GT radar now on. I felt like DS's preschool years were so fun and carefree and exploratory. Our area sounds very similar. Most of our friend's kids would definitely qualify for a general GT program.

I think this is part of the reason that homeschooling is looking better all the time since we have the ability to do it right now. Creating our own cluster!

Sorry, Dottie! We crossposted. It took me some time to compose that message and myself...

Yes, please, change the subject!

One of the reasons we didn't realize just how bright DS6 is, I think, is because at least 3 of the kids in our playgroup were at least vanilla GT, and one of those I'm sure is MG or maybe even HG. It made me think that they were average and DS was MG.

Those natural clusters can be good in some ways and distracting in others...

They're great for HSing though!

I've written a couple times, Ruf's levels really don't work for my kid. At least as he was as a preschooler. It's a fairly narrow listing of traits and abilities. There's nothing about complex lego sets, preschool multiplication, obsession with the world's religions, or analysis of plumbing systems which was where DS was at as a prescholer. The reading piece really was what made us think we just had maybe a MG kid. I take it for what it's worth - a loose guideline.

I still have great respect for Ruf and her work. I've also seen her speak. I think she's done amazing and important things in this field. I'd love to take DS to her.

We can (and should )have lively discussion on issues while still being polite.

LOL! This list makes me really want to meet your DS. What a fun and interesting kid!

I loved reading about your son, Mamabird. He reminds me very much of my DS5 and I'm starting to feel like life is accelerating too much and that formal schooling is looming too close.

I don't have anything useful to add - I'm sure you already have lots of sets of building materials (don't neglect the basic wood unit blocks - they have an long useful life) and it sounds like you know to ignore the age range given. So I'm just echoing the advice of others here, but I did want to say "welcome"!

It'd be great to get a lot of these kids together! I bet they would have a blast and solve a few of the world's problems.

Seeing that list makes me miss the preschool DS! I'm really looking forward to homeschooling and getting some of his fire back.

I would like to start by saying I really do appreciate all of you taking the time to read my post and respond with resources and advice. As a highly intellectual, middle class, working woman, I believe I will be able to form my own conclusions about the work people have done on this topic. Hopefully, without offending anyone I will say that I really do appreciate all the feedback and advice, but I don't particularly enjoy weeding through the bickering to find it.

Moving on...

I thought it was a very interesting comment made about children this age not normally engaging in play with other children, but rather, they engage in parallel play. (Sometimes I forget this is true) I commented about this to the daycare lady this morning and she said she finds it very interesting how he is so involved in actual play with the older children. When he is there, it sounds like he is somewhat of a ring-leader. One of the favorite things they play, once again, is trains. DS and his little buddy will line up and crawl around the room gathering "passengers" or "freight." One of them will be the engine and the other will be the coach car or the freight car. They will "hook up" by the second "car" holding on to the first "car's" feet. We often engage in this game at home as well (it is starting to take a toll on my knees!)

I also thought Kimck's comments about the furnace, plumbing, electrical work, etc was somewhat comical. My husband and I recently purchased a fixer-upper house and we are doing most of the repair ourselves. Our son is beside himself learning about all of the fixing we are doing. We purchased some little plastic tools for him last summer at a garage sale and it was the best $2 I think I ever spent! He followed DH around for a good hour last weekend "helping him" install new switches and outlets. Also, every time we go down into the basement, he has to check to see if the furnace is on. It is hilarious!

I like all of your thoughts on going to museums, zoos, etc. I live in the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN, so I have lots of great resources very nearby. Sometimes I get stuck in a rut in the winter, because of how darn cold it gets here!! It is often times easier just to stay home! I think I will check into what exhibits they have running in the near future at our children's museum and science museum! Great thought everybody, THANKS!

Mamabird,

Museums etc can be great, but don't worry if they aren't a "hit" at this age.

We live quite a ways out of town and I remember being very excited about taking DS to the zoo for the first time when he was just 4. We looked at several exhibits, showing him our favorite animals (sloth bear and ocelot), but it was hard to keep him engaged. We took a lunch break and he started chasing squirrels. Then after lunch we checked out the reptiles and apes. When we got home we asked him what his favorite animals and he said enthusiastically "The Squirrels!!!" We have 3 families of sqirrels living in our yard, so I swore that I would save my admission money for when DS was older.

Mamabird-

I was in St. Paul with my kids last summer. The science museum was wonderful and my little girls loved the children's museum too! Are these the museums you are referring to, or are there others located in Minneapolis itself?

Just curious-

Lorel

Those are the museums I am referring to. I have not taken my son to the museums yet, because I thought maybe he was too young. We have, however, gone to the zoos here several times. It is nice, we have one zoo that has lots of animals that are really more in a "wildlife habitat." That one is a little spendier to get in, and the animals are sometimes more difficult to see. We also have a small zoo and conservatory that is FREE to get in to. We frequent that one in the summer!

Oooh! Free zoo!

Ooh, zing, mamabird! Good on you.

Welcome to the board. Your ds sounds very bright indeed -- you're certainly in the right place. As others have said, at his age you'll want to follow his interests and allow him to develop them as far as he wants. If he seems interested in 3D shapes, expose him to cubes, spheres and pyramids -- there's no reason a 2.5yo shouldn't learn these things! Show him parallelograms, rhombi, and trapezoids, if he seems intrigued by shapes.

My ds was about your ds's age when I started to realize that he was a bit different. It's so much fun to watch them develop and grow through those preschool years! My ds was in full-time daycare as well, though we switched him to Montessori when he was 4 (and now he's in public K), and he doesn't seem scarred.

Really, as long as your ds is enjoying himself at home and at school, you don't necessarily need to do anything "special" at this point, other than allow him the freedom to explore areas that interest him -- even if those aren't the typical interests of a 2yo.

Again, welcome!

First of all Kriston, I apologize if you took offense. None intended. I did say I started back to work and if you spend hours talking to traders everyday, you get to the point and you don't time for the niceties. Time is money.

So please, did not mean to insult. I think you all extrapolated from my opinion and did not care to read what I wrote. And incog, my DD3 did fit into a level 4/5 according to her milestones. So please don't assume, I am insulted and are you going to apologize to me?

The point is/was/ Mamabird has this amazing child and is experiencing what many of us experienced with our DC at 2. It was very confusing to me and although all these people were coming up to me saying, "you know your child is really smart/amazing etc." there are those inner voices that say yes, she/he is smart but are they really "that smart" like over the top smart.

We talk about testing here and DYS/IEP, homeschooling acceleration, gifted education. How does Ruf's book help in deciding what choices you should make. How do you know if your child scores 200 on the SB if they are level 3 or level 5. Because even though they scored 200, they might have low motivation and only be a level 3. Though according to Ruf, that could change. How you define the change is not clear.

I came to this forum as a newbie, read Ruf's book and after wondered why? I am glad it helps so many, but Mamabird may be like me. It is nice to know that there are others.

One of the things that us with young children want to understand is the non-linear calculations and understandings that come out of their mouths at 2 and 3. When I talked with Hunter, that was what she was interested in.

I have tried to start topics on the non-linear and linear on this forum and did not really get responses. I thought I would find something in Ruf's book. Did not. I have researched to understand it better myself and how that plays out in her cognitive developement, particularly as her linear capacity grows. To me, this is most helpful with a very young child.

Incog, perhaps I am the stupid one and just needs to take a different path.

Ren

Oh, my. I have to admit that I'm rather perplexed. This seems so far out in left field that I don't know what to say or where to begin... which is why I won't.

What does your DS like to do, Mamabird? Is he the sort who is curious about everything or is he more the obsessive type, learning all there is to learn about one subject before moving on, with only minor curiosity about other topics?

Or is it too soon to tell?

He is definitely not obsessive. His four big areas of interest are books, trains, tools and his kitchen/cooking stuff. He tends to focus on one for a while and then revert back to one of the others. I would not say these are the only things he enjoys though. He also really likes cars, trucks, and other things that go; he loves to climb and swing at the park; he enjoys doing puzzles; taking care of his babies; etc. He seems to be a pretty well rounded kid thus far. He has also displayed good social skills. He is fairly sensitive when it comes to his emotions and coping, but I tend to think that has more to do with him being two than anything else.

Awww... you make me long for a play date. It's too bad you live in a different state mamabird.

This is my own totally unscientific observation, but I think there are those two types of HG+ kids: the Obsessive (my DS6) and the Omnivore.

It sounds like you have an Omnivore on your hands. It's a lot less boring to a non-obsessed parent, so you've got that going for you.

Our most boringly Obsessive phase was either his "memorize every make and model in the Consumer Reports car edition" phase when he was potty training, or the NASCAR phase that followed hot on its heels. Ugh. Both were brutal for a non-car mom.

But I can't really complain. After I had kids, I realized that I'm a serial Obsessive myself, so DS6 comes by it honestly...

I could use a good play date myself Ann. I joined a early childhood family education course that the school district puts on when DS was around 4 months old and no one could really relate as my son was crawling all over the room and babbling constantly and all the other 4 month olds were just kind of sitting (or laying) around. We never really fit in with that group and then I kind of just gave up on it.

Interesting observations Kriston...

I do have to say that I am really starting to get sick of the train craze!!

Actually, the St. Paul children's museum seemed perfect for my two year old last summer, and a bit young for my dd 7. It's definitely geared toward *young* children. You should check it out with your little one.

Of course at age two even a walk in the park is exciting- everything is so amazing when the world is new!

>>teehee<< My DS2 is also a train lover. The last train-related play date we had was with 4yo twins (boy/girl). The boy referred to an engine by the incorrect name. My son tried to correct him and the other boy got mad at my son. DS's feelings were hurt b/c his observation was soundly dismissed.

Welcome mamabird! I had one obsessed with trains too and I also got a wee bit tired of it. My oldest also played this imaginary game about two of his friends at pre-school and we played that almost daily for about 3 years. He could bring it up and my eyes would begin to flutter with sleepiness. I definitely got very tired of that one.

Science museums, art parks, touring a nearby dairy, concerts in the park, even children's theater plays can all be appropriate for a 2 year old if they have any sort of interest or attention span for that kind of thing. Sporting events, air shows, etc. All of these we did with my DS10 when he was 2 or there abouts. He had an amazing attention span (longer than mine usually!) and would want to stay until the very end. Just go with your DS's interests and attention level and you can't go wrong.

Ooh, we didn't have trains, but we did have construction trucks ... ds was hardly talking at 2.5, but was peeping up from the back seat as we drove:

"Giant excavator truck!"
"Double drum compactor truck!"
"Skid steer!"
"Articulated dump truck!"

We've got an omnivore, by and large, though.

We had the constructon vehicles obsession, too, when DS6 was about 18 months. That was one of my favorites, actually, in part because of funnies like this:

DS pointed to the shirt of a much older boy--he was probably a 5yo--which had pictures of construction equipment on it. DS said "That's a bobcat." The older boy looked mad and said, "No, that's a digger!" He started lecturing DS about it, and DS didn't know any better but to politely disagree. Naturally I stepped in.

All this happened in line for a visit with Santa at a playgroup meeting. Santa, played by the dad of one of the kids, overheard and laughed to me, "Your son is right. That's a bobcat, plain as day."

My DS10 was also obsessed with construction vehicles. When he was about 2 he and my dad got into an argument about what type of loader something was - a skid steer or a front end - and I told my dad I would have to go with DS as I was sure he was right! My dad just laughed but my husband confirmed it was a skid steer just as DS said. We had these great little videos, I Love Big Machines, that he loved to watch over and over. They played the William Tell Overture in one part and he'd stand there and run in place to the music while watching the machines. Aaaaahhhh......memories

Funny how several of them liked the construction vehicles!

I have two goals for the weekend:

One is to go to the library to check out a book about train parts. My son keeps asking what all the little parts of each train are and I have NO idea! He will comprehend and remember the real thing, so I figure I am better off teaching him the right things to begin with.

Second, we have all sorts of boxes from lights and ceiling fans from our latest project at our house. I think I am going to link them all together with rope and cut out the bottom of the front one so my son can crawl in and pull the train! Perhaps I can even turn it into something of a arts and crafts project and let him decorate the boxes.

Oh - your DS sounds just like mine at 2! When DS was just 3 we moved from a house with a furnace to a house with a boiler. Whenever anyone asked how he liked his new house he'd say "I miss my furnace". He loved to watch it cycle and would run down to the basement when the vents came on. But on the other hand our "new" old house has this antique toliet that DS would pull the top off of and explain the works to every person he could drag in there. You son sounds very sweet! I miss those days. My DD3 is so not that way. But she cracks us up in other ways.

Kriston - I like the Omnivore/Obsessive classification. I think I'm a closet Obsessive type and so is DH. DS seems more Omnivore right now though but has Obsessive streaks! DD is TBD. Seems obsessive on all things girl to me.

And Mamabird - I live in St. Paul MN just a couple miles from the free zoo! I initially was afraid of divulging my location but what the heck. I know there is no teacher or administrator from our school lurking.