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.