a healthy self-concept

Here's the Boy's writing assignment today:

Now write some sentences that describe YOU

"Hi. I'm handsome. I'm creative. I am a genius. I am smarter than (the Girl). I wish this was none of your beeswax."

I've gotten several comments about the Boy's "mad reading skillz" (a direct quote from his Religious Education teacher, who is also a homeschooler) lately. There seems to be some misapprehension that I am responsible for them. In actuality, my contributions were only genes, a willingness to provide a reading-rich environment and a little structured time with the Bob books). The real power came from the focus, determination (that some have tried to diagnose as pathological) and self-confidence (as evidenced above) that he has when he wants to do something/make something happen.

What do I really do with the boy? Why, try to direct that focus and determination in positive ways, as opposed to the things he would choose if left to his own devices (i.e. swearing like a sailor, getting a flame thrower and chain saw 'cause he saw it in a Calvin and Hobbes book, leaving his belongings lay all over the place, tormenting the cats to the nth level, talking continuously, watching cartoons until his eyes burn out, eating nothing but candy, cheese, bologna and, to be fair, apples, stealing the car keys and trying to drive the car, staying up 'til all hours, drinking caffeine, crushing anyone in his path, etc. etc.)

And lemme tell ya, some days I could turn into a puddle of mushy goo from heading him off at the pass all day. The reason I don't? Where do you think some of that, ahem, determination comes from? :wink: