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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I’ve never seen someone keep it a secret- almost everyone I know (and I talk to a lot of parents) has their kid do some kind of academic enrichment or tutoring.   It’s just part of the culture here combined with the fact that everyone is looking to accelerate their kids (chapter books in kindergarten, algebra in 6th grade, DE classes in high school).  No matter how smart your child is they can’t do that without a lot of outside help.

The more interesting question is why are we in such a rush (my eldest was taking math classes in HS that my engineer brother was taking in his Junior year of college).   We’re all locked in a weird arms race. [/quote]

No we aren’t.   Those are some poorly educated parents if they think that pushing chapter books on 5 year olds makes any difference long term.  Pushing math faster than necessary will guarantee that the slow but steady smart kids who followed the guidelines will be much more proficient than the ones who sped through the necessary basics.   [/quote]

I suspect you do not have older kids who are applying to college, internships or other competitive opportunities.  Whether you like it or not your kids live in a competitive environment where opportunities from scholarships, top colleges,  prestigious high schools to internships and sports teams are subject to fierce competition.  I have never met a parent who seriously regrets doing too much.  But I know a lot of parents who wish they had done more. [/quote]

I do have older kids and middle school.   We don’t need scholarships like a lot of people so there’s no worry there.  [b]I’m not worried about top colleges I’m hoping they find one that’s a right fit.  [/b] As for sports I believe that just like IQ has some genetics involved so do sports.  My family has a long history of successful athletes who even in today’s environment make varsity and college teams without private coaching or clubs.

I just wonder how many of you are trying to push your average athletic kids into top athletes.  That’s a lot of stress.   Same with trying to push a smart kid into academics years ahead of where he is.   And there are plenty of parents who pushed too far and the outcome was disastrous.    [/quote]

Ok, so your kids are average and you seen no point in enriching them. Some people have exceptional kids and are looking to provide them with opportunities schools aren't giving them.[/quote]

One of my kids needs a tutor because of a learning disability.  The other two don’t need academic enrichment programs.

I think the problem is too many parents believe their five year old, whether “exceptional” or not needs to be several years ahead of their peers in reading.

Academic enrichment programs make a big difference with students from low income areas with poorly funded schools.   They also help all students with learning disabilities.  Not so much students who are doing fine at school.

Studies show there is little cognitive improvement for students already excelling.   The studies also showed there were negative non-cognitive effects because too many academic enrichment hours spent after school take away from socializing, activities, arts, sports, friends, family and even sleep. It makes sense.  There’s only so many hours in a day. [/quote]

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