I had to respond to Barbara Wilson-Clay's remarks about how perhaps teens
who've been attachment-parented may be less aggressive.  You all may
remember that I've talked about my 17 y/o football player....  hardly a
non-aggressive activity.  BUT.  Off the football field (or hockey rink,
sigh, he chose really dangerous sports!), he is just the nicest, most
even-tempered helpful person.  Dh last night got to listen to him tutoring a
classmate in calculus and was impressed with his patient teaching.  And when
he does get angry - as he did last week when his orthopaedist told him he
had to wait five more days before resuming football! - he does turn it
inward, interestingly - I never thought about this, Barbara!  For a couple
of days we were treated to few words through clenched teeth, sigh.

(and while he may not be aggressive, he is competitive: he's re-taking the
SATs this weekend not because he did poorly first time around, but because
two of his friends did *better* than he did and he is sure he can beat them,
sheesh.)

And while cherishing my kids who do seem to be pretty good adverts for AP, I
am mindful of the many kids who are struggling *despite* AP, as Ilene
pointed out.  I think the bottom line is that this sort of responsive
parenting maximizes the child's possibility of reaching his or her
potential: many other internal and external influences can interfere,
though.

Mary Renard
Vienna Virginia  USA
looking forward (:-p) .....to a COLD football game tomorrow night in which
Michael will finally get to play!

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