[watwut]

Then again, 1 year old don't have permanent memory yet, so as someone who raised a kid, I fail to see why I should care about when that kid memorizes the set of symbols first time.

General learning about world around, sure, but these super early mini academics don't matter.

[Waterluvian]

Agreed. Which is generally what my comment is pointing out.

I'm delighted that my kid seems perfectly average. He's ahead in some ways, behind in others. I'm confident it will all be a wash by the time he's older. What matters is spending time with him. Not doing baby brain gymnastics.

[pnw_hazor]

Yup spending time with him and being a good model for him to learn from is the way to go.

Our first daughter is/was a super learner/reader and an all around go-getter that we could hardly slow down. She wanted to do all things and she was usually great at all things, academically or athletic. She went to Westpoint and had much success there.

Her 3 years younger sister didn't seem interested in learning to read at all, except for comic or cartoon books and she hated sports, dance, or music (learning). Mom was worried - what's wrong with her?!? She later came into her own and is as smart and succesful as her sister just in different ways (CS major). Her older sister is always coming to her for advice.

It goes fast so enjoy the ride.

[Waterluvian]

Everyone says "it goes so fast" and I always smiled and nodded because sleepless nights with an infant dragged on. Then I blinked and they were 1 and 3.

[theengway]

Yep. Was trying to point out that there are so many random things (including those that are mind-blowing wrt abilities at a given early age) happening with kids, only few are actually to be used as reasoning or any sort of long-term predictions.

Also, completely side note: you tend to give more weight to random things happening with first kid than with the next ones. Raising more than one atm.

Did not intend to mock, though could keep from adding some color.