Random Question about Kids

[Misty Cato]

Apparently I'm in a reflective-mommy mood tonight. I've been struck by how wonderfully unique each kiddo is created and how awesome it is to watch their personalities emerge and mature.

Anyway, I was thinking ... is there a place or situation in which your child is (for lack of a better way to put it), their best self?

For my son, it would be the beach. Whenever we are on a beach he becomes a whole different child, only it's not really a different child, it's as if everything that is strong and good and right in him comes to the surface. All his anxiety issues disappear and he is relaxed and joyful. We have wonderful discussions and his insights are profound and full of appreciation for life.

I can't pinpoint any such place or situation for my daughter. Her demeanor and conduct is pretty consistent no matter where we are.

Anyway, tell me about your kiddos. Where do they shine?

[rach3975]

For my kids it's situations rather than places. DS1 loves figuring out how things work, and he amazes us with how quickly he catches on to new scientific and mathematic concepts. DS2 shines when he has a few hours of 1 on 1 time with an adult. His impulse control and behavior issues are minimized, and we get a glimpse of the wonderful, thoughtful man he's going to grow into. DD is still little, and it's harder to say. But so far I'm struck by her understanding of other people's behavior.

[lovely1m]

In social situations. My son is the opposite of shy and will just run right into any place and make friends. He doesn't need me to be around, he's just right into it. I just joined a new gym and tonight was the first night we went, he ran right into the playroom and didn't even care. What strikes me as amazing is, I was the complete opposite. I was amazingly shy. I wouldn't speak, I would sit in a corner. I still struggle with shyness.

[MamaBee]

Hmm... that is a good question...

I thinkJake he really excels in "adult situations"... when he has to be polite and charming... and given he is an only child and I'm an only child and hubby might as well be an only child... no cousins or other kids around in most events we have to go for when it comes to family like church, funeral visitations, family dinners... if he is going to have a melt down and some one comes up, he will put on what we call his polite smile (has had that since he was like 2 years old... haha)... it blows my mind how good he is in these situations being 5... even today, while waiting for my haircut... it was 2 hours of doing nothing but waiting... he was a total trooper...

The second situation he is at his best is when there are little girls around... man, is he a charmer... he is right there to give up what he is playing with to share with another little girl...

[Nikki Epperson]

My kids are best when they aren't with me, lol!!!

No seriously, they are good kids, but being the one that disciplines them, I feel like they misbehave more than others. But, I get compliments on their manners, behavior, and kindness all the time.

Lane is definitely the one that shines about movies and music. Right now, at 16, he is really into those and I'm just so thankful that even though he is "into" girls, he's still more into those!

Destiny shines when it's just us. When we go do a photo shoot or just go to Starbucks. She almost seems to let her hair down more and relaxes more.

Colton is really into Legos right now and he shines when he's figured something out. He likes the sets and he will sit until he figures it out. He asks for help occasionally and if he really needed it, I would do it. It's usually that he skipped a step and I encourage him to reead the directions.

[LJSDesigns]

My son's strength is his compassion for others. He is very kind and there is an aura about him that attracts other people, especially children. They just flock around him and he is so good with them. At church camp he is always the favorite counselor. At 6'5" he is a gentle giant.

[Sherri Tierney]

My kids don't have a place so much as just the circumstances. Both of mine really seem to bask in our attention so when we take trips and such as just a family of 4 without worrying about cousins or friends or anything like that then they seem the happiest. They don't fight. They are calm and gentle and they smile and laugh a lot.

[NatalieKW]

I've never really thought about it before...

My oldest (3) would probably be in her best situation/place when we are out on an adventure. She's even better when she is with one of her grandparents out on an adventure. As far as my 17 month old twins...there isn't anything consistent. Emery is unhappy more than she ever is happy. Ella, probably outside and unrestrained would be the best, most consistent situation.

[emmasmommy]

emma is best when she's in the classroom. the child loves to help those who have a hard time with things (she's a fixer, like her mama) and she absolutely adores all things school related.

madelyn is her best outside. the child loves to run and play and outside is where she is most at home.

[mariewilcox]

Cheyanne is her best when she is playing competitive sports. She is so athletic and has so much confidence when she plays and it is so fun to watch her. She gets it from her father and she feels it's something special she has from him even though she doesn't remember him, and I think she feels it gives her a special bond with him.

Outside of sports she is her best around other people - she has an infectious joy for life that attracts happy people

[LeeAndra]

Hmmm... my stepson is best when he's got a full belly and an audience. He has an incredible imagination and loves to tell stories and entertain people. He also loves directing people in play: assigning roles, making up the plot, etc. He tends to gravitate towards younger friends who will allow him to be in control of their free play. [This, among other things, is also what makes me think he has Asperger's.]

I feel like Monkey is still too little to fully know the answer to this question. She has always loved being outside, though: hugging trees, playing in the dirt, examining flowers and grass.