Is it possible to raise a prodigy without pushing them?
The term prodigy implies that the child's skill level is extremely advanced. How can they acquire that skill if we don't push them?
I like the notion that you have to allow a child to develop without your intervention, to develop the self-confidence and trust in herself. Ok, let's say I have an extremely talented child, and provide her all the opportunity to develop on her own, but otherwise stay out of the way. Let's say she's an artist, and I just provide her the materials and a place to do her art. She spends hours a day doing art un-prodded.
But at some point we're going to have to give her instruction, aren't we?
This is something I'd like
This is something I'd like to know myself. I think it depends on the skill. I love the story about Picasso that he says "at twelve I drew like Raphael." Who taught him that? I believe the child will demand instruction and will only settle for the right kind of instruction if you've raised them correctly . . . that is, to trust herself.