Ok, it's not just hard work

M is very good at the piano.  People tell her this every time they hear her play.  They assume it's talent, like she sat down at the piano and just could play.  "She's got musical, and musically trained parents, so of course she's going to be able to play."

When people attribute her skill to talent, I want to protest, and claim that effort got her where she is.  I certainly want M to understand that work leads to improvement. 

Talent + no effort = anxiety disorder

Talent + work = I can do this

She's a little girl and would really prefer to be on a soccer team, go to dancing lessons, be in gymnastics, karate, or a pet...  We just haven't given her those options.

And she's homeschooled so she doesn't have any friends or distractions.

But even with all that in her favor, it is a special kid who just goes into the front room and practices every day.  A special kid who picks out primary songs by ear with I, IV, V, I chords in Alberti Bass, for fun.

She's a special kid.