This has become the crux of our homeschooling philosophy. The day my 8-month-old son, after I wondered aloud where his shoes were, came crawling out of his room purposefully towards me with one clutched in his tiny fist was the day a brilliant light filled my brain: this little critter not only could understand me, but actually solved a problem for me that I myself couldn't solve! It was a blinding revelation that changed forever how I approached my children, and I think the attitude shift has served me... and them... well.

Not to say that I don't pontificate, but they are pretty good at letting me know when I go into unnecessary lecture mode.