((((seesaw)))) As a rare personality type, with a kid who's also that same rare personality type, I appreciate what you're saying a great deal. Not everybody processes and copes with life the same way. One of the biggest sources of anxiety for my DD is that she doesn't move through the world quite the same way as a lot of her peers. In some ways, she's more effective, and in some ways less- but she's her, and she gets where she needs to go. Growing up, I didn't have the luxury of parents who understood those differences, and it's left a few scars. So I completely agree with you- what you say is very true.

With RDM, I kind of get the impression that's he's always been a very involved and connected dad, and is tuned into to his kids' personalities and what they respond best to.

Still, it's good to remember to walk a mile in someone else's shoes, right?