>My daughter at least appears weaker (I think she's hiding her skills
Note here (from a girl) remembering my childhood and maths: my interest in all things technical came to life when my father (figure) showed an interest in playing chess with me, and in building things like aerodynamically-interesting paper/card planes, rocket launchers and kites.
I just wanted to chime in and say that your talking about your dad playing chess sparked a bunch of warm memories. Mine played with me, too, and never pulled his punches - the day that I finally beat him was a tremendous triumph. I thought we were just playing a game - he was teaching me how to analyze a problem, and how to anticipate and evaluate my actions and their outcomes. What a gift!
Yup my daughter has recently started 'admitting' to being smart after we did an electronics kit and making minecraft mods, she also started hanging out with different friends who seem to appreciate intelligence more and are way less catty.
Note here (from a girl) remembering my childhood and maths: my interest in all things technical came to life when my father (figure) showed an interest in playing chess with me, and in building things like aerodynamically-interesting paper/card planes, rocket launchers and kites.