What a fun grandson you have! When you have a very bright child, you get used to people making comments that are not always helpful. Recently a gifted five-year-old friend of mine went to a summer day camp. When his mother picked him up, the staff rushed her as a group to ask her what type of flashcards she was "using on him," since he knew so much!

Of course, she wasn't showing flashcards, she was only feeding his natural, boundless curiosity, as you are with your grandson. Give him lots of books, crayons, building toys, trips to zoos and libraries, as well as the sandbox! It sounds as if you are doing lots of "the right stuff" already.

I do not advocate special teaching programs, such as teaching babies how to read. When little preschoolers are ready, they will learn. An additional point to remember: Refrain from asking your grandchild to show off to friends or family members what he knows. Little children can get used to that kind of attention-seeking and it's not always appropriate. Good luck.