It is so weird watching your daughter do something else with other people.

Mia did a trial gymnastics class at a gymnastics gym here in Beaverton.

She didn't cry or whine or look scared. She went right away over to the teacher and followed the other kids down the stairs over to the mats.

She hopped, she ran and picked up rubber chickens, she walked on the balance beam, she jumped on the trampoline, and even when she couldn't quite do it, she patiently waited for the teacher to notice and come help her.

In other words, she was this perfectly behaved, not afraid to try new things girl.

As a mommy, I watched that girl and said to myself 'who is that?' I was at once proud of her, and slightly sad that that Mia doesn't come out when I am around.

Is it because of my expectations? Bad way of handling her? Or is it just a natural thing that kids are better behaved with strangers than with the person they spend 99% of their waking and sleeping hours with?

Anyway, she seemed to like the class. So we went ahead and bought a leotard and signed her up for Monday morning class.