11-Year-Old Genius Passes Up Higher Learning And It's A Lesson For All Parents
While the world has big plans for a brilliant whizkid in Texas, he has other plans for the time being.
Magic numbers
It was clear from early on that Jaxon Cota of McKinney, Texas wasn't your average child.
At age two, he astounded his parents by reading numbers up to 15-digits long. His father Matthew Cota tells NBC that Jaxon's knack for numbers has always come naturally.
"There’s a rhythm to numbers And just something about that is, in a weird way, very simple for him"
- Matthew Cota
When doctors diagnosed Jaxon with partial hearing loss at age 8, his Lori mother didn't see it as a disability, but rather a gift that actually heightened his focus and creativity.
It certainly didn't limit his achievements. At nine years old, Cota was admitted into MENSA, an elite organization whose members make up the top 2% of the world in intelligence. He's also one of only 2,600 members under 18.
11 year old Cota recently placed 7th overall among 45,000 participants in MathCON, a national math competition with participants up to 17 years of age.
He has even enjoyed some celebrity as a contestant on A&E's television series "Child Genius."
For Jaxon, numbers are a source of endless enjoyment.
"There are just so many things about numbers that are fascinating and so many things to learn"
- Jaxon Cota
A normal childhood
Yet for all of his other-wordly gifts, the top priority for Jaxon and his parents is having a normal childhood.
For that, there's only one place Jaxon wants to be.
"Being at the baseball diamond makes me happiest," he says "Baseball is just one of my passions."
Not only does baseball fuel Jaxon's love for strategic thinking, but it's also a place where he can develop friendships and social skills that are part of being a regular kid.
Jaxon says he wouldn't swap those experiences for anything, even his love of numbers.
"Graduating college at age 11 is not something I want to do 'cause I want to be able to do things I love like play baseball or hang out with my friends and just be a kid"
- Jaxon Cota
You're only a kid once
Jaxon's father agrees and adds that a normal, healthy childhood will only contribute to a brighter future.
"We want him to be able to have an impact on people. In order to do that, we believe that he needs to interact with people"
- Matthew Cota
There's little doubt that Jaxon will have limitless opportunities to make a difference. However, being a kid is an experience that goes in the blink of an eye, and can't be recaptured.
As parents, we're so eager to drive our children to succeed, especially when blessed with wunderkinds like Jaxon.
Let's just remember that raising our kids as kids should be a top priority, for their present and future success.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.