Parenting Children - 4 Ways to Help Your Child Discover, Explore and Develop Talents

Each of us was born with natural talents and abilities. As parents, when we help our children discover, explore and develop these talents it will save them years of trying to figure out what they love to do before they pursue in that direction.

1) Discover the talent

Some children find the things they enjoy at a very young age while others take a while and may seem to go from one thing to another. But as you observe your child, you'll see certain traits that are consistent. When your child shows interest in an area, provide encouragement to continue to engage more in the activity. You can also join in the fun as well making it more interesting.

2) Explore the talent

Provide the material needed for your child to explore more in this area. E.g. when our daughter Tamaralee was about a year and a half she took up art, something that she has faithfully pursued and desires to have her own art museum. We provide her with the materials necessary to continue with her passion and because Dad is also an artist as well he provides her with direction she needs to continue to explore and expand her talent.

3) Develop the talent

Once your child has shown passion about a subject, provide avenues through which he can develop that talent further, whether the child attends a class, finds 'how to' instructions on the internet, the library or from another source.

4) Don't push

As parents we want the best for our children to the point that we may tend to push them forward. No one wants to do something that someone else is pushing them to do and certainly our children should pursue their gifting willingly and joyfully. If it is a true passion, they will naturally pursue it without being told. As a matter of fact, you may have to ask them to set aside time to engage in other activities as well.

E.g. like our 11 year old daughter Gracelee who loves to read and tunes out the entire world when she does. Dad sometimes asks her to put the book down for a minute so she can hear what he has to say lol. We love her passion for reading but we'd also like a couple minutes of her time, you know :)

We are here on earth in this era with our unique talents not only to serve ourselves but planet earth. Our children also have their unique roles to play and their talents are embedded within them to help them efficiently fulfill this role. Let us help our children so they can live an enriched and fulfilled life.

Parenting Children - 4 Ways to Help Your Child Follow Inner Guidance

One of the most precious gifts we could ever give our children, apart from our love, is to help them follow their inner guidance system. It will help them build confidence and believe in themselves and not have to rely completely on others to guide them.

1) Listen to them as they speak

When your child comes to you and shares his/her thoughts, give a listening ear. If you are unable to give your full attention at that moment let your child know and set a time when know you could listen without distractions. This gesture will make your child feel that whatever he/she has to say is very important.

2) Ask questions

Get your child to be clear about what they're saying, especially if it's a young child, by asking questions, e.g. "Why do you think that?" or "What made you feel that way?" You're engaging in conversation and encouraging your child to think through things clearly.

3) Offer praise

When your child has said something profound, use the opportunity to praise him and encourage him to listen to his inner voice. Your child may be the voice of wisdom for you to look at your situation from a different point of view or reminder of the wisdoms you've imparted to her. Be open and receptive. She's not too small to share guidance. Say, "Thank you for the reminder and the wisdom."

4) Offer additional suggestions

Your child's explanation may not always come out the way we'd articulate our words as adults, you can offer suggestions to help guide her in expressing herself. When you offer suggestions in a kind and encouraging tone your child will know that he has your support no matter what.

Our children rely on us for guidance even though at times they may act as if they know it all. By being a supportive parent and keeping the communication door open, they'll know they have a place to go when life becomes complicated for them.