When you think about all of the people you knew throughout your life, you can probably point to a few who had very visible, exceptional talents in school (the straight A student), sports (the fastest runner) or the arts (the pitch-perfect singer). They were the ones who stood out from everyone and seemed to have been born with a big gift. Many parents believe that the biggest and most visible talents are more important than small ones, but they are not.
Even the smallest talents are big in context to each child and how he or she uses them. Is the talent for recognizing different emotions in someone’s voice less important than throwing a hard curve ball in baseball? No, because that talent has lead many people to become successful therapists, educators, and managers. Is the talent to play with dolls and have them carry on conversations with each other less important than mastering multiplication earlier than other classmates? No, because that talent has lead many people to become successful writers, actors, and sales people.
Like any explorer searching the billions of stars in the night sky for the North Star to guide their way, you need to pay close attention to the smallest actions, words, and emotions of your children to discover their natural abilities. When you notice a small talent, ask yourself, “How can my son or daughter use that ability more fully in his or her life? How can I help my son or daughter enjoy and develop that talent? How can my son or daughter use that ability later in life as an adult?”
Visit A Talented Mind Library: Learn about how talented performers explored, discovered, and developed their natural talents:
