It doesn’t require a PhD or a psychic to figure out what your child is good at. As children grow and develop, observe them. Sooner rather than later their propensities and likes and dislikes will be very obvious.
Through their behavior and reactions children reveal what it is they particularly like to do and are good at doing. When a child is keen on something he will keep returning to that activity. If he is a natural born builder it will be hard to tear him away from his blocks that he loves to stack.
Discovering what your child’s natural inclinations are is easy. Expose them to various toys, people, situations, music, art tools, animals, sports activities and you will learn very quickly where their interests lie.
If, for example, your child seems very keen on music, get him a CD player. Show him how to use it. Buy musical CDs. Provide him with musical instruments — a toy piano or keyboard, maracas, drums, a xylophone. Sing and dance with him. You’re never too old to bang on drums! Encourage him to make up songs.
Sign your children up for music lessons, such as those provided by San Diego music lessons. It won’t take long to discover whether the child is in it for the long-haul or has decided that this isn’t his cup of tea.
Promote creativity. Children love playing make-believe. Give them the tools they need. If your daughter wants to pretend to cook, give her pots and pans and utensils and make sure to taste the imaginary morsels she conjures up.
On the flip side, do not get carried away. If you go hog-wild and insist your child play the piano because he has indicated an interest in music you may end up making him hate music. An over-bearing parent will be resented. Children can be terribly stubborn. If they think mom or dad is too invested in “their” stuff they may become contrary and refuse to participate.
If your child’s interests and talents are disparate from yours, this is fine. Recognize that your child is not you. She has dissimilar interests. Appreciate what it is she likes and enjoys. You may even learn something in the process. Just because you are a stellar athlete doesn’t mean she is going to be.
Do not live vicariously through your child because this never works out in the long run, although parents have a real penchant for doing this. Yes, you wanted to be a ballerina but this doesn’t mean your daughter has the same longing.
Do not force her to pursue something she has little or not interest in. And if she is interested in it, support her aspiration but let her proceed at her own pace.
*Guest Post by Becky W.
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