A child is like a butterfly in the wind.
Some can fly higher than others,
But each one flies the best it can.
Why compare one against the others?
Each one is different.
Each one is special.
Each one is beautiful.
Every child is born with unique abilities, interests and intelligence, and it’s this intelligence that we, as parents, teachers, and mentors, must discover, nurture and develop throughout life. While grooming these unique abilities or traits is a great responsibility on our part, it can be an equally challenging task to identify these unique traits, let alone nurture them.
As they say, “greatness isn’t born but grown”. Similarly, there are a lot of factors that contribute to grooming a child. Some studies suggest that 50% of a child’s mature intelligence is developed by the time the child turns four. The formative years go a long way in a child’s holistic development. Providing every possible opportunity to children during these early years can help us identify the child’s superior abilities in any field at an early age.
Observe. Consult. And Pay Attention.
Even though identifying a child’s intelligence might be challenging at times, keeping an eye out for some telltale indicators can be helpful.
- Observe the child’s natural interest or keenness.
- Consult teachers or mentors who have been guiding your child.
- While a child may not be academically inclined, they can still show great interest in unconventional things. Look for these signs to help recognise and nurture a child’s potential.
- Pay attention to your child’s curiosity and what keeps them engaged productively.
Parents’ Pivotal Part
Parents’ responsibility does not simply end with identifying any unique skills. On the other hand, it brings in additional accountability to work towards developing that potential. It needs practice, constant motivation, coaching and immense patience.
In addition to that, children’s way of handling success and failure, managing criticism, and displaying grit and determination – all play a pivotal role in the likelihood of achieving greatness and fostering talent and abilities. Children must be taught that mistakes are not the end of a journey, but important learnings that help in honing their skills better and being more equipped.
Things to Remember
During this journey in kids’ formative years, having a mentor for your child is of paramount importance. Find a Mentor/Coach/Talent Expert who can guide and help in pursuing their interests.
However, as a parent or guardian, remember that your job is to pursue your child’s interests and not put any kind of pressure on them.
- Offer your child a comfortable and favourable learning environment to foster their talent.
- Teach them that failure is not a verdict but the way forward.
- Encourage them to strive for excellence.
Simply put, every child has a different learning style and pace. Each kid is unique. One thing that remains constant is their capability of learning and succeeding.
Written By – Ms Binita Shelke
