“I want to be a lawyer, a doctor, a ballerina, and a princess,” my daughter smartly quipped.
It’s amazing how a child as young as four years old can already imagine her future, and dream so boldly.
But how does one ensure that a child’s dreams become reality?
I am not saying that my daughter will become all of the things she wants to be. But wouldn’t it be great if she had a lot of options?
According to RBC After School Project, which supports programs that help kids learn, people are not born with a sense of identity. Rather, identity is formed over time through interactions with important people in their lives.
“The messages — both spoken and unspoken — that we take and learn from the important people in our lives determine how we feel about ourselves. To grow into healthy and strong adults, all children need a positive sense of themselves — what experts call high self-esteem. Self-esteem means being proud of who you are, whatever your gender, skin color, or physical ability; whatever language you speak, culture or class you are from, or religion you practice.”
Reaching one’s full potential, according to Brainy Child, an online publication on brain development, means children are the best in their lives and the activities they choose to pursue.
Experts agree that academic excellence is just a part of the formula for success. Other aspects of development must also be considered.
Brainy Child lists social skills, thinking skills, spatial and visual skills, strong emotional intelligence and family bonds, and critical creative thinking skills, as integral in the development of reaching full potential.
Children are, after all, blank slates, uncut diamonds just waiting to be shaped and chiseled to a magnificent brilliance. The possibilities are limitless.
And it is the role of parents to shape their children to be the best they can be.
It starts with a childlike boldness to dream the impossible and a commitment to support your child in his or her endeavors.
Here are some tips from Brainy Child and Family Share to help you nurture the innate skills and talents of your children:
Allow your children to pursue their interests.
Encourage them to be involved in many and diverse activities. This will help develop more skills and pinpoint strengths.
Do everything possible to help them with their interests.
This simple gesture will help them explore many things at a time. Letting them know you are ready to help gives them the confidence they need to navigate the hurdles along the way.
Have faith in your child.
Believe in your children’s abilities and in what they are doing. Allow them to make mistakes, but never put them down when they do commit a mistake.
Do not set the bar too high.
Your children will make lots of mistakes. Be accepting of those mistakes, but make sure you guide them so that they do not commit the same mistakes.
Be there when they need you.
Show an emotional commitment to retain their trust and belief in you. Always be ready to lend a helping hand.
Never turn them down when they ask for your help.
Set goals together.
Help them set goals. Teach them what to prioritize and what not to. Guide them in identifying what is important for them in life.
Provide opportunities.
Providing your children with opportunities helps them discover their hidden talents, and allows them to develop life skills. Enroll them in extra-curricular activities, get them involved in sports, or give them music lessons.
Whatever you and your children choose, be sure to strike a balance as too much activities can be overwhelming and may just result in a child who quits much to easily.
Praise, praise, and praise.
Give them praise. Do not be afraid to let your children know you are proud of them. Giving praise helps in developing confidence and self-esteem.
Teach commitment.
If you want your child to succeed, you must teach him what it takes to be committed. Teach your children to be committed to the activities, classes and jobs they decide to pursue. Let children try new opportunities but encourage them to see the activity through and not quit in the middle of the event. When children learn to be committed, they become valuable assets to their future employers, family members, neighbors and friends.
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