Dear Moms, Dads, Relatives, Educators and Business Owners

Are you encouraging your child’s talents?

I recently attended a talk by Michael Mol entitled, “The Strength Revolution”. His message was, “Spend more time and money on developing your strengths and learn to work around your weaknesses.” The message was easy to understand, but not so easy to put into practise if you are unable to figure out exactly what area you not only excel at, but are also at your happiest and most productive.

For some people it’s a lot easier to recognise a talent as they fit into easily labelled boxes. For example sports, academics, singing, acting, painting. These boxes in my opinion originate from the school environment where you have talent contests, sports days and of course your various team sports like cricket, rugby and hockey matches etc. But what if your talent does not fit into any of these "boxes"?

For example my son’s natural talent is his imagination. You can give him any objects and he will make up a story or a game with them (some quite bazaar) which will keep him occupied for hours. Right now (he is only 6) there is no stage or competition for him to show off this talent, but one day he could be an incredible problem solver or have an uncanny ability to think out the box or he could even be an Imagineer. Yes – there is such a career as Imagineering.

As parents we need to help our children to learn to recognise their strengths or natural talents, especially those children whose talents do not fit into easily labelled boxes. We need to encourage and support these talents even if we are unable to envisage where a particular talent will lead. I can guarantee that Lady Gaga’s mother did not foresee her daughter being famous for dancing in exceptionally high heel shoes whilst singing and balancing a telephone on her head! Your child could have strengths perfect for a particular job or career that has not yet been invented.

Avoid labelling your child, don’t be pushy and cause your child to resent an activity or sport they used to be passionate about. Ensure they have a well rounded education in the early years and are exposed to as many sports, hobbies or activities as possible to help them figure out where their talents and passions lie. Let them have fun discovering their strengths at their pace and let them learn about failure. Help them to figure out how to work around their weak areas. Be patient, understanding and encourage them with whatever it is they are interested in at the time no matter how strange or bizarre it may seem to you as an adult. (Obviously provided this interest is not harming anyone or anything!) I have listed some articles below for those of you who would like to read up more on encouraging talents.

On the entertainment side, you will find below the latest book, music and movie releases for kids and families. Durbanites are going to have to drag themselves away from the beach for a day or two this month for the annual Baby Expo Durban, bookings are now open and Barney is looking forward to entertaining your children once again! Have a look at the Baby Expo and Micro Mini Scooter competition below!

On Saturday 7 August is the re-opening of Rayz Kids World at uShaka Marine World. Rayz Kids World is a unique and exciting kids adventure island that makes way for littlies to have even more seaside fun! Designed for children between two and 10, Rayz offers a plethora of activities and interactive experiences, including:

One of Africa’s largest Jungle Gyms, The Water Canon, Crabby Beach, Rayz Gold Diggers, The On Da Block Go Building Lounge, The Creative Zone, The new Duzi River Lounge, the padded Aquanaughts play area and Guppies Goo. What are these? Click here to find out more.

For more family entertainment around our fabulous country visit our Whats On Event's Calendar.

Have fun!

http://www.kidzworld.co.za

Encouraging Talent in Your Child
How to Encourage Your Children's Passions and Interests
Negative Aspects of Labeling Children with Talents & Intelligence
How to spot and nurture your child’s talent?
Bring Out The Talent In Your Child

 August 2010