Have you ever wondered what your child could really achieve?
Do they have what it takes?
Maybe they don’t seem gifted, or talented, or motivated.
Well, how do you know?
Often it isn’t that a child doesn’t “have what it takes,” but it could be that they just haven’t explored the possibilities. They may not seem gifted because they haven’t found their sweet spot.
They may not appear to be talented because they aren’t given the chance to shine.
They may not be motivated because they haven’t been offered the right incentives.
Or they may just need more time than we normally give them to absorb, react, explore, and grasp.
Often it isn’t that a child doesn’t “have what it takes,” but it could be that they just haven’t been introduced to certain subjects or areas of learning, had the opportunity to explore, or been called up to meet challenges that inspire, feed and encourage them to grow.
Parents often feel ill-equipped to guide their children into exploration that will help them find out what they are naturally good at, especially if their child may have interests that are outside of the parents’ interests. For example, the parent who has high aspirations for their child to be an athlete, may watch their kid sit on the bench, totally disconnected with the game, drawing doodles in the dirt. Or the artsy parent may be amazed at the interest their kid has in math or science and can’t begin to relate. Or the mechanically challenged parent who sees their kid take broken things apart and put them back together so they work again. Your child may be a plant whisperer, but you kill every plant you touch. These are real possibilities that could leave you feeling ill-equipped as to how to parent. Noticing their interests, and then acting on how to help them explore these interests, is another thing altogether.
This is where parenting goes into graduate level. This is where you look for some activities to explore areas of interest that are good for your child – and YOU! Even if you don’t want to go spend an afternoon in a history museum when you have a pretty good idea your kid would love it, put on your adulting pants and go! And take a good attitude with you. If this sparks life into your child, this is part of your purpose. The thought of going to an art project studio may bore you to tears, and expose your total lack of artistic ability, but there are always fun times of connecting to be enjoyed with your child, and your chance to affirm their interests will earn you great relational gains. You most likely will learn something about the activity you engage in – and a LOT about your child – about who they are and what makes them tick.
And for the practical parents – this does not have to stress your budget. Going to your local public library regularly will serve many purposes. It will: 1) take them away from screens and devices for awhile, providing enriching entertainment, 2) improve their literacy skills, 3) exercise and expand their brain, 4) teach them how to look for books that interest them and teach research skills, learning about what resources are offered there long before they will need them, 5) open doors to all kinds of knowledge, 6) offer all kinds of activities and programs, and 7) provide some “quiet space” in their day that can reduce stress. Even Albert Einstein, genius, said, “the only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.”
There are many free or low-cost activities that are available just for the price of your researching them. Free concerts, museum days, lectures, recitals, sporting events, the list is endless, and great memories and learning are just around the corner in your community or city. Ask questions about activities on online mom forums. They will do your work for you! I like to follow certain parents on social media that are good at doing lots of activities with their kids. They would be flattered if you asked them to keep you aware of upcoming events. Otherwise, you will just have to see their great photos of the fun outing that you could have enjoyed!
If I can interject some advice here to help you to help your child achieve and explore their interests, it would be to be patient. Kids develop and grow over a long period of time. In our “instant” culture, we tend to look for quick and easy solutions. This WILL take time and even years of exploring, encouraging, and bringing enjoyment to all involved. You are fostering learning and nurturing a host of other great traits. You are in this for the long haul, but I don’t think you will come to the other side and regret one moment. You will have given your kids rich experiences, great growing opportunities, and great memories. You will have created more entry points for conversation and understanding with your child. Everyone will benefit from the experiences that you offer them. And you will help your child on their path to their personal journey of achievement.
Could the world be at their fingertips? I have no doubts – the answer is YES!
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