# 139 06/24/02 Parents should help children explore their gifts

I have been writing about helping a child find his life calling. Part of our responsibility as parents is to help our children explore their gifts. Even at young ages, individual differences become apparent. While in college, I interned in a preschool. In a classroom of three-year-olds, I saw gifts in many areas: social, verbal, musical, artistic, mechanical, numerical, leadership and athletic.

I recently told my three-year-old grandson that God gives everyone special gifts. I said that some day, he would discover his gifts so that he could use them to help others. He said, “I already know my gift - it is electric wires.” From my adult perspective, I never thought of “electric wires” as a special God-given gift. However, understanding how electric wires make things run could indicate a gift in mechanical reasoning.

If we think that our child has a gift in a certain area, what should we do? I believe that we have two responsibilities as we help him explore his gift.

First, we must encourage him in the area of his gift. That does not necessarily mean expensive lessons. A child who shows interest in music needs exposure to more music. A parent can provide exposure to different types of music through CD’s, concerts and music programs at church and school. When he begins to show special aptitude in voice or a certain instrument, lessons may be needed to help him further develop his gift.

Secondly, we must see that he is challenged to grow in other areas so that he becomes a balanced adult. I often read stories of a child prodigy that can give amazing musical performances. When I read those stories, I always hope that the child also knows how to interact with other children, kick a soccer ball and make his bed. He will need a variety of skills in order to be a fulfilled adult.

It is natural for a parent to focus only on a child’s gift. Revisiting the story of Moses, God had polished Moses’ leadership skills by training him in Pharaoh’s house. However, great leadership ability would not have been enough to take the Israelites through the desert without his being an outdoorsman. For that reason, he spent forty years as a shepherd. As you and your child explore gifts, remember to keep a balanced perspective.