Recognizing and developing your children's special talents

To build healthy self-esteem, all children need to feel that they can do at least one thing very well. Many times, however, a child's special talent is overlooked because it's not an area that is recognized at school or elsewhere.

Parents can discover their children's special talents by providing varied experiences and opportunities. Then they can help their children by working with them at home. Here are some of the steps parents can take:

• Let children know that success is possible and that they will benefit from doing well in school. Let them know that you expect them to do well.
• Engage your children. Talk to and play with them. Encourage conversation in any way you can: Talk about current events, or about what happened during the day. Ask them specific questions about what they did. Read to them, play games, and do puzzles together.
• Pay attention to what your children like to do. Help them develop those skills or find out where they can learn more.
• Take your children to places where they can learn. Schedule trips to museums, the library, or bookstores, especially when children's events are planned.
• Enlist a mentor in your family or community who can help your children develop their talents and serve as a role model.
• Help your child with homework. Work with teachers and school counselors to gain a better understanding of your child's learning style, strengths, and weaknesses.