Don't confuse genius with success

Like most of the parents, I do believe my child well equip with his unique talents. He would not be a background character in someone else film.  It’s my responsibility to help him hear his inner voice, follow his passion, and unlock his talents for crafting the path leading to happiness and success. 

People talk about talent.  Most people would get more than one talent.  How to spot and nurture talent in your child?   What would your child love to do for the sake of doing? Even just for 15 minutes. Just like the fish is the last to realize the water. Does the kid get the instinct talking to him as if he already knows what he wants to do, how to do it, and can do better than anybody else?

However, I couldn't agree more that talent is only half way journey.  It is not uncommon a child is vulnerable to the distraction from all sort of entertainment. The child is easily getting bored. My kid is a genius in playing musical instruments, but he has a bad habit for not able to finish what he had started.  One day, I asked my kid, “What is your dream?” You know what? When I expected he would tell me he wanted to be a musician or to be a bus driver.  He told me his dream was effortless to get everything he wanted!  All gain, no pain?!  Maybe he watches the TV program too much.

Success won't happen without perseverance.

if people only knew how hard I worked to gain my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all  (~ Michelangelo)

Imagine a sculptor looks at his piece of stone and endlessly questions of new ways to shape it. Learning and practicing day after day so that the work always in progress.  Doing what the child is good at is important, and develop the habit of the child keeps on practicing until he can master the skill for proficiency is more important.  Well, yes, the child should develop the virtue of perseverance and this can begin at home. 

Home is where the kid learns the virtues of life.  It's where our children learn how to love and care.  Our virtues imbue in our children shape their lives and futures.  I think gardening or planting with kids is a great way to build the virtue of patience. Planting seeds and watching them grow helps children learn the beauty of patience. Children learn they can’t achieve the desired end overnight.  It takes time and effort same as the plant starts from a seed, grow to become strong, flowering and blossom. They gain the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from caring something over time.

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