The laid back attitude
“She’s too young.”
“I’ll let her discover herself when she grows up.”
These are some of the statements we hear parents of very young children say. And no, we are not talking about the over-zealous, over-competitive variety, that’s the other end of the spectrum.
Parents often have a very relaxed mindset towards their growing children, especially for children under the age of five years. This is especially true for countries in the Indian subcontinent. And though, it is great to provide children with all the freedom to be themselves, it is during this age that children are most receptive, and in their most formative years. It is also during this period that they are naturally unabashed about the things they do and/or like to do.
Catch them young
It may therefore serve parents really well to have all their parental antennae on high alert to grasp their child’s natural abilities or gifts. As a parent, it is not just important to nurture and feed your child or send him/her to school; it is equally important to find your child’s best talents and help them hone these from a young age.
This is not just going to help the child to feel more confident but also empowered and happy in the true sense. Your child has a soul which is naturally gifted in certain areas. You can’t really learn a skill for your child (in some cases, though, you may be a co-learner) but you can surely help them find their true talent early on.
Please, I’m not saying education is not important. Basic education is indispensable. Every child, though, need not continue to be “educated” in the traditional way.
Kids with many gifts
One of my niece’s is 9 years old now but she is slowly becoming really good with badminton. From an early age, she was also very interested in dance. However, she did not enjoy her dance classes when she was made to join them at age 4. Later, she began to immensely enjoy playing badminton with her colony friends and then in school. She showed natural talent for it from about 6/7 years of age and my sister and brother-in-law did not waste any time in getting her to join badminton classes. Her father raves at her performances and is truly proud to see her blossom as a sportsperson. Some kids have many gifts, it is for the parents to spot which one they are truly interested in.
Born geniuses
Sushma Verma, a girl from India, was only 2 years old when she recited the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic tale, at a local event. Not a mean feat at all. The discovery of her talent led her to be admitted to class IX at the tender age of 5. A Masters in Microbiology at 15, the girl has an age advantage over most of her contemporaries. You can read her story here: https://yourstory.com/2015/12/sushma-varma-msc/ A sweet example of what an early discovery by parents can lead to.
No need to panic
Don’t despair if you think you missed the train of the under-fives. There is really no age for spotting your child’s talent and egging them on. It is simply better because it gives your child the edge of extra time to bring her gift to this world.
Remember, there are no age limits. Learning and honing skills is a lifelong process. (I started learning Kathak, an Indian classical dance form, at the sweet age of 30!!)
As a parent though, you’d do well to help start that learning journey early. And yes, your kids will thank you for it when they grow up.
Originally published at parentingpuzzles.wordpress.com on July 27, 2017.
