How to Discover and Nurture Your Child’s Talents

Most mothers know that a child’s intelligence is innate, but it can be enhanced through practice, guidance, and encouragement. Children may be born with certain talents—like a natural inclination for drawing—and mothers might suddenly discover that their child has a strong potential to become an artist. Recent studies also indicate that some talents, like drawing, can be inherited genetically, often from the father.

Every mother wants her child to be talented, as it helps the child stand out. Experiences show that talent can sometimes be more valuable than a university degree, especially today with the high number of graduates and youth unemployment. Therefore, a mother’s role is to nurture the seed of her child’s talent.

In a conversation with Sayidaty Watanak, educational counselor Aref Abdullah highlighted four impressive ways to develop children’s talents, from observing their interests early to encouraging them and providing support.

How to Discover Your Child’s Talent

• Observe your child from an early age. Talents often start to show between the first and sixth years of life. During this time, you may notice potential in areas like sports, motor skills, or intellectual abilities.

• Pay attention when they start school. Many children’s talents become clearer through their academic performance or their ability to complete tasks beyond their age level. Talented children can often be grouped together despite age differences.

• Look for early signs of talent, including:

  • Advanced language skills

  • Strong concentration

  • Early self-confidence

  • Abstract thinking abilities

  • Love for stories and narratives

Four Ways to Nurture Children’s Talents Early

1. Discover your child’s talent

• Observe what naturally draws your child’s attention and what activities they enjoy deeply.

• Talk to your child about their interests without imposing your opinions or showing excessive curiosity.

• Allow them to explore various activities especially before school age to discover their passions.

2. Encourage your child to develop their talent

• Praise their effort, commitment, and learning process, not just perfect results.

• Give them enough time to practice without rushing.

• Respect their choices, listen patiently, and take their questions seriously. This helps children feel valued and motivated.

3. Provide a supportive environment

• Create a safe and encouraging space free from pressure or harsh criticism.

• Provide necessary tools and resources:

  • Art supplies for young artists

  • Sports equipment for active children

• Include enrichment activities like museum visits, workshops, or clubs to further develop their talent.

4. Help them refine their talent through practice

• Teach children that consistent practice is key to improvement.

• Encourage collaboration with peers in small projects or creative activities.

• Promote social skills, healthy competition, and a mindset where failure is an opportunity to learn, not a source of frustration.

Mistakes to Avoid While Nurturing Talents

• Avoid comparing children. Don’t stress if your child hasn’t shown talent like peers or cousins.

• Be patient with mistakes. If your child draws poorly or makes a mess, guide them gently; talent develops gradually.

• Don’t force repetition. Over-insisting on practice can cause children to dislike the activity.

• Don’t rely solely on innate talent. Provide external guidance, such as specialized clubs or workshops.

• Avoid limiting your child’s talent to one type. Not every child excels in one area, like calligraphy; some talents may appear later and develop uniquely.

By observing, encouraging, providing a supportive environment, and promoting practice, mothers can help their children discover and nurture talents that will grow with them into a fulfilling future.