Book Update
The book title is "My TeenVision" and is scheduled
to hit
the bookshelves March 15th, 2005. We will keep you updated
with any new info!
Mail Bag
Q - I want to encourage my child, but I don't know what
her
gift or passion is yet? I am looking to hard to
find something
specific that looks like what "I" would consider
a gift, but am not
sure what to look for. Betsy C., Westchester,
CA
A - That's a great question. Sometimes inner talents or
gifts are
very obvious and other times they take some digging.
First of
all know that some of us will have very strong external
talents like
drawing, writing, athletics, or a knack for playing
musical
instruments while others have very strong internal
talents such as
possessing a strong sense of compassion, being a
natural leader,
or be drawn to giving to or helping others. All
children possess
talents, and here are some hints for uncovering
your child's.
Pay attention to the most subtle strengths that
your child shows
you in her personality. Her strongest talents
aren't just talents that
will be discovered by introducing new
activities into her life, but by
who she is. To get a better
idea of who your child really is, spend
some one-on-one time
with her. Ask her questions about what she
dreams of doing, or
if she could do anything what would it be, or
about any concerns
she might have. Also, ask her what she feels
her biggest
strengths or talents are. Take some time to allow your
daughter
to teach you. Children are very wise, if given the chance
they
will share their wisdom with you and when they do you will
get a
better idea of who they are.
Giving your daughter special
time that is just for the two of you
(and make a point of saying
that) builds trust in your relationship
so that she will feel
more open to share with you. If you haven't
noticed any of your
daughter's talents, try opening your
perspective to be something
that you don't expect. As you begin
to learn about who your
daughter is encourage her to follow any
ideas or interests she
may have. Trying different things out helps
her to learn about
who she is as well. Be sure to support her by
telling her about
the strengths you see in her, if you come up
with any ideas to
share with her about what activities she could
try be sure that
they are ideas that she feels comfortable enough
to be able to
say no to if she wishes. It's great to share ideas with
her, but
you want to follow her lead with what she wants for
herself
instead of what you might think is best or more ideal for
her.
Thank you for your question.
