For instance, how do we know if our children might not have had the ability to become a "Tiger Woods" if only we'd put golf clubs into their hands when they were mere three-year-olds like his father did? Perhaps we ourselves would have been as successful as some of the great artists in history if our parents had put us to work with canvases and easels when we were still in the toddler years. Maybe each child has special talents if only we could afford to put them in the classes or with the coaches who could mold them and bring those talents to the fore. But how would you know which direction to encourage them? Will they be artists, athletes, musicians, writers? Of course we all do encourage their special abilities and most of us find our places in the world where our special talents can flourish. But I'm talking about starting very young with a great deal of teaching and additional attention, like hours on a tennis court, to bring those abilities to the point of being phenomenal.It's an interesting idea. Perhaps there really is a star in each of us. I'd like to think so anyway.
2 comments:
There may be something to what you are saying but I think we need to be careful too. If the parents motives are truly pure that is fine but all too often the parents cajole the child and eye their talents as a means to financial freedom.
But I do believe each of us do harbor hidden talents and abilities.Sometimes these talents are not encouaged for social reasons as well. Being born in Bonac and growing up around the working class a gift like Poetry wasn't exactly encouaged. Fortunately I think that has changed over the years and social stigma is not as prevelant.
An excellent point Ben and we've seen our share of pushy parents through the years who seem to think their children will be phenoms. Problem is they're pushing their own agendas and not trying to find the child's gift!
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