There is little doubt that every single one of our children are blessed with a special gift or talent, be it writing, acting or excellence in sports. The one major question, however, is how many parents actually recognise this natural skill and go on to develop it to its optimum?
Although genetic make-up is undoubtedly the precursor for distinction, particularly in sports, it is just as important for parents to foster and develop any natural ability their child exhibits; the earlier the better.
Watch them at play
The easiest way to ascertain your child's rare ability is to watch him or her at play. If the child is passionate about the game, sport or dance, for instance, they will become completely mesmerised and immersed in what they are doing and will, more often than not, do it remarkably adroitly, even without any formal practice.
For example, your child may have great hand-eye co-ordination without even being taught how to catch. This skill should be identified and developed by encouraging him or her to play tennis, squash or golf.
Expose them to choice
It's important to expose children to as many different sports or activities as possible and to then allow them to explore their talents themselves in a relaxed environment. Once they have cottoned on to the activity they are most comfortable and successful in, it is up to you, the parent, to galvanise this interest.
If, for example, your child shows ability with a golf club, why not take him to the nearest putt-putt course and allow him to get the feel of real competition but without the rules and regulations of mainstream golf. If they exhibit skill with bat and ball, haul out the beach bats and practice with them as often as possible or organise the family into two teams and have a go at French cricket.
Select supportive environments
If possible, select environments that support and bolster the child's skill. A youngster who shows tremendous potential as a show jumper, for instance, should either live on a farm or as close as possible to stables. A kid who has the ability of the next Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer, should not only be given tennis lessons but should have access, at all times, to a tennis court. The next Tiger Woods should be brought up on a golf estate or have access to a golf property whenever needed.
With this sort of support and interest by parents, it is possible that the skilled youngster will reach full potential and hopefully have the means to set both himself and his parents up in a luxurious family resort later on in his successful life.
Although genetic make-up is undoubtedly the precursor for distinction, particularly in sports, it is just as important for parents to foster and develop any natural ability their child exhibits; the earlier the better.
Watch them at play
The easiest way to ascertain your child's rare ability is to watch him or her at play. If the child is passionate about the game, sport or dance, for instance, they will become completely mesmerised and immersed in what they are doing and will, more often than not, do it remarkably adroitly, even without any formal practice.
For example, your child may have great hand-eye co-ordination without even being taught how to catch. This skill should be identified and developed by encouraging him or her to play tennis, squash or golf.
Expose them to choice
It's important to expose children to as many different sports or activities as possible and to then allow them to explore their talents themselves in a relaxed environment. Once they have cottoned on to the activity they are most comfortable and successful in, it is up to you, the parent, to galvanise this interest.
If, for example, your child shows ability with a golf club, why not take him to the nearest putt-putt course and allow him to get the feel of real competition but without the rules and regulations of mainstream golf. If they exhibit skill with bat and ball, haul out the beach bats and practice with them as often as possible or organise the family into two teams and have a go at French cricket.
Select supportive environments
If possible, select environments that support and bolster the child's skill. A youngster who shows tremendous potential as a show jumper, for instance, should either live on a farm or as close as possible to stables. A kid who has the ability of the next Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer, should not only be given tennis lessons but should have access, at all times, to a tennis court. The next Tiger Woods should be brought up on a golf estate or have access to a golf property whenever needed.
With this sort of support and interest by parents, it is possible that the skilled youngster will reach full potential and hopefully have the means to set both himself and his parents up in a luxurious family resort later on in his successful life.