What is Your Tween's Talent?

Posted by Denise Oliveri Jul 20, 2007

Having three boys, I have found it quite interesting to watch them grow and see just how different they are. My oldest son has recently turned 13, and his talents have always been in arts and music. He has been writing his own songs since the age of 9, and he has kept every one of them. He also never lets the opportunity to build and construct something slip by when we have materials lying around the house. He has had much joy in taking art classes, and definitely wants an occupation working with his hands in the future.

My middle child, 11, can run circles around the other two boys in any sport. They all like to play sports, but it is easy to see that this child has the gift for being agile, learns sports rules quickly, and can actually sit and watch an entire football game with his dad and have relevant comments to add to the game. The other two will start out watching, but eventually wander off to do something else. This child plays a sport each season, and his aspirations are to move to a city where he can be a pro football player.

The last boy, a new 9-year-old, hasn't quite discerned what his talent is, as neither have me or his dad. He is very good at crafty things and drawing, but he would never say that was something he was proud of or considered what he wants to be known for. He plays sports, but has not developed a love of any game. So, the hunt is on for the talent that he rises up to.

Here are some tips that I learned when it comes to discovering and strengthening your child's talents:

1. Let your child experiment with the things that he thinks may interest him. This is probably the best way for your child to discover where his talent lies, and helps him feel good about making his own discovery.
2. Observe your child for a while. Try to see if there is something that he consistently does and does well. When you discover what this something is, find classes or events that are tailored to this talent.
3. Take day trips like hiking or to museums. See what activities spark excitement in your child. Hone in on those activities and work on them at home.
4. Until you and your child have discovered a talent, never compare him to someone else or elude to the fact that it is weird to not have a talent yet. Everyone has a talent. It just needs to be discovered.

You know you and your tween have found his talent when he displays a good self-esteem when approached about the subject of his talent, and he is able to teach others about what he likes to do.