Every boy and girl has something he or she is good at, and they enjoy doing it. It may be drawing or sports, or music, etc. Everyone needs to excel in something. This is God's plan. So, discover your child's natural aptitudes and encourage them.

Rudolf Dreikurs, M.D., a child development specialist, says: "Encouragement is more important than any other aspect of child- raising....We can build only on strength, not on weakness." Children: The Challenge, pp. 36, 53. Dr. Kay Kuzma says: "Become a talent scout and help your child discover his potential." Living with God's Kids, p. 98.

Larry loved music. He played a trumpet in the school band and was very good at it. He got lots of affirmation from his band teacher and his peers. But he needed a new instrument. "Dad, could you help me buy a new trumpet? I've saved one half of the money." Now, Larry's Dad loved sports. He tried to get Larry to go out for basket ball but Larry wasn't interested. "Larry, I'll help you buy your trumpet if you will try out for basket ball." Larry finally said, "OK." But his heart was not in it. He was not well coordinated and he hated the mistakes he made. His couch finally said, "Larry, I think you should stick with your music." Kuzma says, "Parents make a dreadful mistake when they impose their own interests on a child who has God-given talents in a totally different area." Ibid., p. 98.

Antonio Stradivari grew up in Cremona, Italy, in the middle of the 17th century. Cremona was a very musical town and it seemed that everyone could either sing or play. But Antonio had no interest or ability in music but he loved to carve. While his friends sang and played, he sat and carved. Well, there was a man in town who had succeeded in the musical field, but he could neither sing nor play--he made violins. His name was Nicola Amati. He accepted Antonio as a student. Today, the most famous violins in the world were made by Antonio Stradivari who loved to carve but had no interest in musical performance.

If you have a child who is fascinated with science, it might be a good plan for him or her to get a job in a science lab--even if it is only washing test tubs. He may make friends with a scientist. I knew a young man who worked as an accountant in a physician's office but he became so interested in medicine that he went back to school, took pre-med and finally became a physician. "God's plan of life has a place for every human being. Each is to improve his talents to the utmost; and faithfulness in doing this, be the gifts few or many, entitles one to honor." Child Guidance, pp. 293, 294. Help your child set a goal in life.

George Washington Carver grew up on a farm in Missouri. His parents had been slaves. As a boy, he was fascinated with growing things. He learned the names of plants and became known in his community as the "plant doctor." His teachers recognized his ability and encouraged him. He graduated from Iowa State College and accepted an appointment as an assistant botanist. Then he joined the staff at Tuskegee Institute. Carver developed 300 products from the peanut, 118 products from sweet potatoes. He was finally voted a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London. By the time of his death, 18 schools were named in his honor. Here is the person who reached for the stars. So encourage your children to aim high. Support them. Provide a Christian education. A small telescope is not expensive. As your child discovers the craters on the moon, the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter, this may be the spark that will propel him or her to a fruitful and happy life as an astronomer.

Recall the parable of the talents told by Jesus in Matthew 25:14-25. "'Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability.'" His business affairs taken care of, he left on his journey. Time went by and he finally returned. The servant who had been entrusted with five talents earned another five. The servant entrusted with two talents doubled his master's investment. But the servant with the one talent buried his, and returned it without interest. The master complimented the servants who had used their talents wisely, saying: "'Well, done, good and faithful servant(s)! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness'" (v. 23, NIV).

Some day, the Lord will ask each one of our children: "What did you do with the talents I lent you?" Parents have a powerful influence on children. Help them to discover their talents and encourage their development to the glory of God. Affirm every effort your child makes to improve and be sure to start young.