In my previous blog, Are Gifted Children Born or Made? (April 22) I questioned the influence we have over the development of the abilities of our children. I do feel certain that parents can have an influence over the potential development of talents and interests. Here are ten ways to encourage this.

1. Expose children to a wide variety of experiences in addition to traditional academic subjects such as math, reading, writing, history, and science. Expose them also to art, theater, music, nature, sports, and technology of all types.  
2. Expose children to different types of people—people from different socio-economic backgrounds, different ethnicities, and different belief systems.
3. Encourage young people to develop hobbies, join clubs, participate in competitions, attend extra-curricular activities, and take lessons.
4. Support the interests of your child even if they aren’t the same as yours. Ask leading questions to help you understand what has drawn her to a particular topic. Speak and listen to your child with consideration and respect.
5. Set a personal example by either having a wide variety of interests or one that has become special, developing into a passion.
6. Interact with your child by participating in the things that excite him.
7. Celebrate the interests of different family members and friends—everyone doesn’t have to be alike. Value one another’s differences.
8. Teach your child how to find information and resources in a variety of ways—books, Internet, other people, etc. There will be times when your child's expertise on a topic will be greater than yours, and you will not be able to provide answers or solutions.
9. Expose your child to many different experiences, yet allow time for her creative mind to develop and to pursue what she discovers. Don’t overload. This is a fine line to walk.
10. Let your child lead the way. He will let you know when something piques his interest. Don’t be over-involved. Expose, but don’t push.

You will want to become more acquainted with developing the talents of gifted children by reading Early Gifts: Recognizing and Nurturing Children's Talents.