1. Make sure your child has the opportunity to explore his talents or interests to the fullest – even if is messy. Even if it means using things in unusual, unexpected ways.

2. Appreciate your child’s interests, even if others don’t. She might not be good enough at things yet, but you can see she wants to be. Sometimes it just takes determination to get there one day.

3. Think about whether you can get your child some lessons or classes. If they are too expensive, maybe there is a volunteer in your neighborhood, at work, or at church who knows a lot about the interest and would share what he knows.

4. Make sure your child has the type of education needed to follow his dreams. For example, you can’t be an architect without math skills, can’t be a writer without Language Arts skills, and can’t be a scientist without scientific knowledge. When kids realize these school subjects apply to their special interests, school will be much more important to them.

5. Help your child find other kids to be with that have the same interest or talent as she does – even if they are a little older.

6. Find ways for your child to be around adults who have the same interest or talent. If you have that talent in your family tree, be sure to share that and put your child in touch with those relatives. It is helpful for children to know they get their talents and interests “naturally” – that there is a reason they are the way they are.