Every child has unique interests and talents. As a parent, it is important to understand both of these in order to provide the right support. Let's discuss more about what interests and talents are, and how to develop them.
What are interests and talents in children?
- Interests are things that make children feel interested and want to do them. For example, children who like to draw or play music. Interests often arise from things they enjoy and make them feel happy.
- Talent is a natural ability that a child has to do something very well, such as the ability to sing, play ball, or solve math problems quickly. This talent can develop if given the opportunity to be honed.
So What is the Difference Between Interest and Talent?
- Interests are more about the things that a child likes or is interested in doing. Interests can change and develop over time.
- Talent is a natural ability or potential that a child has in a certain field, such as art or sport, which is more stable and can be honed.
What is the Relationship between Interest and Talent?
Yes, interests and talents in children are interconnected. Children who are interested or have an interest in something may have a talent in that field. Conversely, children who have a certain talent, for example in sports, may be more interested in honing that talent with further training. Thus, children's interests and talents support each other and play an important role in their development.
How to Develop Children's Interests and Talents?
After knowing what your child's interests and talents are, the next step is to help your child develop them. Here are some easy ways that parents can do:
1. Give Children the Opportunity to Try New Things
In order for children to know what they are interested in, they need to try different activities. Try to get your child involved in different classes or activities, such as art, sports, or music courses. This gives your child the opportunity to find what they like.
- Enroll your child in a new, different class or activity, such as drawing, swimming, or playing music.
- Let children choose activities they like.
2. Listen to Children and Ask About Their Interests
Talk to your child often about what they like. Ask them what activities they enjoy or what they would like to try. By listening, parents can better understand what their child is interested in.
- Talk to your child about activities they enjoy or would like to try.
- Encourage children to talk about the things they dream about.
3. Provide Supporting Tools and Facilities
If your child shows interest or talent in a particular area, make sure they have the tools or facilities to support it. For example, if your child likes music, provide musical instruments for them to learn. If your child likes drawing, provide them with complete drawing equipment.
- Provide the tools or materials needed for activities that your child enjoys, such as books, musical instruments, or sports equipment.
- Help children take courses or activities that suit their interests.
4. Make Time to Practice
To develop talent, children need time to practice. Children who like to paint or play guitar will be better if given time to practice those skills. Don't rush to get results, focus on their learning process.
- Schedule time for children to practice or do activities they enjoy.
- Don't put too much pressure on children to be perfect, give them time to develop in peace.
5. Provide Support and Praise
Positive reinforcement is essential to making children feel appreciated. Genuine praise will motivate children to keep trying. Focus on their efforts, not just the end result.
- Give specific praise, such as "Wow, your drawings are getting better!" or "Wow, you're getting better at playing guitar!"
- Support them even if the results are not perfect, because the learning process is important.
6. Using Interest and Aptitude Tests
If parents want to know more about their child's interests or talents, one way that can be done is an interest and talent test. This test is conducted by a psychologist and can provide an overview of the child's potential in various fields. With this test, parents can know more clearly how to develop their child's talents.
Interests and talents are interconnected and can support each other in a child's development. Parents need to understand both to provide the right support in developing their child's potential. Testing a child's interests and talents can be a good way to learn more about their abilities. With the right support, children will be more confident and motivated to develop.
Article written by Rizky Purnomo Adji Churnawan, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist (Psychologist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).