1. Knowing Children's Potential
Children have unique potential that can be seen through their interests and talents. For example, a child who enjoys drawing, writing, or playing music is likely to have talent in those areas. By knowing the child's potential, parents can provide appropriate support to develop the child's abilities.
What can parents do?
- Provide time and space for children to develop their interests, such as providing drawing tools, music, or books according to the child's interests.
- Encourage children to participate in extracurricular activities or courses that suit their interests, such as art or music classes.
- Give praise and positive reinforcement for the effort your child puts in, not just the end result. This will motivate them to continue to improve.
2. Increase self-confidence
Children who can do things they like and are good at tend to feel more confident. When children succeed in things they are interested in, they will feel proud and more motivated to try new things. On the other hand, if children are forced to do things they do not like or are not in accordance with their abilities, they can feel like failures and lose confidence.
What can parents do?
- Give specific praise when your child achieves something they like, such as “Wow, you’re so creative with your drawing! Keep it up!”
- Value the process, not just the end result. Help your child understand that every effort they make matters, even if it’s not perfect.
- Encourage your child to try new things, but still listen to how they feel about the activity. Don't force your child to do something they don't enjoy.
3. Make Learning Fun
Children who learn about things they are interested in will feel happier and more enthusiastic. When children learn things they like, they tend to understand and remember them more easily. This makes the learning process less boring, and children will be more open to learning new things.
What can parents do?
- Find creative ways to teach the material your child needs, such as by linking school lessons to your child's hobbies or interests. For example, if your child loves stories, you can try teaching math with interesting stories.
- Provide variety in learning activities, such as taking children to places relevant to their interests, such as art museums or science centers.
- Create a pleasant atmosphere while studying, by arranging flexible study times and giving children the opportunity to rest or play.
4. Helping children make choices in the future
Children's interests and talents can provide clues about appropriate educational or career paths for their future. Children who are interested in sports, for example, can focus more on developing skills in that area. Meanwhile, children who are interested in science or technology can be directed to pursue studies or careers related to those fields.
What can parents do?
- Listening and supporting children's choices in choosing activities they like, even though they are sometimes different from parents' expectations.
- Encourage children to explore different options. For example, give them the opportunity to try different types of activities or hobbies so they can find what they really like.
- Help children plan steps to achieve their dreams, for example by seeking information about educational paths or professions that suit their interests.
5. Supporting Children in the Right Way
By understanding the child's interests and talents, parents can provide more appropriate support and avoid unnecessary pressure. For example, parents can choose activities that suit the child's interests, so that the child feels more comfortable and motivated to continue to develop.
What can parents do?
- Choose activities that suit your child's interests, such as music, art, sports, or science lessons. Make sure the activities are appropriate for your child's age and abilities.
- Give your child the opportunity to learn from experience. For example, take your child to events related to their interests, such as music concerts or art exhibitions.
- Be an active companion in your child's development, namely by being present when they practice or study, and providing encouragement when the child is having difficulties.
How Do Parents & Educators Know Their Children's Interests and Talents?
One way to find out a child's interests and talents is to take an interest and talent test conducted by a psychologist at a hospital or clinic. This test can help reveal what a child's tendencies are, both in terms of their interests and abilities, so that parents and educators can provide more appropriate guidance in supporting the child's development.
By knowing the interests and talents of children, parents can provide better and more targeted support. This will help children develop optimally, feel confident, and find happiness in what they do.
Article written by Rizky Purnomo Adji Churnawan, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist (Psychologist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).