Being an effective advocate for children's talents or disabilities requires parents to be consistent with their support. Research has shown that, beyond genes, intensive practice over the years is the most important contributor to children and adults developing a talent to the highest level possible. Studies have found that it takes about ten years of practice to develop an expertise. Therefore, parents need to be strong advocates for their children's talent development by helping them maintain the discipline needed. This requires parents to be consistent in their support and advocacy.

All parents have stories about how they "run out of gas" at times and are not always consistent in helping their children stay on course. While parents want children to eventually be self-reliant when working toward a goal, most children will choose the path of least effort if given their own choice. Developing a talent requires children to move through three levels of mastery, each requiring greater demands on their abilities, time, focus and energy. These three levels also require parents to be consistent advocates and supporters of their children over many years.

Stage one is called Exploration during which children experiment to find the talents they enjoy. Their first instructors are often their parents or a local expert. Stage two is called Precision during which children develop their talent to a level that requires more advanced training. This stage usually requires a new, more advanced instructor, with parents maintaining a watchful eye and providing structure at home to practice. Stage three is called Personalization during which more advance techniques at professional schools are taught and children form their identities around their talent. Parents continue to provide the emotional and financial support needed but are even more removed from the child's instruction.

While children move through these stages over many years, parents need to stay consistent in their advocacy and support. Behind every talented performer is a supportive, healthy family that helps the child remain consistent by providing unwavering support and encouragement.


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Learn how Michael Cerreto, Applied Performance Counselor, and A Talented Mind, Inc. can help you or someone you know: http://www.atalentedmind.com