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26 Hudson Valley Parent n August 2014 By MALIA JACOBSON W atching kids develop their unique talents is one of the joys of par- enthood. What's more fun than hav- ing a front-row seat as tiny dancers pirouette and sashay, aspiring actors put on plays, and future rock stars belt out warbling solos? But effectively nurturing a child's talent takes more than applause and praise. All parents want to foster a child's developing skills without overwhelming them. But when does "encouragement" turn into pushing? And how should parents react when kids resist an activity, or when they drop a once-enjoyed pursuit? A child's interests and talents are as unique as his fingerprint. With that in mind, experts say that the best way to encourage them depends on the child's temperament. Wheth- er kids lean toward creative pursuits, athletic endeavors, or have interests all over the map, parents can nur- ture their abilities while promoting self-esteem and teaching valuable lessons in commitment and respon- sibility. The Superstar When a child shows exceptional talent in a specific area, it's easy to go overboard. "Very quickly, a child's life can become centered around that one thing," — which can be a recipe for burnout, says Thomas Hobson, director of Child Life at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. If a talented child begins to re- sist a favorite pastime, a break may be in order. Time will tell whether your child has the interest and dedication to progress to an elite level. In the meantime, keep things in perspec- tive; interests can shift, change, or even disappear as kids mature. For now, keep the focus on fun. Aim for encouragement that's specific and activity-focused to Finding the right fit Which activities are best for your child's talent "type"? Interests can shift, change, or disappear as kids mature. For now, keep the focus on fun.