We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Romans 12: 6-8 NIV)
Finding your child’s area of specialization is an important part of our job as homeschooling parents. Everyone has their own unique gifts, and some are easier to spot than others. For whatever reason, I notice that sometimes parents can see their child’s faults easier than they see their strengths. A gift is something that children will do repeatedly, over and over….. to the point of annoyance! Check yourself, the next time you feel annoyed at your children. As yourself, are you looking at their gifts? Is it annoying and do they do it so much, because that is the way they are wired? Is this what they are meant to do?
I’m not saying that all mothers will get annoyed at their children, but I sure did! Look at the things they do that annoy you, and see if it might be because they have different gifts then you. Then ask yourself: how can I encourage this gift in my child?
Do this and you will be helping your child understand their gifts and calling.
I have a lot more to say about discovering your children’s gifts in my 5 part mini-course, “5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make When Homeschooling High School.“ I know it will bless your family.
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Christianbook.com Curriculum Page
Stephanie says:
I love how you put this! I’ve been trying to watch our daughter, and I truly believe that communication through creative writing/storytelling is a gift that she has. She’s been a much happier camper since we’ve started carving time out of each day for this. It fabulous! I don’t know if it will continue, but for now it’s bringing her joy.
October 5th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Understanding Their Gifts | Homeschooling Information says:
[...] Here is the original post: Understanding Their Gifts [...]
October 5th, 2008 at 9:34 am
J W says:
Too many people are locked into the mindset that a kid “has to” play sports or play a musical instrument. There’s nothing wrong with these activities, but I actually had one person wail to me about my (then) 1st grader “But she doesn’t DO anything!” This person knew this child was (and still is) a highly gifted writer. It’s difficult to get people to think out of the box.
Some people like to dismiss my challenged student too, but I think her satisfaction and pleasure in drawing for hours on end could very well turn into a career. Animators must spend hours bent over their easels or computer screens, and animated movies have been popular for at least 80 years.
It seems the most highly successful people were interested in their fields or in a related field from the word “go.” They usually credit someone (parents, a teacher, or a mentor) with nurturing that fire. We as home educators are uniquely placed in our childrens’ lives to fan the flames.
October 5th, 2008 at 2:56 pm