Day 345 - What if Your Child is Gifted?

Today's first time parenting tip - Encourage your child to explore their natural talents - stress free.

By the time your baby is almost a year old, he might already be excelling in certain things. For instance, my son can walk around, kick a ball and pick up things I'd never guess a baby could pick up.

Could your child be gifted? Every parent would like to think that their child will excel in something in ways no one else has. Keep in mind that all children are gifted in different ways, and at this age, all you need to do is cultivate that natural talent in a way that's enjoyable and stress free.

Your baby probably won't end up being a star athlete, super genius or musical virtuoso. But what you can help them achieve is success that makes them happy. If they are good at what they do and they truly enjoy it, then they have a gift that many people in the world never get to experience - happiness.

So if your baby can keep a beat, get him a toy drum or a kiddie guitar. If your baby can throw like a champ, get him a few balls. But if somebody comes along claiming your child is gifted and they need to join this club and that team and take this class or they'll never be any good, they're probably trying to take your money and don't care about your baby's happiness.

After all, he's less than a year old. Shouldn't he at least be having fun?

Parenting, Gifted, Smart, Athletic, Music

Day 267 - Rock Out to the Music

Today's first time parenting tip - Entertain your baby and get him moving to the music.

Think you've got less rhythm than your typical nerd at a high school prom? I know someone with even less. Your baby.

Have you played some music for them lately? As they get older and start learning how to move their bodies, dancing is something that often comes naturally to infants. There's just something about a beat that just makes people want to move.

And it doesn't hurt if you dance right along with them. Chances are they'll love it! My son bobs his head and moves his body every time he hears a tune, and sometimes even when we sing too.

And since their ability to get down isn't all that well refined yet, it'll be easy for you to laugh right along with them while you watch them dance. It's a great way to add some life to your day, get everybody smiling and work out your baby develop his ears and muscles.

Parenting, Music, Dance, Beat, Fun