Devise a Parental Plan and Become Involved in Your Child's Future

Okay. As the Walking Boss asked Cool Hand Luke, "Do you have your mind right?" If you have a young one in the nest whom you've been observing and wondering about, it's time to put some planning into gear. I've given you my own real-life example, but how should you get on with the task of identifying those remarkable characteristics that dwell with your child? Here's a highly oversimplified parental plan covering age three through middle school.

Pre-preschool to elementary years: Encourage reading and broad-range interests. Look for signs of special talents. Get involved with your school's guidance program. Start that journal. Help your child develop computer skills and read, read, read with them.

Middle-School Years: Continue reading at all levels. Begin to emphasize writing and general communication skills. Watch for emerging leadership traits. Increase involvement with teachers and administrators. Consider having your child take the SAT I to qualify for advanced programs such as the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.

So, in light of all this, what's an anti-VKS, disenabling, intuitive perceiving parent to do? Simple: Perceive your progeny's passion . . . pronto!