Andrew Solomon is a writer and lecturer on psychology, politics, and the arts; winner of the National Book Award; and an activist. His book, Far From the Tree has been hailed by the New York Times as “generous, humane, and compassionate… wise and beautiful.”
What would say are three things any parent can do to help any kid achieve their potential?
Helping children achieve their potential is a different matter from nurturing a prodigy. What is consistent is the balance between nurturing your child’s talents and pressuring your child. It is important to provide as much support as possible and to allow your child to thrive accordingly. But between talent and achievement there lies a gulf called education. Without a good and proper education, great talent is useless. It’s important to ensure that a child of any abilities has the supports needed to succeed at school. One wants to foster confidence and discipline; children must learn how to concentrate and focus, and should be encouraged to do so. When learning is pleasurable and rewarding, people learn more–but it can’t be all fun and games, because a work ethic counts for more than almost anything else.
(Read the complete interview at The Times of India..)
