My 12-year-old daughter has great academic potential, and I want to do my best to help her realise it. I just don’t know how to ensure she doesn’t lose the best opportunities available. What should I get her involved in?

You shouldn’t hurry to enrol her in too many courses or get her involved in multiple activities. Instead, let her indulge in whatever interestes her. She should discover her own interests and pursue them. Over time, when she recognises what she’s really passionate about, she can move further in that direction.

It’s tempting to try to make your child as multi-talented as she can possibly be, but she may become confused about what really interests her. As she grows, she will focus on subjects she’s good at, and enjoy studying. Apart from co-curricular classes and activities, you can give her opportunities to explore her potential by allowing her to choose and use do-it-your-self books and kits, browse online and offline libraries, meet interesting people and visit different places. The point is to let her discover her interests in the world around her.

In the end, given enough space, encouragement and resources, she will surpass your expectations.

Also read: Magic words to help children achieve their full potential