In a message dated 04/23/2001 4:32:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
THEGREEN99@prodigy.net writes:
> I was so astounded by something he did today that I gently
> held his shoulders, looked into his eyes and told him, "You are going to be
> a great artist!" He shyed away and said, I don't want to be an artist; I
> want to be a paleotologist (sp?). My heart fell to the ground. Not because
> this child has so much talent, but because I should have told him he was a
>
I would tell him why being an artist is so wonderful; you can be an artist
and at the same time be other things, too!!!!! An artist can be a doctor, a
lawyer, a truck driver, or all of these and still always be an artist!
Don't be so hard on yourself. You probably didn't hurt his feelings. But, I
know how you feel. When you see a gifted artist you hope the child cultivates
the talent. However, chidren at that age usually fantasize about becoming
many different people in life. My son was going to be a famous baseball
player for most of his childhood and adolescence. Well, the Yankees didn't
sign him up, but he enjoyed his dream! I would definitely still encourage
and reinforce his special talent with your positive attitude.
Susan on Long Island
