Keep sight of your child's personal goals. Although you may think that you know what your child would like to accomplish with his life, your perception may be different than what he is actually thinking.

Talk to Your Child

Talk to your child about his goals for the future. He may have aspirations of being a doctor. Perhaps he has the cognitive ability to pursue that dream. Start early to give him the experiences and educational opportunities to reach that goal. Many brilliant physicians have some type of special need that they have learned to manage.

If your child's abilities are not a realistic match for the goal of being a doctor, think about the many related medical professions. He may have chosen being a doctor because he has the most contact with a doctor in a medical setting. He wants to help people. There are many employees who help people in a hospital setting, including the receptionist at the information desk and the clerk in the gift shop.

Offer New Experiences

Continue to introduce your child to new experiences that build on his interests and abilities. Make it your goal — not your slave. Your child will be more likely to be interested in new experiences if neither of you is on overload. Remember that planning every minute of every day is the fast track to burnout, not the way to enrich lives.