By taking an interest in the lives of stars from various fields, family plays a crucial role. One might assume that it’s the lure of profit that would motivate some relatives to become their agent, advisor, or coach. While these concerns may be true for some, the initial idea is to protect the artist from all negative external influences.

Gary Coleman, the successful actor from the series “Diff’rent Strokes,” fell victim to this. While his parents accompanied him during his career, a bad influence convinced him that they were stealing money from him. He even went as far as to sue them, unaware that his “new friend” was after his wallet.

While these facts speak to protecting during one’s career, ascent, or fame, it remains true that talent is present since childhood.

Therefore, it must be protected along with one’s dreams. Every child is exceptional. While it’s a joy to recognize this, it can evoke bitterness or jealousy within the family. While it’s a pleasure to talk about our child, there’s no obligation to speak unfiltered to anyone about their talents and dreams.

Not everyone will appreciate, value, and encourage them as you do. Some countries, like France, don’t always seem to appreciate people aspiring to go far, preferring to label them as proud and arrogant. If there are siblings, there’s no obligation to say everything you see in him in front of them.

Every child is exceptional but different from others. At no point should our praise be taken as favoritism or comparison. When this evil occurs, the consequence is often competition and bitterness among them.

Some talents seem more visible than others. Some abilities are recognized very early, and a little later for others. Exposing our child’s dreams and talents too early can lead to remarks, criticisms, and negative attitudes. At best, they might end up frustrated, but at worst, they might give up altogether.

A client told me how his daughter deliberately chose to work less and get poorer results in order to be accepted in class. Being called a “nerd,” “teacher’s pet,” or “top of the class” was becoming increasingly difficult to bear.

How to protect them?

• Gradually instill in them (according to their age and maturity) that not everyone agrees. Knowing this helps prepare their reaction to adversity.

• Don’t let disparaging remarks about your child pass unchecked. Whether it’s for comparison or belittlement, as parents, it’s expected of us to take a stand in their favor. I’m not saying we should get angry, but we shouldn’t remain passive either.

• Foster protection from siblings, if necessary, by helping them understand that the emergence of one talent triggers others. I’ve always said that nobody would have invented the sock if someone hadn’t created the shoe. One talent calls for another. In one’s gift, there’s potential complementarity in the other. Instead of seeing competitors, they can be partners. Protecting one protects us all.

• I repeat myself, but reading books is such a wealth (I’ve ignored it too much). Encourage them to read, listen to, and watch works that tell the stories of people filled with talents facing opposition.

This text is an excerpt from the book “Your Child Is a Champion” written by Jérémie Meyer.

We invite you to read the following article “THE NOTEBOOK TECHNIQUE.”