Recall our definition of creativity from the preceding chapter: Parents need to focus on the degree of satisfaction children derive from expressing themselves in creative and imaginative ways. Children are labeled as gifted because of the special value that adult attribute to their talents. When the children themselves also experience a good deal of satisfaction from using their talents, they are more likely to employ them at a higher level.
Your children must be able to express themselves creatively if they are to develop self-esteem. They do not have to be labeled as gifted in order for you to help them do so. In fact, you and your children might be better off if they aren't identified as gifted, because they will not feel obliged to meet rigid standards of performance.
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