Editor's note: This article is the final installment of a three-part series from the author.

Children say and do the darndest things, and parents should take note. What your child says and does may in fact be an indication of the budding brilliance of a future actor, musician, artist or some other extraordinary contributor to society.

Like their peers, children who want to develop their extraordinary talent - the "it" factor - must be disciplined, work hard and be willing to make sacrifices. So do you as parents.

One study by the U.S. Department of Education found that students involved with instrumental music through middle and high school show significantly higher livels of math proficiency by grade 12.

Most parents will admit that shaping the life of an exceptionally gifted child requires patience and the insight to know when to allow the child to be a child.

Every child has some unique talent or gift that is waiting to emerge. It's up to the parents to put into motion the steps that are necessary to make sure that talent is cultivated and nurtured.

If your children are to take full advantage of their talents, parents must be aware that some children have different gifts that may emerge at different stages.

Tips for parents of gifted children.

Pay attention to what your child likes to do, especially hobbies such as drawing, singing, playing an instrument or dealing with numbers. Then find community programs that can help develop those skills. Begin as early as preschool. You may have to drive to Atlanta or Athens to get the service for a nominal fee.

 Educate yourself by taking a parenting course on how to develop your child's talents or talk to a parent who has a talented (gifted) child to hear what they did to support their child's giftedness.

 Visit your child's school to find out about enrichment programs for gifted students during the school year or during the summer.

 Network with other parents who have children in the same field in which your child is interested.

 The beauty of America is that you can grow up on the farm, in the city or in the ghetto and rise to the top of this society, and not just the financial aspect of it, with supportive parents and teachers.

The more consistency we can have between home and school, the better the adjustment of the child.

Louise B. Adams is a former educator and principal of Ficquett Elementary School. She serves on the board of directors for both the Newton County Board of Health and the Washington Street Community Center.