So you have a musically talented child or teenager. Chances are, one day, they will develop aspirations of being the next...(fill in the blank). While their talent may ignite attention from peers, friends and family members, parents should try to look at their child's talent objectively.

It's not easy to do. In fact, for many parents, it's impossible to do. Their lack of objectivity breeds delusion which ends up hurting them and their child in the long run.

This article can help you prevent that and provide you with a system of checks and balances that will enable you to offer logical guidance and direction to your child by using the following tips.

LET THEM EXPLORE. You watched them explore and learn how to navigate within their babies, now you should let them do the same as a child with musical interests. If they want to be a drummer; buy them a drum set. If they want to be a guitarist; buy them a guitar. If they want to be a singer; buy them a karaoke set. You get the point. By providing your child with the tools (instruments) they need, you will help them strengthen their interests and illustrate their seriousness.

INSTILL DISCIPLINE. Contrary to popular belief, discipline is the key to succeeding in the arts, not talent. Sure there are minors who are child prodigies, but in the music industry, the person who has the discipline to religiously practice their craft is the person who outshines those who do not - or have not - every time. If you can instill discipline early on, you will greatly increase your child's chances of success. Part of having discipline is initiative. After you supply your child with their tools of interests, how much time do they spend with them? How quickly do they become competent? Discipline - or lack thereof - will be the determining factor.

SUPPORT THEM. You should be there - front and center - lending your support for every performance your child has. Not only does your encouragement mean a great deal to him/her, but it also gives you the opportunity to witness the impact that your child's talent has on people with an unbiased opinion. You can help them improve by offering a delicate mixture of praise and constructive feedback.

HAVE THEM COMPETE. Competition is what separates those who should be doing music as a hobby, and those who are most qualified to pursue it as a profession. Coincidentally, that gap is significantly narrowed with discipline, or widened by it. Competition also allows children to measure their talent against those of their talented peers. Talent shows have always been a vehicle that has been used to transport and deliver children to different levels in their careers. American Idol is essentially a talent show. The now defunct Star Search was also a talent show which was renowned for being used as a springboard for precocious music talents such as Usher, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Beyonce. How would your child have faired on Star Search competing against them?

BE A PROTECTIVE PARENT. If your child has what we industry professionals call, undeniable talent, someone will approach them with a business opportunity; whether it's to perform or record. In rare instances it may be a contract. When such situations arise, don't pretend that you know the business (if you don't). Do acknowledge that you are a protective and concerned parent and that any such offers made or extended to them will be evaluated by an attorney or knowledgeable consultant. Handling business on this fundamental level will safeguard your child in ways that you can't even imagine.

INVEST IN YOUR CHILD. Most parents invest in their children prematurely (and no, purchasing instruments is not an investment - that's a purchase). Paying for lessons of any kind is an investment. It constitutes a larger long term payment that can yield greater dividends down the road. Like most investments, some can't afford them which is why the rule of thumb should be that your child clears the progress, discipline, and perhaps even the competition hurdles discussed in this article before you invest your hard earned money. As challenging as it may be, your decision to invest in your child's fledgling music career should be one that's driven by benchmarks, not emotions. In the absence of such benchmarks, I suggest (if they are teenagers) having minors invest in themselves and having the parents match their investment.

FIND A BUSINESS ALLY. Stage moms (and dads) are notorious for being a pain in the rear. Professionals don't like dealing with them and executives have little patience for them. If your child does end up in a situation that requires both professional attention, you - the parent - are the one who will execute his/her business dealings, interactions, and negotiation. This is why it's so common for parents to confuse their legal obligations with their professional occupation; bypassing the experience of qualified managers or failing to enlist the services of a competent attorney as a result. Sure some parents do make a career of handling their child's business affairs (Jessica & Ashlee Simpson's dad, Beyonce's father, and Chris Brown's mom to name a few), but it's generally a good idea to get to know someone who can help you, help your minor to succeed or manage their success before you need them.

Good luck!

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