A TYPICAL day for 4-year-old Michael Thomas Panganiban Hansen is bound to make the average adult blanch and wilt under the sheer weight of activities he manages to cram into it: an early breakfast with mom and dad, school until early afternoon, computer sessions back home where he googles ?Thomas the Train? videos and watches them. Sometimes, real-life Thomases visit with toy engines and the computer is abandoned in favor of playtime. A football practice every now and then. Tennis with his dad on weekends when the family isn?t out of town. Private swimming lessons, golf tutorials, a friendly game of football. And, if the boy?s not too tired, a church visit to hear Mass.

If you think that?s hectic, wait till Michael gets ?in the mood,? as mom Riza Hansen describes it. That?s when she hides his painting materials, especially during school. Explains Hansen: ?When he starts doing something he really likes, it?s difficult to stop him. He has the tendency to spend a lot of time painting which is not good if he has to wake up early the next day for school.?

Painting was a habit that the boy started developing when he was a toddler, the mother reveals. ?At 2, he was already drawing and painting using college sketch pads. He also learned early to write his full name. He even has a photographic memory and can see beyond what normal eyes can.?

It must be in the genes, says Hansen. ?I?m not an artist and neither is my husband. But I think Michael got his talent from my husband?s younger brother who is an artist in Denmark.?

Although Michael?s dad would rather the boy become an athlete like a football or tennis player, a golfer or swimmer, his proud mom is all-out in ensuring that Michael becomes an even better artist. ?I hired a teacher to enhance his painting skills, while his artist-uncle tries to teach him new techniques every time we travel to Europe, which we do at least once a year,? says Hansen.

Her efforts have apparently paid off. Already, Michael had enough works for a first solo exhibit in September this year, with the proceeds going to charities and organizations working for the welfare of less fortunate children and the sick.

Having a gifted child is definitely a blessing, says Hansen who admits however to the challenge of allotting enough time for Michael despite the full schedule that comes with both she and her husband working full time. ?But we make sure that we spend time with him and attend to his needs as much as we can,? she adds.

The proud mother willingly shares some tips on how to bring up a gifted child:

? If you notice that your children are talented, support and guide them
? Make sure to strike a balance. Your child should have enough time not only for study, but also for play, sports, and bonding with family
? Working parents should strive to find time to have breakfast or dinner with their children to maintain family bonds.
? As much as possible, answer all the questions that your children ask you
? Teach your kids to be independent even if you have house help
? Show your affection freely. Make sure you hug and kiss your children at least once a day.
? Be a good example to them.
? Reward them if they have achieved something.
? Go to church together. Make sure there?s always time for God as well. Pennie Azarcon-dela Cruz