You should always support your kids and their natural talents. And if you nurture them, great things will happen. That's what 9-year-old Joe Whale's parents thought when they encouraged their son to keep drawing, even though he got into trouble for doodling （涂鸦） during class.

They sent Joe to an after-school art class and his artistic abilities were quickly noticed by those around him. In fact, Joe was invited to decorate the dining room of the “Number 4” restaurant in Shrewsbury, England. Now, Joe is known as The Doodle Boy and has his own website, as well as social media pages showing off his awesome art.

According to Greg, Joe's dad, his son has always loved drawing and "was added to the Gifted register in primary school aged 4”. Greg also revealed how long it took Joe to finish his drawings on the dining room walls in the restaurant. "Joe spent about 12 hours illustrating the wall.”

What's more, Greg had some proposals for parents who want to encourage their kids to develop their talent: "I would advise parents to encourage their children to always follow their passion and dreams - research local workshops or groups within your local community ”

Joe's teacher recognized his talent and posted his work on Instagram. His drawings caught the eye of the “Number 4" restaurant which asked him to come over and decorate their walls with his doodles. Now, his dad drives him there so he can draw his heart out. Who knew that drawing in an after-class program would lead Joe to get his first job at barely 9 years old?

Papa, as a son of a dirt-poor farmer, left school early and went to work in a factory, for education was for the rich then. So, the world became his school. With great interest, he read everything he could lay his hands on, listened to the town elders and learned about the world beyond his tiny hometown. “There's so much to learn,” he'd say. “Though we're born stupid, only the stupid remain that way.” He was determined that none of his children would be denied an education.

Thus, Papa insisted that we learn at least one new thing each day. And dinner time seemed perfect for sharing what we had learned. We would talk about the news of the day; no matter how insignificant, it was never taken lightly. Papa would listen carefully and was ready with some comment, always to the point.

Then came the moment—the time to share the day's new learning.

Papa, at the head of the table, would push back his chair and pour a glass of red wine, ready to listen.

“Felice,” he'd say, “tell me what you learned today.” “learned that the population of Nepalis...”

Silence. Papa was thinking about what was said, as if the salvation of the world would depend upon it. “The population of Nepal. Hmm. Well...”he'd say. “Get the map; let's see where Nepal is.” And the whole family went on a search for Nepal.

This same experience was repeated until each family member had a turn. Dinner ended only after we had a clear understanding of at least half a dozen such facts.

As children, we thought very little about these educational wonders. Our family, however, was growing together, sharing experiences and participating in one another’s education. And by looking at us, listening to us, respecting our input, affirming our value; giving us a sense of dignity, Papa was unquestionably our most influential teacher.

Later during my training as a future teacher studied with some of the most famous educators. They were imparting what Papa had known all along the value of continual learning. His technique has served me well all my life. Not a single day has been wasted, though I can never tell when knowing the population, of Nepal might prove useful.