The way we play our role in life, according to the Human Design system, is referred to as Profile. This post offers tips for parents on what to expect if your child’s Profile shows a 2 in it, plus how to help them thrive.

Profile Line 2 is traditionally referred to as “The Hermit” or “The Natural,” but it’s also known casually as “The Gifted Child.”

Now, let’s be clear: All children are gifted in some unique way!

Everyone is born with talent of one kind or another.

(Usually more than one!)

But for kids who are born with that Line 2 in their Human Design Profile, there seems to be no limit to what they can become extremely good at, with seemingly very little effort.

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Line 2 kids have this way about them of just oozing natural talent, in almost any hobby, skill or sport they’re willing to try.

Things just… seem to come so easily to them, more so than they do for others.

It’s as though all the Line 2 kid has to do is give something a shot, spend a little time focusing on it, and wham, they’re the Best In The Class.

Only… they don’t see it that way.

And that’s not actually the whole picture.

It’s not like they’re all virtuosos.

And it isn’t as though they don’t put loads of time and effort into gaining mastery over a thing.

Because they do — you just might not notice what they’re working on, because they spend hours and hours quietly alone.

(You might even think they’re napping when, in reality, they’re making block castles quietly in their room.)

It’s just that they carry a natural… panache at making things look easy.

The Line 2’s among us are here to take foundational knowledge in some arena and move one step further with it: by building mastery.

They are here to turn information and awareness into action.

(I often wonder whether all the students at the performing arts school my kids attend are Line 2’s. My daughter is a 6/2, and getting “in” via audition was a piece of cake for her. And then I remember my son does not have a Line 2. He’s a 4/6, and the audition process took months of “blood, sweat and tears,” as he recalls it, to prepare for and get through. He worked his butt off but, thankfully, he did make the final cut!)

You’ve probably noticed this characteristic in your child, if you’re a parent raising a Line 2 kid.

This “Gifted Child” characteristic typically shows up as:

• an interest in continually building mastery in some particular art, craft, hobby, sport or skill,
• spending time (happily) alone, practicing their art form, skill or sport,
• withdrawing from the busy-ness and noise of everyone else’s drama,
• having a particularly keen eye for visual aesthetics (think beautiful art projects, visually pleasing Instagram posts or a knack for decorating their bedroom)
• and being somewhat oblivious to what’s happening around them, even where there’s lots of activity in the same room.

The kicker is, these children usually have no idea how talented they truly are.

They think everyone operates the same way;

they believe all kids have the same shot at winning (which, of course, they do),

they’re convinced that all kids have the patience for, and interest in, spending just as much time practicing and improving their techniques, just like them.

And so they really don’t see themselves as “the best.”

In fact, whether their current talent (because it will likely change over time as they grow) is playing the clarinet, doing cartwheels, building Lego structures or drawing dragons, the Line 2 child may:

• suffer from debilitating self-doubt.
• struggle with perfectionist tendencies
• fear they’re “not enough”
• and show intense competitiveness.

To ensure that a Line 2 kiddo doesn’t dip into this limiting state, parents can support them by:

1. Offering lots of encouragement and praise,

2. Giving plenty of recognition and pats on the back for their efforts,

3. Inviting them to share their handiwork or perform (e.g., an instrument or sports drill) they’ve been working on (but don’t force them if this will induce extreme panic),

4. Acknowledging, out loud, how the time, effort and focus they’re willing to put into their craft, sport or art form is worthy of celebration and self-pride.

“I’m so proud of you! Aren’t you proud of you, too?”

Moms and Dads can remind their Line 2 kids that one of the things that makes them super-special is their willingness to spend time enjoying their craft,

because when they’re feeling joyful about doing something, gaining mastery comes easily and effortlessly!

Note: Kids who are born with this “Gifted Child” trait are often compelled to go inward. They may be shy, they probably spend hours alone in their bedrooms (if they are lucky enough to have their own space), and it may seem as though they’re avoiding you or their siblings.

A) This doesn’t mean they’re avoidant or purposefully ignoring you, but you can always let them know just how much time has passed if they’ve been holing up, because they’re usually not be aware of it (especially if they’re the kind of kid who forgets to eat or is perpetually distracted when it’s time to leave for school!)

B) Being a “Hermit” does not necessarily mean they’re introverts. Plenty of Line 2 kids love having play dates and pursuing friendships.

They just enjoy spending time in their own energy, doing what they love or feel a natural inclination for, and they’re driven to get really good at whatever craft, talent or skill that may be.

It usually takes someone else to notice and acknowledge them, however.

So they will benefit from finding a friend who can pull them out into the limelight to share their gift(s) out in the open for all to see and appreciate.

To learn more about how this trait shows up in your child, uniquely, book a free consult with me or go deeper with a parent coaching package. I look forward to supporting you and your family!