Unleashing Hidden Brilliance in Children
In the past, children were labeled as clever or dumb based on their language and mathematics abilities. However, intelligence extends far beyond speaking and counting well! It is estimated that there are at least nine types of intelligence in each person, present in different measures and manifesting in various ways. This variability can also be influenced by their environment and the opportunities available to exhibit these intelligences.
Children in the same family, even with the same mother and father, can differ vastly, like day and night. These differences can be attributed to a variety of factors including genetics, individual experiences, and personality traits. While they share the same parents and upbringing, each child is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and ways of interacting with the world.
Many people feel rejected or inadequate because they can’t “measure up” or think they are less intelligent than their siblings. But what exactly is intelligence?
Dr. Howard Gardner describes intelligence as follows:
- The ability to create an effective product or offer a service that is valued in a culture.
- A set of skills that make it possible for a person to solve problems in life.
- The potential for finding or creating solutions for problems, which involves gathering new knowledge.
It is clear that language and mathematics alone don’t address all of life’s challenges. For instance, a chef doesn’t need advanced calculus to create a delicious dish, and an athlete doesn’t require coding skills to excel in their sport.
All children have been blessed with special skills and abilities (aka intelligence) for creating products, solving problems, and developing new knowledge.
There are nine areas of brilliance which lie hidden inside your child, just waiting to be discovered and developed.
Nurturing Diverse Intelligences in Your Child
Identify: Spend time observing your child’s natural interests and inclinations. What activities do they gravitate towards? What tasks do they perform with ease and enthusiasm?
Utilize various tools and assessments designed to highlight different intelligences. This could include cognitive assessments, educational games, or even discussions with teachers and other significant adults in their lives.
Develop, encourage and celebrate: Foster an environment where your child feels safe to explore their interests. Provide them with opportunities to engage in activities related to their strengths.
Invest in resources that support their areas of intelligence. This could be books, educational toys, online courses, or extracurricular activities.
You may also need to connect your child with mentors or role models who excel in their areas of interest. This can provide guidance, inspiration, and practical advice.
Finally, celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small. This will help build their confidence and encourage them to continue developing their skills.
Remember, you need to be their greatest cheerleader.
