Being smart is powerful. Knowing how we are smart is influential.
In last Wednesday’s blog, I shared childhood experiences my parents arranged for me to have. Looking back, I see how they are still relevant today.
I want you to create relevant experiences for your children. It matters. You can do this! Many of you already are. I’m so proud of you!
Did you read last Wednesday’s blog and try to see the 8 great smarts in my past? I’ll add more examples from my childhood here:
- I’m a more effective speaker today than I might be because my parents had me join children’s theater. (word smart, people smart, and body smart)
- I became a teacher and then earned a Ph.D. in reading partly because my parents valued my education. (word smart and logic smart)
- I’m an author partly because I read constantly as a child. (word smart and self smart)
- I enjoy music and worship today because my parents arranged for many private lessons and attended numerous concerts all the way through college. (music smart) It’s also one of the main reasons my family is close. (people smart)
- My brother and I love each other today and get along with others because our parents expected us to get along with each other. There were consequences if we didn’t. (people smart and logic smart)
How did my parents know what experiences to provide for Dave and I?
- They listened to us. We knew they cared what we thought and how we were feeling.
- They watched us. They let us know when we were doing well and corrected us when we weren’t.
- They asked questions about our friends and activities starting when we were young so we didn’t resent their questions when we were older.
- They valued what we were learning and not just how we were doing.
- They paid attention to our practices and our performances, our homework and our tests.
- We attended cultural events together, often with our extended family who we were close to.
My parents weren’t perfect. But, they were parents. Be the parent
When you do the above and more, and if you have read How Am I Smart? or my new book, 8 Great Smarts, that will be available March 1st, you’ll be able to further empower your children. You’ll know more of what to look for, listen for, correct, compliment, discuss, and do. You’ll have even more success because your power will increase!
I’m going to conclude this blog just as I did last Wednesday’s:
Who do you see your children becoming? What are their sources of joy? What experiences do they enthusiastically talk with you about? When they lose total track of time, what were they doing? What are their strengths?
What school topics and courses interest them the most? For what do they need very little external motivation? What problems in the world concern them? What people groups are they burdened for?
What experiences can you provide for them? What expectations should you set? Who can you introduce them to so they’re further inspired? What conversations can you have?
This is how God designed your children. Pay attention. WE have significant power as we yield to God’s direction to parent and teach children to live out the story He has written for them. It is not about us! It’s about our children and God’s design and God’s glory.
My parents were very intentional. You can be, too.
[callout]8 Great Smarts launches March 1st. It’s an important refresh of How Am I Smart? You can order it now. And, watch for a helpful series of blogs especially in March that will help you understand some of the true value of the Model. As always, thanks for your interest.[/callout]
