Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do.
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When we know ourselves well and design learning and work situations based on that knowledge, we can be more successful. The same is true for children and teens.
I’ve been writing almost nonstop since July 6th. Jill Savage, the Founder and CEO of Hearts-at-Home, and I are writing No More Perfect Kids: Love Your Kids for Who They Are for Moody Publishing. What have I been reminded of or learned?
- As an introvert, I am energized during my alone times. I was wise to go to my brother’s beautiful home in Atlanta for 17 days. Since Dave and his wife, Debbie, were gone for 11 of those days, and I had the house to myself, I had a lot of energy.
- Would any of your children benefit from more time alone? Honor them by providing for that peace and quiet.
- I was surprised by how many ideas became clear after times of reflection, rest, and sleep. Comparing ideas was productive and just spending time wondering was rich. The self-smart times were important. I’m going to use them more often.
- Is self-smart reflection another reason your kids would want to spend time alone and in quiet. Talk with them about this idea.
- Because I’m people smart, I think well with others people so I didn’t stay alone the entire time. In addition to two dinners with a friend, I also called my friend and Project Manager, Nancy, sometimes to talk about ideas. Those times were always fruitful.
- Would any of your kids be helped by strategic and well-timed conversations with others as they’re working and learning? What can you do to help make those happen.
- Being word smart definitely helps me write. I have to be careful though because it’s easy to edit my work. Just because I can almost always think of a second way to say something doesn’t mean I should immediately change what I wrote.
- Talk to kids about how their word-smart strengths may be interfering with their being satisfied with their writing or finished in a timely manner.
- When I struggled with writer’s block or frustration, I didn’t think of myself as stupid. Rather, I just made adjustments to what I was doing. This was huge to staying encouraged.
- Share this insight with your kids. Making changes is smart; it doesn’t mean we’re stupid. Make sure they know that.
What have you learned about yourself? Your kids? Do something so it shows up.
