The Secret to Raising Smart Kids
Hint: Don't tell your kids that they are. More than three decades of research shows that a focus on effort—not on intelligence or ability—is key to success in school and in life
The head-coach/owner of the gym where Aimee lives, uh, I mean, spends inordinate amounts of her time training with her competitive gymnastics team, scheduled an all-team parent meeting last Friday night. One of the main agenda items was a discussion of the above article from Scientific American. The article relates not only to academic success, but also to success in any kind of endeavor that requires effort.
While talent certainly is important to success in gymnastics, it isn't necessarily the most talented kids that are the most successful. This article gives a great explanation of why that is.
1 comment:
This insight makes excellent sense.
My stepson, who could multiply in his head before he started kindergarten now holds a BS in Optical Engineering from the University of Arizona and is an engineer for a major defense contractor. He always knew he was smart, but he also had excellent time management and work skills in high school and college. By time management, I mean, among other things, that he blew off some subjects, but applied himself quite well, especially in math classes.
My daughter, also quite bright from the get go, was always more socially oriented. Outside of my influence, unfortunately, she didn't apply herself and didn't even finish high school.
Of course, I still love her, but it hurts to know that she'll be limited in her opportunities.
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