Understanding Intelligence

When we think about intelligence, we often think of someone like Albert Einstein, someone with great intellectual abilities. There are television programs that show great intellects who understand complex subjects like mathematics and physics and have incredible memories. I don’t think this is incorrect as far as it goes. But there are many ways to stand out, and often our school system does not pay as much attention to these other intelligences.

Perhaps if we referred to these abilities as talents my point would make more sense. We all agree that some children are gifted athletes, and their prowess is often publicized. These athletes deserve their praise, and even more so if it encourages them to apply their organizational skills to the classroom. I think parents should encourage their children to take advantage of all their abilities, and the schools should do the same.

The arts are subjects that schools often pay less attention to. Art, music, and theater are often the first subjects to have their budgets cut. But, like sports, the arts can be a safe space for children who blossom when they are encouraged to improve their creative intelligence.

But for me the most important kinds of intelligence that parents can encourage are emotional and social intelligence. Children need to recognize that their needs don’t always come first and that they need to learn specific behavior to be part of a family and a community. Of course, this means that their parents have to recognize the importance of manners and getting along, too. If children are going to mirror proper behavior, they have to see proper behavior. Teaching kids to say “please” and “thank you”, helping people even when you don’t have to, being complimentary, and treating servers respectfully is a parent’s first step to raising a child with emotional and social intelligence. And remember that praising your child when they behave does not end when they are no longer toddlers. We all appreciate being recognized for what we do right.