Bringing out the Genius

I came into parenting with the belief that the right environment and nurturing could turn any child into a gifted child.  Now I believe that genes probably have something to do with it, but I still think giftedness can be coaxed out of children.  If nothing else, you'll develop a deeply meaningful relationship with your child.

Bringing out the genius in your kids is more about your mindset than your method.  Here are a few important principles that have set the foundation for my method of parenting:

1. Don't belittle your children.  

When the father of Malala (the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize recipient) was asked why his daughter is so strong, he replied, "Because I didn't clip her wings." (see his TED talk here)  Children are born with their own unique set of gifts, strengths and talents that will manifest naturally if they are not held back by their parents.

I have seen parents acting like they believe their children are insane, idiotic, or out to get them. That mindset will clip your children's wings for sure.  It'll generate criticism and contempt which creates an environment that is unfit for learning, creativity, and growth.  

2. See your child for the amazing beings they are.  

Human beings are incredible! The things people are capable of doing are astounding, whether the person is gifted, mentally or physically handicapped, or wonderfully average.  Think of what the most intelligent animal in the world is capable of: mimicking voices, communicating with sounds, creating basic tools, doing tricks.  Human children- even as young as a year old- are capable of vastly more than this.  The human brain is phenomenal.  Remembering this helps me to see and appreciate the incredible things my children do and the amazing beings they are.

3. Nurture curiosity and a love of learning in yourself. 

Our kids see us reading, spending money on audio books & spending time listening to them, asking questions & seeking out the answers, and getting excited about things like trips to the planetarium.  They learn to value these things because we value them.

4. Never try to force learning.

I remember watching a father try to force his young son to talk.  The boy was, in the dad's mind, plenty old enough to be talking.  As the dad engaged in a battle of wills with his son, the son closed off more and more until the dad, angry and tired, finally quit.  Force only breeds resistance and resentment.  We always keep learning fun and light especially with young children.  If they decide they aren't interested anymore, we move on.  We neither clip their wings nor push them off a cliff to try to force them to fly.

These four principles have helped us create an environment in our home where are children feel safe to take risks, try new things, and pursue their interests.