Discovering Your Child's Learning Strengths

by Thomas Armstrong, PhD


One important key to helping your child succeed in school is to become a "strength detective" at home!

Make a list of all the wonderful things about your child. Include information about special talents your child may possess, such as musical or artistic abilities, positive qualities your child demonstrates, including attributes such as creativity, courage and curiosity. And don't forget to list things that your child is really interested in, like sports, reading or science.

Then spend some time with your child -- going over the list, and talking about "positives" in his or her life. Make sure to ask him/her what he likes best about himself or herself. Encourage your child to keep a scrapbook of photos, artwork, school papers and other items having to do with accomplishments and abilities in his life.

You may be suprised to see what a difference these things make in your child's general attitude. Research suggests that when children feel better about themselves at home, their ability to succeed in school improves at the same time.

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Last modified: Oct 24, 1995