It amazes me how intelligent children can be these days.
I have to look no further than my two grandchildren, ages 9 and 6, who in some areas know more than I do and ever will.
My oldest grandson is really into reading and science, but he’s also strong in math. Heck, he’s super smart everywhere.
This guy – remember he is 9 years old – has the periodic table memorized, knows the solar system like a degreed astronomist and just for fun knows just about all the Pokemon characters by name. He reads books written for teenagers and he knows more about electricity and how it works than I do.
For as long as I can remember, he has been passionate about fans. I remember one year when he was really little and we went trick-or-treating together through neighborhoods near his home.
This was way before COVID-19, so people were everywhere.
Every time he went up to a front door and it was opened to his asking for tricks or treats, he would peek inside to see if the home had a ceiling fan in the front room. In some instances, he asked the homeowner how many fans they had in their house. I’ve also heard him ask storeowners to turn on their fans when he walked inside their place of business and noticed they were turned off.
Maybe he’ll grow up to be a very smart electrician.
My younger grandson is a dinosaur and superhero fanatic, especially Batman. He knows most if not all species of the prehistoric critters and whether they were carnivores or herbivores. Show him a picture of one and he’ll tell you what it is – and oftentimes what it does.
As far as Batman, well, he knows a ton of detailed stuff about that caped crusader.
My younger grandson also is a stellar student who loves to read and create. Both are above their normal grade level in every subject area.
Who knows? Maybe he’ll be an archeologist … or even a superhero?
I was an intelligent kid, too, who was well above the curve in school. I’ve digressed as I’ve aged, however.
And my “super knowledge” was sports. When I was elementary aged, I knew every baseball player on every Major League team and could name seasonal and career leaders in most of the key statistical areas. I learned the intricacies of football, basketball and soccer at a very young age as well and had a great grasp on the English language. I think I remember one year not missing a single word on spelling tests.
Anyway …
Today’s youth are smart. And it’s not just the youngest ones.
Inc., a source I’ve used before, lists 10 things parents can do to raise “smart, well-rounded kids.” It says it bases its research on scientific facts.
They are:
• Teach social skills.
• Don’t overprotect.
• Get your kids involved in academics early, then encourage independence when they are older.
• Don’t let them languish in front of a screen.
• Set high expectations.
• Don’t spend too much time praising innate qualities such as intelligence or looks.
• Assign chores.
• Don’t tune out.
• Strive for a peaceful, loving home.
• Don’t be too hard (or too soft).
Psychology today also gave some pointers in how to raise intelligent children.
“Intelligence does matter,” it said. “A curious, well-developed, and well-disciplined mind is an advantage in most human activities, from school to work to relationships.”
Its recommendations:
• It starts with you.
• Show your child bountiful love in action.
• Listen, really listen.
• Make sure there’s lots of time for play.
• Stimulate all the child’s senses.
• Model and teach how to manage emotions.
• Pay attention to a child’s physical development.
• Nurture a child’s creativity.
The items on both of these lists have merit in my book. I’m in no way an expert, but I do know what worked for me, both as a kid and as a parent and now a grandparent. And, yes, it is a balancing act.
I do know that children need love and attention, a good home and they need to know we really care.
I know both my wife and I came from very loving homes, and I know we provided one for my two daughters. And, I believe I can attest that my three sisters and I ended up being pretty smart, as did my daughters.
There has to be a link in there somewhere.
Of course, we can’t overdo it as that proper mix is the key. Business with pleasure. Classes with recess. Rest with work.
Balance.
Life hangs in it.
And we just need to remember when the scale gets a little heavy on one end, we either need to lighten the load or add a little weight to the other side.
So, maybe that’s enough smarts for the day. I think a nap is in order.
Here’s to being intelligent about intelligence, no matter the age.
As always, thanks for reading.
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