It turns out that superior intellect and natural talent is not necessarily the key to success. Over 30 years of research shows that an overemphasis on talent or intellect leaves children vulnerable to failure.
The danger is that they do not develop mechanisms for handling challenges and overcoming adversity. Everything comes easily for them and they begin to expect that this will continue. When faced with obstacles later in life they do not know how to handle them.
It is often the children that are faced with difficulties and overcome them that achieve the greatest success. They develop a belief in themselves and know that by working hard they can solve a problem or reach a goal.
Scientific American presents the results of these findings in an article entitled The Secret to Raising Smart Kids. Here are some of the strategies they recommend for producing high achievers in school and in life:
Praise effort and persistence when your child completes a task.
Teach your children that the brain is like a muscle that can get stronger the more you use it.
Provide opportunities for defeat so they can learn from their mistakes.
Tell stories of achievement that resulted from hard work.
Instill a love of learning in your child.
Teach them that even geniuses have to work hard to succeed.
You often see people that were destined for greatness fall short and others with questionable futures achieve remarkable levels of success. There is no doubt that perseverance, hard work and an ability to overcome challenges were life skills that made the difference.
Do you dream of taking wonderful photos that people will gush over? It’s easier than you think. By applying some basic techniques that anyone can learn you’ll see a dramatic improvement in your photo taking ability.
Here is a short video from a professional photographer that shows you 10 simple tips you can encorporate into your picture taking activities.
You may still need a professional at some point to take that special formal portrait or family holiday photo. Use our interactive Google map to locate Professional Photo Studios on the West Island.
Although it may not necessarily be on the top of a child’s wish list, helping to nurture a love of books and reading can turn out to be a priceless gift that will bring a lifetime of joy to someone.
For ideas of interesting books your children may enjoy, Teachers First has put together a categorized list of 100 Best Books For Children. The National Education Association also put together some top 100 lists. Check out the list of top 100 children’s books as ranked by Kids and by Teachers.
With the holiday season fast approaching, time will very shortly be at a premium.
Shopping online ( even if only to browse and do some initial research ) is a time efficient way to knock off items from your shopping list. Most online bookstores provide powerful search engines to make your selection easier, have books categorized by age and interest and even offer a quick look inside to give you an idea of how appropriate a book may be.
Here are a few classic book series that all children like to get you started:
Are there any books your children loved reading or enjoyed when you read to them? Share your experience by leaving us a comment and giving other parents some great ideas.
provide powerful search engines to make your selection easier, have books categorized by age and interest and even offer a quick look inside to give you an idea of how appropriate a book may be.
