In 1962, Victor and Mildred Goertzel published Cradles of Eminence: a study of 413 "famous and exceptionally gifted people." They spent years attempting to understand what produced such greatness. What common thread, if any, might run through the lives of people like Einstein, Gandhi, Roosevelt, Edison, etc?
The most outstanding fact was that 392 had to overcome tremendous obstacles in order to become who they were. What helped them compensate for their handicaps? From an early age, each one had someone in their life of significance who helped them recognize hidden strengths and talents and encouraged their development.
A timeless tragedy is that so many children never have the chance to reach their full potential because their innate strengths are never nurtured. Their potential remains buried.
Our job as parents is to enrich our children's lives by helping them recognize and develop what makes them unique. Instead, many parents spend more time focusing on shortcomings. We need to nurture our children's strengths to increase their self-esteem, limit their stress, cushion their tough times, and to help them overcome their limitations.
There are 3 basic steps to follow:
1. Identify their unique strengths
2. Point out these strengths so your child can see them
3. Provide opportunities to develop strengths
It sounds simple, but it demands that you spend some serious time studying your child. Some of you may say here, "I know my child!" Yes, I'm sure you do. But is your child worth taking a deeper look and possibly uncovering something that could enrich the rest of their life? Of course!
This is one of the most important topics parents can dive into when it comes to their children. In a cynical world that is often more critical than supportive, they desperately need you to step up and actively build their confidence and cultivate their strengths.
More to follow ....
