How to Build Self-Esteem in Your Kids: Part 5

“I CAN is 100 times more important than IQ”

Book Smarts Aren’t the Only Way to Measure Intelligence

One of the major flaws in our public education system today (at least in my humble opinion) is the focus on standardized test scores.  A child’s level of intelligence is NOT determined by how well or how poorly they score on a test.  This form of traditional testing only reflects one form of intelligence.  If you don’t make the grade on these tests, you will very likely be labeled as possessing only substandard intelligence compared to the rest of the world.

We all know what these kinds of labels can do to a young child (or adult for that matter) and how destructive they can be to self-esteem.  A person who does poorly in school may be a complete genius in building things with their hands.   A person who failed every class through school might just have an emotional intelligence that is off the charts and is able to connect with and help other people in a very powerful way.

I’m not saying that there is no place for standardized tests, and I understand the school system’s need to place some measure on performance.  What I am saying is there are other ways to not just measure intelligence, but to build intelligence (and self-esteem).

I’m also not saying that you have to go out and single-handedly reform the entire education system.  What I am saying is that there are simple ways for you to provide these opportunities for your child to strengthen their own intelligence and self-esteem in the comfort of your own home and with very little effort on your part. Read more

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