How God Created Your Child to Think and Learn Guest post: Sarah Reeve Olson, M.Ed
Sarah, with Reeve and Emalynn
If you are the parent of an adult child, have you ever said aloud or even thought wistfully, “I wish I had known that back then when my kids were little?” I’ve heard my mother say those words, and I know I have also said and thought them.
Today’s blog is a guest post written by my younger daughter, Sarah, from a talk she delivered to a group of moms. I think you’ll enjoy Sarah’s expert insights. I encourage you to forward this to any moms who might say, “I’m glad I know this now!”
How God Created Your Child to Think and Learn
O, LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways…. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. Psalm 139:1-14 (NIV ©1984)
Each child has been created differently—not only physically, but in personality, intelligence and learning style. It is wise to study your child to help him or her develop according to God’s unique design.
The following overviews are meant to assist parents in helping their children, rather than put a child in a certain category. Learning styles and intelligences often change as time goes on and kids learn new skills. Being aware of your child’s unique design can help you communicate with your child’s teacher if problems arise.
Primary Learning Styles:
· Auditory – This child needs a quieter workspace; talks through things to solve tasks; reads texts/notes/direction aloud to understand; uses rhymes and repetition to remember things.
· Visual – Visual association helps this child with learning and memory; needs to see something being done; develops written or pictorial ideas before answering questions; likes things organized neatly.
· Kinesthetic – This child uses all senses, particularly physical movement; needs frequent breaks; role plays situations; participates in discussions.
Multiple Intelligences:
· Word Smart – thinks with words.
· Logic Smart – thinks with questions.
· Picture smart – thinks with their eyes and pictures.
· Music Smart – thinks with movement and touch.
· Nature Smart – thinks with natural patterns.
· People Smart – thinks with other people.
· Self Smart – thinks with deep reflection.
Personality Types:
· Introvert
o Needs space and time
o Typically has one or two close friends
o Needs time to adjust to new ideas and activities
o Seems to be in his/her own world
o Needs individual time to re-energize
· Extrovert
o Quick to speak and act
o Has many friends
o Talks to think
o Energized by being around people
o Often thought of as impulsive
o Enjoys new tasks and activities
Encouraging your child with constructive praise. Dr. John Townsend, Christian psychologist, says, “Praise is an important part of parenting. But we sometimes praise our children in ways that can actually harm them.”
Dr. Townsend suggests:
· Praise what takes effort and focuses on a child’s character, rather than talent or appearance.
· Praise when a child stretches, applies extra effort or exceeds expectations.
· Praise with specifics. Rather than saying, “You’re amazing!” or “You’re awesome!” Praise specific efforts or what went ‘above and beyond.’
· Keep praise based on reality. Saying, “You can do anything you want to do.” may not be realistic. Over-praise can lead to devastating doses of reality from those who don’t truly care about your child.
Thank you, Sarah….Mom
