How Intelligent Are You?

Ever been told that you’re dumb, not smart, not quick enough, stupid, worthless or an idiot?  I’ve heard so many stories of family history moments at this point that I think that many people were raised by wolves instead of caring aware parents.  I talked about that after I read Mackenzie’s book as well.  Good parents encourage their children and nurture their intelligence.

What All Children Want Their Parents to Know: Twelve Keys to Successful Parenting

I got it from my mom.  I laughed when I saw that she was reading it, wondering if she was still working out her parenting skills.  She assured me that it is never too late to learn how to parent.  I started reading it because I talk about parenting yourself.  When you come from many of the beginnings I’ve heard about you literally must parent yourself or just forge ahead blindly until you figure it out.  I suggest road maps (that’s why I started the Survivor Manual).

Not all poor parenting is due to sexual and domestic violence. A lot of neglect and abuse comes from simply not seeing your children.  Many are “seen” in school by caring teachers.   I was placed into the gifted programs at every school I went to.  I loved school.  School was a great escape for me.  In What All Children Want Their Parents to Know: Twelve Keys to Successful Parenting the author talks about how every child is gifted and it’s a matter of discovering talents and developing them.  The author talks about how Howard Gardner, a Harvard psychology professor, has identified at least 7 Intelligent Centers in the human brain.  She suggests identifying which area you feel drawn to and consider developing the areas you don’t feel drawn to.  It is a great way to encourage and nurture your children – so why not set new commitments for yourself too?  So how intelligent are you?

• Linguistic intelligence

Those who love to read, write and listen.  A passion for the spoken word, written word, storytelling, editing and pronunciation.  Poets. Clever with one-liners. Vast vocabulary.  Crossword puzzle lovers, spelling bees and word games.  Smarty pants.  Great at trivia.  Great at written communication.

• Logical-mathematical intelligence

Scientists, engineers, investigating, accounting and problem solving.  Math. Numbers.  Affinity for computers, calculators and tech gadgets.

• Musical intelligence

Composers, beat boxers, music teachers, singers, conductors, voice-over artists, recording engineers and performers.  Love for musical arrangements and instruments.  Love of sound, pitch, beat, rhythm.

• Visual-Spatial intelligence

Sculptors.  Airline pilots. Drawing, painting, jewelry design and interior design.  Eye for color and beauty.  Interested in visual arts, maps, charts and diagrams.  Love the use of metaphors.

• Bodily kinesthetic intelligence

Athletes and dancers.  Bodybuilders.  Running marathons, doing stunts and anything that involves physical challenges.  Great coordination, reflexes and mechanical and crafting skills.  Agile, athletic, sporty.

• Interpersonal intelligence

People people!  Salesmen.  Teachers.  Politicians.  Public speakers. Leaders.  They have tons of friends (on Facebook and in the real world). Like to work in groups and associations.  Good negotiators.

• Intrapersonal intelligence

Philosophers, counselors, mentors.  Sensitive to feelings, needs and aspirations of others. Aspiring to serve and help others. Invoke transformation and positive change.  Not affected by mainstream thinking.  Focused on timeless wisdom and soul connections.

I feel least drawn to the musical intelligence area.  Perfect timing to read this since I just got guitar lessons for Christmas! Where do you feel drawn?  Where do you want to focus?  Do any of you lean far away from the logical mathematical intelligence?  Time to face that fear and start a website!  Nudge, nudge.  Get out of your comfort zone.  If there are areas you feel less drawn to or if you hear old programming tapes from someone telling you that you weren’t good in any area -  time to reprogram and erase those old tapes. There are many areas to play in smarty pants!  You can be good in all areas. As a good parent, wouldn’t you encourage your child in all areas?  What about yourself?

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