by Jodi Johnston
Parents spend a tremendous amount of time and money shuffling their kids to music lessons, sports practices, art classes, theatre training, academic tutoring etc. all in the desperate attempt to grow kids that are “well rounded.” Even when our kids don’t show much ability in, or joy doing, a certain activity, we often encourage them to try anyway. We tell them it’s good for them and helps them grow into balanced adults. Of course we celebrate when our children succeed, especially academically, but let’s reflect honestly on where the majority of attention and time is focused.
Imagine your child comes home with A’s in all subjects, except for a C math. We likely praise and congratulate the child on their efforts and may even reward them for their achievement. We spend a few moments pointing out all the wonderful A’s, until inevitably, all attention and focus shifts to the C in math. What happened? Why is the mark so low? How can you do better? Perhaps we need to hire a tutor? Why don’t you work harder? Study longer? How can we make you better in math?
What if we entertained for just a moment, that concentrated focus and effort on what kids aren’t good at, actually impedes their success for what they are good at? What if we allowed and even encouraged young people to focus on and grow from their natural areas of strength, instead of trying to improve a so called “weaknesses?”
We all have innate talents we were born with. Abilities and aptitudes that are unique to us and when combined with experience, knowledge, skill and intention become powerful strengths. What if we could tap into these talents and harness them, even in very young children, allowing them to develop their strengths? Of course grades are important, but an emphasis on the positive and attention on what is working, goes a long way. The truth is that focusing on what we have, versus what we don’t have, is powerful. Presence trumps absence. And there are conditions in which all of us thrive.
Research shows that giving humans the opportunity to do and focus on what they are good makes them healthier, happier and more successful. And it’s not hard to see why. You’re simply better at and more effective using the talents you were born with. If you like and do well at something, you feel good. Your self-esteem grows and the original talent that you already possessed matures and develops; leading into something not just good, but great. Young people whose natural talents are being nurtured, protected and promoted have an advantage because they are playing to their strengths. Identifying a child’s talents and tapping into their intuitive and instinctive source of brilliance leads to unlimited possibilities. More importantly, it leads to happier, healthier kids who feel good about who they are and engaged and excited about their future.
Jodi Johnston-McNiven
President, Seedlings USA
Jodi Johnston holds a Social Service Work Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a concentration in Psychology. She has over 15 years’ experience, working in 4 countries, as a facilitator/teacher in various capacities including life skills, corporate trainer and professional and personal development. Also a mother of 2, Jodi’s commitment to the Seedlings program and The Magic Coat workshops stems from a strong desire to provide young people with the Social/Emotional skills needed to succeed in life.
www.seedlingskids.com
jodi@seedlingskids.com
To host a Seedlings or Flourish workshop for your child or find a Seedlings or Flourish workshop in your area to attend, email jodi@seedlingskids.com
For more information about what Seedlings and The Flourish Program is doing here in the US, visit Seedlings Texas FB page or go to https://seedlingskids.com/ or https://flourishprogram.com.au/about/
Parents spend a tremendous amount of time and money shuffling their kids to music lessons, sports practices, art classes, theatre training, academic tutoring etc. all in the desperate attempt to grow kids that are “well rounded.” Even when our kids don’t show much ability in, or joy doing, a certain activity, we often encourage them to try anyway. We tell them it’s good for them and helps them grow into balanced adults. Of course we celebrate when our children succeed, especially academically, but let’s reflect honestly on where the majority of attention and time is focused.
Imagine your child comes home with A’s in all subjects, except for a C math. We likely praise and congratulate the child on their efforts and may even reward them for their achievement. We spend a few moments pointing out all the wonderful A’s, until inevitably, all attention and focus shifts to the C in math. What happened? Why is the mark so low? How can you do better? Perhaps we need to hire a tutor? Why don’t you work harder? Study longer? How can we make you better in math?
What if we entertained for just a moment, that concentrated focus and effort on what kids aren’t good at, actually impedes their success for what they are good at? What if we allowed and even encouraged young people to focus on and grow from their natural areas of strength, instead of trying to improve a so called “weaknesses?”
We all have innate talents we were born with. Abilities and aptitudes that are unique to us and when combined with experience, knowledge, skill and intention become powerful strengths. What if we could tap into these talents and harness them, even in very young children, allowing them to develop their strengths? Of course grades are important, but an emphasis on the positive and attention on what is working, goes a long way. The truth is that focusing on what we have, versus what we don’t have, is powerful. Presence trumps absence. And there are conditions in which all of us thrive.
Research shows that giving humans the opportunity to do and focus on what they are good makes them healthier, happier and more successful. And it’s not hard to see why. You’re simply better at and more effective using the talents you were born with. If you like and do well at something, you feel good. Your self-esteem grows and the original talent that you already possessed matures and develops; leading into something not just good, but great. Young people whose natural talents are being nurtured, protected and promoted have an advantage because they are playing to their strengths. Identifying a child’s talents and tapping into their intuitive and instinctive source of brilliance leads to unlimited possibilities. More importantly, it leads to happier, healthier kids who feel good about who they are and engaged and excited about their future.
Jodi Johnston-McNiven
President, Seedlings USA
Jodi Johnston holds a Social Service Work Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a concentration in Psychology. She has over 15 years’ experience, working in 4 countries, as a facilitator/teacher in various capacities including life skills, corporate trainer and professional and personal development. Also a mother of 2, Jodi’s commitment to the Seedlings program and The Magic Coat workshops stems from a strong desire to provide young people with the Social/Emotional skills needed to succeed in life.
www.seedlingskids.com
jodi@seedlingskids.com
To host a Seedlings or Flourish workshop for your child or find a Seedlings or Flourish workshop in your area to attend, email jodi@seedlingskids.com
For more information about what Seedlings and The Flourish Program is doing here in the US, visit Seedlings Texas FB page or go to https://seedlingskids.com/ or https://flourishprogram.com.au/about/
