Helping Children Find Their Strengths Instead of Fixating on Weaknesses

- Poonam Jaggi

We all possess unique strengths and weaknesses. However, in our quest to fix what we perceive as shortcomings, we often neglect the very strengths that can help us thrive. So, should we highlight our strengths and work on improving them even further, or work on our shortcomings to overcome them?

The tendency is to focus on weaknesses. It is good to be aware of our weaknesses but constantly focussing on them leads to losing confidence and motivation.

If we as educators and parents help our learners discover and concentrate on their strengths, we can develop a positive foundation for growth and accomplishment.

The theory of Multiple Intelligence suggests that people possess different types of intelligences, such as linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, kinaesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligence. Every child has a unique combination of these strengths, which influences how they learn and express themselves. Recognizing multiple intelligences helps parents and educators appreciate diverse talents and create opportunities for children to develop their full potential.

When children are appreciated for what they can do, it boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Whether a child excels in academics, sports, music, creativity, leadership, problem-solving, or kindness, acknowledging these abilities helps them develop a positive self-image. When children believe in their capabilities, they are more likely to face difficulties with confidence and optimism. Thus, approach learning with enthusiasm.

Educators and parents can effectively motivate students, if they highlight their strengths. For this, we as adults need to be more observant and try to identify activities that the student enjoys doing and engage them more in those pursuits. Very often, strengths are not very obvious as they don’t fit conventional methods of success.

Encouraging students to focus on their strengths, does not mean that they ignore or side track their weaknesses. They should be aware of their weaknesses and try to work on them. The idea is that the student must be identified or recognized for his strengths and not weaknesses. The strengths must be used as tools to overcome the weaknesses.

We at The Kalyani School the best Secondary schoolin Pune , encourage this by allowing the students to showcase their talents during Form Mornings, Assemblies and at other events. In The Kalyani CBSE School, students are encouraged to pursue their strengths. They are also given certain concessions if they participate in sports or other co-curricular activities. At TKS, we also offer the NIOS curriculum for students who wish to pursue and nurture their unique strengths and interests, that may not align with the conventional academic curriculum.

Students must be given various platforms to try different activities and find what they enjoy or are good at. Exposure to arts, science, sports, music, dance, drama, technology, social work and other varied activities will help the children identify their likes and dislikes.

For this we need to change the way feedback is given. Instead of finding faults, we can highlight their progress (however small it is). The faults also need to be highlighted but along with a positive reinforcement. This approach encourages growth without diminishing their self-worth. Celebrating children's strengths fosters self-belief and helps shape capable, enthusiastic, and well-rounded personalities.