Child Strengths

Children shine in their areas of natural ability and interest. This helps them feel strong, capable, and important.

To identify a child’s strengths, you can ask them questions such as “What went well today?” This will yield helpful information about their abilities and interests. Some of their responses may sound a bit odd, but the key is to look at the bigger picture.

1. Perseverance

Having the ability to persevere can make all the difference in reaching your goals. Also known as grit, this strength is about having the courage to keep going when things get tough.

To be able to persevere, you need to care deeply about your goal. Remembering past times when you’ve shown perseverance can help you stay motivated when things are tough.

2. Empathy

Children with empathy have the ability to sense and understand the feelings of others. For example, they may comfort a friend who is upset about a move to a new school.

It’s easier for people to empathize as children, but it’s not impossible for adults to learn the skill, too. Fostering empathy involves teaching students to see other perspectives and incorporating perspective-taking activities into lessons.

3. Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is the ability to control your impulses and delay gratification. It requires determination and an ability to push through when you’re tired or distracted.

Building your self-discipline starts with small actions. Try to avoid big projects that seem overwhelming, and break them into smaller parts. Like a muscle, the more you practice self-discipline, the stronger it gets. Self-discipline is a key ingredient for success in school and life.

4. Intuitiveness

Intuitiveness is the ability to understand or know something without evidence or rational thought. It is sometimes called the sixth sense, although more often it refers to knowledge acquired in ways that are not always obvious — like when a child follows a gut feeling about being in danger. It also can apply to software or devices that are easy to learn, like a smartphone with an intuitive interface.

5. Self-Discipline

Self-discipline allows us to resist temptation and delay gratification. It involves deciding what’s important to you and acting on that.

It’s like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Self-discipline doesn’t mean being narrow-minded or living as a fakir. It means being dedicated and showing up each day. It’s not easy. But it’s essential. It’s what makes your dreams possible.

6. Flexibility

Flexibility is a child’s ability to adapt to different situations. This includes their ability to make the best choices and inhibit certain behaviours when necessary (e.g. when doing otherwise may get them into trouble).

Flexibility can be difficult to pinpoint as it is often tied to personality traits and a person’s chosen hobbies. Children who enjoy group activities, for example, may have strong extroverted tendencies and be able to work well in groups.

7. Perseverance

Perseverance is the strength to keep working toward your goals despite obstacles. It’s more than just stubbornness or refusing to change course; it’s about having a goal you’re passionate about.

SYNONYMS: doggedness, steadfastness, pertinacity. Research shows that perseverance plus passion equals grit—the ability to overcome setbacks and reach long-term goals.

8. Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is the ability to control yourself and behave in a particular way without needing someone else to tell you what to do. For example, a champion athlete must commit to rigorous training and restrict their personal liberties in order to be victorious in the sport. Likewise, children must practice self-discipline to develop their skills and become successful adults. (Collins Dictionary)

|| Merriam-Webster Online:

Child strengths definition.

9. Empathy

People’s propensity for sympathy, empathy, and compassion is influenced by genetic traits and socialization. Psychologists have found that a strong, although variable, correlation exists between empathy and pro-social behaviours.

Sometimes, it is challenging to see a child’s strengths, especially when they are exhibited in a negative manner. Consider whether your child’s impulsiveness, frankness, or a sense of humor could be reframed as a strength in the right context.

10. Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is the ability to control your impulses and delay gratification. It’s like a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.

It differs from motivation and willpower in that it is a daily practice. It requires you to keep showing up no matter how tired or busy you are. Self-discipline also includes taking care of yourself—breaks, healthy eating and rest.