The GEN S Child
Dr. Joseph Regalado, a Pediatric Psychologist, thoroughly discussed what it is to be a Gen S child. It is not just being smart and strong but someone who also have grit and resilience.
He said that traditionally, children are expected to achieve high grades and graduate with credentials to ensure future success. Every parent wants their children :
– to excel academically
– to be successful in life
– to be happy in their life
– to have a secure self-esteem
– to have healthy relationships
– to be the best they can possibly be in whatever field they should decide to pursue.
Yes, these are what every parents want and this is good. But, oftentimes, we forget also, the feelings and what the child wants for himself. Dr. Regalado stated that in the book , “The Secret to Raising Smarter kids” by Carol Dweck, grade -conscious children shut down when faced with difficulties. These children refused to take more challenging subjects because they may not appear intelligent and that they would rather take simpler subjects and be assured of getting A’s than possibly learning something new.
There is more to intelligence that just academic skills. Dr. Regalado emphasized the Sternberg’s Intelligence Triarchy. These are:
1. Analytical intelligence – academic problem solving and computation
2. Practical Intelligence – street smarts and common sense
3. Creative Intelligence – imaginative and innovative problem solving
Recently, Filipino Parents are becoming realistic. We are adapting and innovating to what is the in today. We are more aware of the potential obstacles our children may face in the future so we want to future proof our children. We are willing to do anything to ensure that our children are prepared for the future so we expose them to the world and try to develop their skills that they could use in real life.
So, what is Grit? This is what separates the very best from those who are simply good enough. Grit is important because it is the driver of achievement and success. Without grit, a talent may be nothing more than an unmet potential ( Angel Duckworth 2016). Dr Regalado said that grit can be inherited and by nurturance, this can be developed. The environment of the child, the family, the school and the community have a significant impact in the development of grit.
Every parent should strive to provide the child a secure and stable nurturing life. Parent’s should build up the confidence of the child to explore and to experience the environment, to gain more knowledge and to enhance his skills. With that, the child would be goal-oriented, resilient, innovative and tenacious.
Being goal-oriented is being driven. The child will be focused in achieving his goals but he is resilient enough to overcome difficulties along the way. He has the capacity to think out of the box. He has the perseverance and persistence to move on. So, this is Grit. The way to go for the future- ready child.
But how do we teach grit to our children? Dr. Joseph Regalado emphasized the following:
1. let them find their passion
2. place kids in activities out of their comfort zone
3. let them get frustrated too
4. model a growth mindset
5. brainstorm together
6. discuss efforts and not accomplishments
7. be “gritty” yourself