When it comes to education, parents often hear where their kids are lacking, what they need to work on, and what changes they need to make, rather than which of their strengths and positive assets could help them.

As one mom noted about the current educational curricula used at most schools “Essentially, there is a cookie-cutter curriculum that is expected to be optimum for all kids. We all know that not all kids are the same. But instead of embracing the different types of learning styles, the educational system singles out kids who don’t fit within the mold as being ‘deficient.‘

Author Jenifer Fox’s new book Your Child’s Strengths (described by one blogger as “sensible, thorough, and do able“), gives parents and teachers the tools to help their children discover strengths in three main areas: Activity Strengths, the tasks that make you feel engaged and energized; Relationship Strengths, the things you do for and with others that make you feel valued and competent; and Learning Strengths, the unique ways we approach and understand new information.

Our parents with kids of all ages (not just school-aged kids) were interested in learning more about this movement.

Some points that the parents learned included the following:

- Children do not need to excel at everything and expecting them to do that is asking them to constantly grasp and reach out for goals that are not always attainable or the best route for the child.

- Your child’s strengths are not the acts that you observe in your child, the ones that warm your heart and then you spoon feed them to your child and pat them on the back, while you say, “This is what your strengths are dear,” as you tick them off the chart. No, Fox says, “Your child needs to come to a (strengths) epiphany on his own. You can lead him with your questions, but you cannot have it for him. Your job is to direct your child’s attention.”

- While Fox does advocate viewing - and educating - the whole child, she does not advocate instilling kids with a false or inflated sense of self-esteem. No, Your Child’s Strengths is not about simply puffing up your child’s ego.

Parents also noted helpful parts of Jenifer’s website, specifically the tip sheet, as well as specific sections of the book, including a workbook. And while one blogger felt that there was a lot of info, it was definitely worth sticking it out. “The information in Your Child’s Strengths is extensive, almost to the point of being overwhelming - but I strongly encourage readers to stick it out, and break the book up into portions over a number of days versus trying to plow through it in one day.”

Also, the bloggers appreciate the practical applications. “The latter half of the book is full of real-life examples and detailed practical application, which I always appreciate.  Mere abstract philosophy is sometimes difficult to translate into daily curriculum, especially when one doesn’t have much time for pensive reflection (as is the case with most parents and teachers). ”

Parents found that the book provided them with helpful parenting points as well. “I have been inspired to better appreciate my girls for who they are. I want to learn how to focus on their strengths and discover the innate, unique gifts they carry, savoring both the sweet and salty of what they bring to the banquet table of life.”

This blogger summed it up well:

This book is truly a inspiration, and one every parent and teacher should read. With the current state of the educational system, parents and teachers are more than ever having to make schooling a partnership venture. I think this book is a fabulous way for both sides to help kids reach their fullest potential while not losing their sense of self to the establishment as we know it today.

Stay tuned for more reviews of Your Child’s Strengths.

Today! - Mom Reviews, Mothergoosemouse, Tales from the Dad Side 
Thurs 3/13 - Crazy Momcat, Growing a Life, Toddler Planet
Fri 3/14 - Motherhood Uncensored, Not Quite Crunchy Parent
Mon 3/17 - PunditMom, Quarter Rest, Taste Like Crazy
3/20 - Final Round Up

Did you miss the Blog Blast? We’ve got another great one coming up on Friday. Make sure to check back and join us — lots of great prizes!