With many parents watching their children struggle thanks to No Child Left Behind and a school curricula that aim on improving on the negative rather than capitalizing on the positive, Your Child’s Strengths is almost like a breath of fresh air.
This new book from author and educator Jenifer Fox has become the catalyst of the Strengths Movement, a revolutionary idea that utilizes childrens’ strengths to help them work on their needs.
Our first set of bloggers appreciated Fox’s approach and writing, and our second group of bloggers agreed. “The language is clear and relatively easy to understand, and the book is peppered with stories from the author’s experiences not only as a teacher, but also as an observer of other people’s children, making it easier to understand her point.” Added another “… the flow and style. Even outside of the stories, the thoughts are accessible and clear and Jenifer had put her case for the Strengths Movement forward very effectively.”
In particular, the bloggers liked the workbook section, many of them utilizing it with their own children during the review process. “I have to admit that I flipped directly to the final section of the book - the strengths workbook. Even though my children are still quite young, I’m ready to start educating myself. I want to know how I can turn my everyday observations into opportunities to help my children (and in turn, help myself).”
While one mom felt a bit overwhelmed by the workbook, she was able to take something wonderful from it. “What I CAN do is let this be a wake-up call: I’ve been ignoring my son’s strengths. There, I said it. I’ve been struggling and fighting with him instead of celebrating what makes him unique. That is going to change, no doubt about it.” Another mom, who added that the info in the book could be seen as overwhelming had this to say, “Initially some of the advice may seem overwhelming, but on second glance, much of it is based on parental assessment that comes from everyday life.”
Also, the parents noted that knowing their child’s strengths was great for more than just education. Talk about helping them survive in everyday life. “Considering how different my girls are (and how different I’m sure their younger brother will be too), I’m especially glad to have “Your Child’s Strengths” as a resource to help me identify and address their individual strengths.”
One blogger who did enjoy the book felt as though more connections on how to make this work within how our children are learning right now. “While in an idyllic world every child could discover their strengths and use that knowledge and ability to make informed decisions about their future, those actions still have to be done within the confines of today’s society.” Another added a similar comment. “However, my one issue with some of the strengths focus is this–life doesn’t always play to our strengths. As an adult, I have to take out the trash and clean the dishes–two chores that I completely hate. I can’t just chose to only do the things that play to my talents or that I enjoy, because the dirty work must get done too. But, I see that, by being aware of their talents and interests, it can help me guide my kids into choosing activities and jobs that interest and suit them, which in turn will build their self esteem.”
However, as an educator myself, I firmly believe that incorporating this within an existing curriculum is possible.
Overall, the parents took wonderful things away from this book. “One of the things I loved best from the book: ‘Knowing your own strengths will help your children understand theirs…. You will teach your child how to live a full life by living one yourself.’” “While I still worry that my son seems to take sooo long to complete anything. I’m trying a new attitude these days. I cheer his meticulous work. I praise him for being thorough. I still worry though about those timed tests looming in his future.”
You can purchase Your Child’s Strengths at Amazon.com.
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