High School Parenting: Sparking Creativity

It's important for parents to know that there are different kinds of intelligence. Math, science and English classes only measure intelligence with numbers and words. They reflect a traditional definition of ability. The truth is that all kids are smart, they just express their intelligence in varied and magical ways. Parents must first learn what kinds of intelligence their kids have in order to nurture and strengthen them. When you've discovered what they are, help your teen find activities, at school or within the community, that develop them.

Here are five different areas of intelligence:

Musical (sings, composes and reads music or plays an instrument);

Interpersonal or social (enjoys groups, perceives others' motivations, displays empathy);

Spatial (takes things apart, works visually with paints, design, lighting or architectural drawings);

Intrapersonal (deeply aware of one's thoughts and feelings and talks about experiences);

Bodily/kinesthetic (coordinates fine and gross motor movements in dance, sports, etc.).

Try broadening your definition of intelligence. In doing so, you can help free your teen and spark creativity again.