Kids can have aggravating habits. But those aggravating habits might just be the seeds of greatness.

Talking Points:

  • It’s easy for teachers and even parents to wrongly judge kids as distracted and unteachable, especially if there seems to be ample evidence supporting that conclusion. One student who was misjudged by his teachers and principal was world-renowned physicist Albert Einstein.
  • Different kids have different sets of “native skills.” Some kids thrive when they are given traditional homework and tests. Others require different types of assessments and assignments to really grow.
  • Some of your kid’s native skills may be frustrating to handle. A kid who loves to climb and jump off of things might hurt themselves repeatedly. Rather than forbidding them to climb and jump, it would be wise to enroll that child in gymnastics classes.
  • Kids need caring adults to point out things they don’t yet see in themselves. Redirect your kid’s energy and talents into productive outlets that will help them become great at the things that matter to them.
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Did you have “untapped potential” as a child? Explain.
  3. What sort of habits have you noticed in your child that aggravate you? Explain.
  4. Do you think some of your child’s habits might be hinting at untapped potential? Explain.
  5. Identify some of your child’s native skills. What are some ways you can positively channel those to help them in life?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?