What comes to your mind when you hear the word “genius”? Albert Einstein, great universities, or a famous artist perhaps? Genius has become something we think of as quite rare. A quality that we can calculate and then value as only belonging to a select few.
Now, a harder question: What if it’s just not true that genius resides in only a few? It can be tough for us to reconsider words that have been in our vocabulary for a long time. But we really owe it to our kids to take a closer look at “genius”. Genius is a creative ability that emerges from within the individual. It’s not a gene, blood type, or subject taught in school. Genius is more like a seed of possibility that each of us is born with. Think back to when you looked in your child’s eyes when they were born, or the times you watched them take on amazing new feats as they stumbled around discovering the world. Didn’t you marvel at the possibility that their life held? Would they be scientists, teachers, inventors, mothers, and fathers? It’s this possibility within your child that brings with it a genius-level capability of self-expression. Don’t take our word for it; research has shown this genius-level ability is present in every child but recedes over time. As self-expression wanes, it often takes our sense of possibility with it.
Now, a harder question: What if it’s just not true that genius resides in only a few? It can be hard for us to reconsider words that have been in our vocabulary for a long time. But we really owe it to our kids to take a closer look at “genius”. Genius is a creative ability that emerges from within the individual. It’s not a gene, blood type, or subject taught in school. Genius is more like a seed of possibility that each of us is born with. Think back to when you looked in your child’s eyes when they were born, or the times you watched them take on amazing new feats as they stumbled around discovering the world. Didn’t you marvel at the possibility that their life held? Would they be scientists, teachers, inventors, mothers, and fathers? It’s this possibility within your child that brings with it a genius-level capability of self-expression. Don’t take our word for it, research has shown this genius-level ability is present in every child but recedes over time. As self-expression wanes, it often takes our sense of possibility with it.
As we close this year soon, let’s reflect on the possibilities (creative genius) within our kids. Let’s create space for their inner self-expression to flow. This isn’t so much something you have to do or teach, as to allow. Allow yourself to once again marvel at their unique way of creating. Allow your kids to express themselves in whichever way they choose.
