Why “Raising Intelligent Kids”?

I chose the title “Raising Intelligent Kids” for my blog because I think it has universal appeal. Let’s start with the word “intelligent”. The first thought many may have is to consider intelligence in the traditional academic sense. Let’s face it, this is important. No matter where a child starts, or what genetic and/or environmental influences may be at play, we all want our children to learn, don’t we? Intelligence could also apply to the term “emotional intelligence” coined by Daniel Goleman. Do we want our children to be altruistic, motivated, and empathetic? “I just want you to be happy”, said by millions of parents throughout the world. Could intelligence encompass common sense or street smarts? Could creativity be considered a type of intelligence?

Now let’s look at the word, “raising”. What does this mean to you? Can this blog apply to non-parents as well? Parents raise kids, grandparents raise kids, aunts and uncles raise kids, teachers raise kids and communities raise kids. In the words of Whitney Houston, “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.”