We are all intelligent In our own way

It is common that first generation college goers opt for the courses that guarantee them a well-paying job irrespective of their capabilities in the subject they choose, work really hard and achieve their goal. It is undoubtedly a good thing because it is going to change the following generations in their family for good. The only downside is that most of them continue believing that this is the only way to survive in the world and force the same on next generations. When parents are educated and economically stable it is important that they keep themselves informed on the ways they can provide their child with a secure and happy life and not just an economically stable life.

In this world of rat race it is easy to forget that there are numerous opportunities other than the tried and tested doctor and Engineering streams. Encouraging your child in the field that he/she has an inherent aptitude and intelligence will ensure that they are the best at what they do which will further ensure that they have a fulfilling and financially independent life.

Understanding the Theory of Multiple Intelligence by psychologist Howard Earl Gardner empowers us to understand the child’s capabilities which can be fostered further;

Bodily-Kinesthetic: This intelligence refers to the control on one’s own body movements and handling objects skillfully. You might notice this capability in a child while playing; the angle at which he throws the ball, the angle at which she swings the bat or the technique in a little ballerino’s pirouettes.
Career: Paramedics, Athletes, Dancers.

Musical Intelligence: People with musical intelligence have an innate sensitivity to rhythm, tone, pitch or melody. Few kids seem to hum along the tune with the right pitch from a very tender age though they cannot sing the lyrics.
Career: Musician, Music Composer, choirmaster, Music Therapist.

Logical-mathematical: Understanding the underlying cause or meaning of some event or innocent sounding statement is the sign of logical-mathematical intelligence. These people are exceptionally good with numbers, reasoning, logic and critical thinking.
Career: Auditor, Scientist, computer analyst.

Verbal-Linguistic: Reading, writing, telling stories and memorizing words along with dates are the strengths of people with Verbal-Linguistic intelligence. They also tend to pick languages and understand them fast.
Career: Speech pathologist, Journalist, Lawyer, Writer.

Visual-Spatial: Visual and spatial intelligence is the ability to envision something that doesn’t exist. We can observe these traits in kids while playing blocks; few tend to build trucks, houses just out of their imagination which means that they can visualize the depth, positioning and directions in their mind’s eye.
Career: Architects, Graphic artists, Painters, Interior Designers.

Interpersonal: People with high interpersonal intelligence are often confused with extroverts. In fact these people are effective communicators who are highly sensitive, perceptive and empathetic towards fellow human beings.
Career: Public relations representative, Psychologist, Teacher.

Intrapersonal: Unlike interpersonal Intelligence, Intrapersonal intelligence is about the individual being aware of the self. This understanding of self enables them to realize their strengths, weaknesses, emotions and reactions.
Career: Psychologists, counselors, theologian.

Naturalistic: Gardener referred to Naturalistic intelligence as “The individual who is readily able to recognize flora and fauna, to make other consequential distinctions in the natural world, and to use this ability productively. “ These people are happiest when they are learning and in contact with nature.

Career: Chef, Geologist, Botanist, Astronomer.

For any child to grow up to be a functional member of the society they will need all these types of intelligence but there would be one of them that is dominant. If only we could nurture that inherent capability, can we see an individual who is confident, happy and content.