To know if your child is intelligent or not, you would have to know what do we consider intelligence. Intelligence has been defined as the ability to learn, understand, abstract information, and solve problems. It is our ability to solve problems, and at the same time the ability to produce products within a socio-cultural context.
However, this definition, which we use frequently in the academic performance of individuals, leaves aside aspects such as the management of emotions and social relationships. In addition, and we will not tire of repeating it, each individual is a unique being, who matures at their own pace (although there are milestones), so do not compare your child with others to see if he is intelligent.
Different intelligence concepts
The concept of intelligence that we usually handle with children is directly related to intellectual capacity, and with the skills for verbal, spatial and numerical reasoning. But this is not the only perspective, for example, Raymonf Cattel proposed the concepts of fluid and crystallized intelligence. According to this, intelligence is not knowing much, but knowing what to do with what is known.
Psychologists such as Howard Gardner propose new models of intelligence, such as the Theory of multiple intelligences. This considers that people have specific competencies in various areas in addition to logical-mathematical reasoning. Thus we would speak of the musical, corporal, spatial, linguistic, naturalistic and interpersonal intelligences.
It is important to mention, also the theory of the three layers of intelligence, developed by Jhon B. Carroll, and which is one of the most influential in understanding human “intelligence”. And to measure or qualify these intelligences, different psychometric tests are taken that facilitate measuring the cognitive abilities of the individual beyond sociocultural factors or previous knowledge.
What is it to be a smart kid?
We will give some ideas about what can be considered a smart boy or girl. Basically it is a child capable of finding different solutions and choosing the best alternative to solve a problem. He is not the one who does mathematical operations faster than anyone, but the one who finds creative solutions to everyday problems.
Let's say that an intelligent child is one who looks at the details, without losing the global perspective. The one who always asks and develops his curiosity and wants to go further. The intelligent child is the one who learns from his mistake, drawing conclusions that will serve him for his future life. It has enough flexibility to adapt to changes, even if they are not positive.
We can talk about intelligent children as those who think outside the box, using images, music or any other means to express their ideas. Is the one He sets himself new challenges and is not afraid to step out of his comfort zone. He is also able to say no when it is time and takes responsibility for his actions. That child knows how to listen and is sensitive.
How to know if your child is smart
Intelligence is a quality that manifests itself from an early age. Although there is a genetic component, it is also stimulated and developed. From 6 months your child is already giving you clues about how he is developing in the world. If he begins to vocalize sounds, it means that he has a special ability to speak.
If your son is organized, takes care of the details, they care especially about their toys, clothes and have a high capacity to do their tasks independently. We would be talking, without a doubt of an intelligent child. This does not mean that those who do not are not. On the other hand, memory is one of the most remarkable elements in high-ability children.
Smart kids concentrates very easily, it is not distracted. It is these children who can play for hours and hours without being heard. Any activity that requires concentration will be your main goal. But, and it is not contradictory, at the same time it must be always busy, and does not stop from one place to another.