by Pat Lamb www.patlambchristianauthor.com
Train up a child…
Some Children are People Smart
I recently spoke to a group of young mothers and enjoyed hearing them talk about the differences in their children. Some were saying how hard it is to have two or three children with very different personalities. I was reminded of the seven intelligences experts have defined. It is thought that each person is born with preferences in three or four of these intelligences. They are verbal/linguistic, logical/mathematical, bodily/kinesthetic, spatial, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. They are also known as word smart, numbers smart, body smart, picture smart, music smart, people smart, and self smart.
In previous columns I have discussed all of the intelligences except the interpersonal and intrapersonal. In this column, I will give information about the interpersonal intelligence.
Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It involves good communication skills and an ability to note differences in others. Persons with this intelligence are able to be sensitive to the moods and temperaments of those with whom they come in contact.
We can recognize this intelligence in children when we see them constantly wanting to be around others. They seem to thrive off of contact with people and can complete tasks better if not working alone. Also, these children often can sense weaknesses in adults and can “wiggle” their way out of assigned tasks. They may like to argue with an adult when they sense that the adult is not really certain of the instructions being given to the child. They will know when mom or dad is in the right mood to be asked for something. Being sent to their room to be alone is real punishment for children with dominance in this intelligence.
The person with this intelligence is a social person. He/she likes to go to parties. The radio or TV must be on almost constantly. Adults with this intelligence like to host others in their home. They can sense motives of their children and others. They simply seem to have an innate ability to know what to do and say to get along with others and are probably “joiners” of clubs or various organizations.
Children with this intelligence may grow up to become administrators, teachers, personnel workers, counselors, salespersons, social workers, political leaders, doctors, or religious leaders.
It needs to be remembered that we can have the intelligences to varying degrees and that not all characteristics fit all people. However, knowing the general characteristics helps us to better understand our children and those around us. Just as God made no two snowflakes exactly alike, so he made no two humans exactly alike. As we attempt to follow His command to “Love one another”, it certainly helps if we can understand those around us.