Kids have many different kinds of strengths, not just academic ones. Sometimes they’re obvious, like when a child is really good at drawing or playing sports. But other strengths can be harder to notice— like being a good listener or working well in groups. Kids who are strong in these areas often don’t get credit for it.
Recognizing and talking about these strengths can help kids thrive. This is especially true for kids who are struggling in school. Use this list to help identify a child’s strengths.
Character strengths
- Is honest and trustworthy
- Is caring, kind, and empathetic
- Helps others
- Shows loyalty
- Works hard
- Is resilient
- Shows independence
- Cooperates
Social strengths
- Shares, takes turns, and can compromise
- Puts effort into making friends and keeping them
- Is a good listener
- Accepts differences in others
- Asks for help when needed
- Accepts personal responsibility for actions (good and bad)
- Tells the truth and can apologize when needed
- Has a good sense of humor
Language strengths
- Uses words to express needs, wants, and ideas
- Participates in discussions at home, at school, and with friends
- Can change tone of voice when telling a story or asking a question
- Tells stories that have a clear beginning, middle, and end
- Uses lots of words and likes learning new words
- Can answer “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how” questions in conversation (or about a story)
- Understands jokes, puns, and sarcasm
Literacy strengths
- Understands the structure of sounds; can do tasks like rhyme
- Can sound out unfamiliar words
- Easily recognizes sight words
- Can remember details and retell stories after reading them
- Can make predictions based on what’s happened so far in a story
- Reads with expression, like the way an actor talks on TV shows
- Makes connections between reading material and personal experiences
Math and logic strengths
- Has strong number sense, like knowing which is larger and which is smaller
- Sees and understands patterns in nature and in numbers
- Remembers math facts (like 5+4=9)
- Can do mental math (“in your head”)
- Uses math concepts in the real world (like doubling a recipe)
- Understands math terms used in word problems
- Solves puzzles or word problems
Study skills strengths
- Understands and sets goals; can plan ahead
- Is a self-starter
- Stays focused on tasks
- Tries different approaches (flexible thinking)
- Organizes thoughts and physical items (like a backpack)
- Follows rules and routines well
- Learns from mistakes and solves problems
Other strengths and talents
- Is creative/artistic
- Dances, acts, sings, or plays a musical instrument
- Plays sports or games (including video games)
- Practices yoga, mindfulness, or meditation
- Takes care of animals and/or younger children
- Entertains people by telling jokes or stories
- Does community service projects
Make a strengths chainPDF - 58.2 KB
Get tips on how to talk with kids about strengths and challenges. You can also read about how to identify signs of resilience. And download a list of activities to help kids develop a growth mindset.
Key takeaways
Identifying kids’ strengths is just as important as focusing on their challenges.
Some strengths may be easier to notice than others.
Developing a growth mindset can help kids improve executive functions and other kinds of strengths.
About the author
About the author
Amanda Morin is the author of “The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education” and the former director of thought leadership at Understood. As an expert and writer, she helped build Understood from its earliest days.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Donna Volpitta, EdD is the founder of Pathways to Empower. Her work draws on the latest research in neuroscience, psychology, and education.
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I am an education expert with a deep understanding of child development, learning styles, and educational psychology. My expertise is backed by years of hands-on experience working with children and families, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the latest research in education. I've dedicated my career to fostering positive learning environments and promoting the overall well-being of children.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about kids' strengths:
-
Character Strengths:
- Honesty and trustworthiness
- Caring, kindness, and empathy
- Helping others
- Loyalty
- Hard work and resilience
- Independence
- Cooperation
-
Social Strengths:
- Sharing, taking turns, and compromising
- Making an effort to build and maintain friendships
- Good listening skills
- Acceptance of differences in others
- Willingness to ask for help when needed
- Taking personal responsibility for actions and being able to apologize
-
Language Strengths:
- Using words to express needs, wants, and ideas
- Actively participating in discussions at home, school, and with friends
- Modulating tone of voice when telling stories or asking questions
- Storytelling with a clear beginning, middle, and end
- Expansive vocabulary and a love for learning new words
- Responding to various types of questions in conversation
-
Literacy Strengths:
- Understanding the structure of sounds and rhyming
- Sounding out unfamiliar words
- Recognizing sight words
- Retaining details and retelling stories after reading
- Making predictions based on story content
- Reading with expression and making personal connections
-
Math and Logic Strengths:
- Strong number sense
- Recognizing patterns in nature and numbers
- Memorizing math facts
- Mental math abilities
- Application of math concepts in real-world scenarios
- Understanding math terms used in word problems
- Problem-solving skills
-
Study Skills Strengths:
- Goal-setting and planning ahead
- Self-starting abilities
- Task-focused and maintaining concentration
- Flexible thinking and trying different approaches
- Organizing thoughts and physical items
- Following rules and routines
- Learning from mistakes and problem-solving
-
Other Strengths and Talents:
- Creativity and artistic abilities
- Performing arts skills (dancing, acting, singing, playing musical instruments)
- Sports or gaming proficiency
- Mindfulness practices (yoga, meditation)
- Taking care of animals and younger children
- Entertaining others through jokes or stories
- Involvement in community service projects
It's crucial to recognize and appreciate these diverse strengths in children, as highlighted in the article. This holistic approach fosters a positive learning environment and contributes to the overall development of each child.
