Expert Provides Road Map to Education

Life is a journey. And kids only add to the unpredictable experience.  On a personal level, I'm always re-evaluating as a parent and finding errors.  The other night, was no different.

I recently dropped by the Lodge at to hear Jenifer Fox, an author and educator, talk and answer questions on finding a child's strengths. As the head of school at the Clariden School in Southlake, Texas, Fox is part of the Strengths Movement in Schools.  Through the talk, I realized how frequently I said the wrong thing to my teenage stepchild and the opportunities that lie ahead with my toddler.  Oh, did I find redemption?

Fox's philosophy is based on the general disengagement of children in today's schools, which has stemmed from a systematic approach to education in the classroom.

"We really need to teach children about their strengths, which are things that fill you up," said Fox."Weaknesses on the other hand, leave a child feeling drained."  There are relationship strengths, which are things you do for and with others that make you feel valued and competent. There are also learning strengths that are specific ways in which you learn that bring you into an optimal learning experience, she said.

The event was sponsored by several independent schools including The Schenck School, St. Martin's Epscopal School, the and the Walker School. During the presentation, there was little room for guessing her thoughts. Her no nonsense approach laid a foundation for a candid discussion.

"Schools don't show kids how to apply what they are using, but if you figure out a child's strength, it can be transferred to a lot of different areas," said Fox. She alluded to the fact that mental health departments at universities are growing because students have unclear direction.

Fox' top advice centered on parental responsibility, especially as it relates to finding your child's natural talents.

"Parents, no one is going to do it for you," she said. "You've got to ask your child's teacher what they do every day because they gravitate towards their strengths. Ask your teacher for help while exposing them to as many things as possible."

And, for Fox's parting advice, that's where I took a nose dive.  "Parents, teenagers don't care about what you did. Your advice doesn't inspire them. They want to be appreciated for what they are."

Oops. Can I hit replay?  As a stepmom, I had somewhat of a trial and error experience. Thankfully, I get a full-blown swing at parenting with a clearer vision. Have you found your child's natural talents?  If so, how did you help them create a life where they can pursue their strengths?