My Middle Schooler and Kindergartner
Both Jeniya and Chase are generally
happy, energetic, outgoing and charming individuals. They establish and
maintain healthy relationships with other kids and adult figures relatively
easy.
- Jeniya, being in her preteen phase, places a lot of emphasis on friendships and fitting in. She is a “people-pleaser” who wears her feelings on her sleeves. I find that she can be aloof at times… the happy-go-lucky type. Academically, Jeniya tends to be less enthusiastic. She loves to go to school but mainly for the social aspects. She is extremely creative and focuses on art, dance, acting and the like.
- Chase can be a quiet storm. He is laid back and easy to please - usually calm and goes with the flow. He is initially shy and reserved when meeting new people but “warms” up pretty quickly. Academically, he is keen and eager to learn, constantly spouting off and sharing everything he was taught in school. He also often takes the initiative at home to read books, count, review shapes and colors, etc. without being prompted. Overall, each can be described as adventurous, determined, strong-willed, respectful, persistent, thoughtful and adaptable in their own right.
I was absolutely blown away while
reading Cultivating Grit written by Jillian Smart. Her methods and approach are
resourceful for students of all ages and grade levels, which is an added bonus
for parents with single or multiple children at different phases of their
academic journey as well as for educators whose primary focus is a particular
grade level or subject area. This guide can be revisited and reapplied time and
time again.
Further, the overall approach conveyed in the book is adaptable and
flexible; and, the strategies suggest steps that permit me to efficiently
customize a plan for my kids' success in school. Also, it is
helping me strengthen their minds in a way that promotes overall mental
well-being when life throws us curve balls. The reflection activities are
extremely helpful in applying the concepts. From learning how to say
motivational things and exploring character strengths linked to living a positive
lifestyle. I received thorough “training” and practice that is shaping my
mindset as a parent, thereby allowing me to translate and refine the same
skill set in my children.
Initially, I was overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and sorrow when I started reading Cultivating Grit. I could see how my current approach to parenting and subsequent actions were self-sabotaging and inefficient at times. The book opened my eyes to the role that I play as caregiver and role model in my children’s lives. Jillian Smart gives a structured and disciplined yet encouraging approach for us parents and our students.
Each stakeholder has to be
accountable for our roles in the process in order to see favorable results. As
I progressed through the book, I began to feel a greater sense of empowerment
and relief. I noticed my very own level of confidence and determination
increase with each section and reflection that I completed. I no longer feel
insecure or self-defeated; I have started to use the tools that I learned from
the book and execute a plan that suits our lifestyle and personalities. This is
why I feel compelled to share my experience with other parents.
Benefits for Cultivating Grit Readers
The layout and organization of
Cultivating Grit is impeccable. This book is a very quick and easy read with
its workbook-style format and clear and concise concepts. I read the entire
text including engaging in all reflections (except the Grit Fish activity) in about two
hours. However, if you are short on time, the various sections and reflections
allow parents to stop or take breaks as needed. After which, you can simply and
seamlessly resume the lessons where you left off.
I would recommend this book
to any parent that wants to delve deeper into the psyche of your child in order
to assess and understand how they are motivated academically. Whether you have
noticed your child struggling academically or if you want to take a proactive
approach before issues arise, you can benefit from reading the text and
engaging in the exercises within Cultivating Grit. The ideal reader should also
be willing and open to receiving the strategies offered in addition to actively
and consistently implementing them. This requires us to maintain a healthy
level of self-confidence and self-awareness as well as strive for excellence in
our lives in the same manner that one would want the student to perform.
One of my favorite aspects of the
book are the
motivational quotes. I found that they really correlated with the concepts and
set the tone for each section and reflection exercise. The quote “I’m going to do it. That’s it. Period.” resonated
with me the most. As detailed in the book, I agree that two of the greatest
obstacles to increasing confidence and cultivating grit is training your mind and
changing your perspective to focus on positive and practical acts that aid in
attaining your goals and ambitions. I’ve learned that I have to create
objectives and commit to them whether it seems like a slam dunk, whether you
can foresee challenges, or whether I’m in the dark forging new pathways. I started preparing by being determined, all
the while thinking and truly believing, “I’m
going to do it. That’s it. Period.”
Jillian Smart, M.Ed. has
outlined an approach to increasing confidence that surely delivers on its
promise! Instead of describing the theory of encouraging, supporting, motivating
and instilling confidence, Cultivating Grit is a comprehensive guide for not
only understanding these vital notions but it also provides a proven framework
to create and implement a successful action plan for my kids based on their
individual needs. This was time and effort well spent for me and you won’t be
disappointed either.
____________________________________
Sharee J. Smith is a dedicated working mom of two children.
Jeniya is a sixth grader and Chase is a kindergartner.
