Thought provoking quotes about nurturing your child’s genius

I’m writing to you in between getting dressed for my son’s awards ceremony this afternoon. He is being recognised for his excellence in Science and coming out top in the subject for his year. 

This is another year where my other son will not receive an award from school. Not because he lacks excellence. But because his excellence in creativity is not measured within the school system. 

It angers and frustrates me and I’ve shared my views previously on our current education system in my book. There is no one to blame, just an outdated system that is ripe for transformation. 

What an out-of-date system means, though, is that there will be many children who will believe they lack genius. They lack talent. Because that’s the message they are seeing and hearing all around them.

As parents, we all want our children to grow up feeling confident and proud of their creativity. But with the world seeming focused on comparing and competing, it can be difficult for our children to foster that confidence within themselves. That’s why it’s important to provide a supportive and positive environment that encourages and celebrates their unique creativity, especially when the world “out there” is giving them a different message. 

It reminds me of the quote by Albert Einstein: 

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” 

So if, like me, you share in these frustrations with one or more of your children. Here are some quotes to help place the power back in our child’s hands: 

“Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts. ” – Albert Einstein

“You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have.” – Jim Rohn

“It always seems impossible until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela

“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.” – Anatole France

“Creativity is as important as literacy.” Sir Ken Robinson

I hope these quotes inspire you as much as they do me today.