Types of strengths in kids

Kids have many different kinds of strengths, not just academic ones. Recognizing and talking about these strengths can build self-esteem. This is especially true for kids who are struggling in school. Building self-esteem not only increases their sense of self-worth, it can also make kids more willing to work on challenges.

Sometimes strengths are 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.

Use this list to help identify strengths.

• Is honest and trustworthy

• Is caring, kind, and empathetic

• Helps others

• Shows loyalty

• Works hard

• Is resilient

• Shows independence

• Cooperates

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Use this hands-on activity to help kids identify their strengths. Download the printable and follow the directions on how to connect individual strengths into a paper chain (called a “strengths chain”).