Types of strengths in kids
Children have many different kinds of strengths. Sometimes these strengths are obvious, like when a kid is really good at drawing or playing sports. But some strengths can be harder to notice — like being a good listener or working well in groups.
Recognizing and talking about these strengths can help your child thrive. This is especially true for kids who are struggling in school. Use this list to help identify your child’s strengths.
Character strengths
Honest and trustworthy
Caring and kind
Helpful
Loyal
Hardworking
Independent
Cooperative
Eager
Curious
Social strengths
Shares, takes turns, and can compromise
Tries to be a good conversation partner and not interrupt too much
Puts effort into making friends and keeping them
Is a good listener
Likes to help and is sensitive to the needs of others
Accepts differences in others
Asks for help when needed
Has ways of coping when frustrated (like not hitting)
Knows when it’s OK to follow the crowd and when to resist peer pressure
Accepts personal responsibility for actions (good and bad)
Can be redirected away from a negative situation to a positive one
Doesn’t argue when told by adults what to do
Tells the truth and can apologize when needed
Has a good sense of humor
Language strengths
Uses words to express needs, wants, and ideas
Likes talking to people
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 age-appropriate grammar
Uses lots of words and likes learning new words
Likes learning the words in songs
Likes listening to stories
Can answer “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how” questions in conversation (or about a story)
Understands jokes, puns, and sarcasm
Literacy strengths
Can rhyme and do other tasks that involve understanding the sound structure of words
Enjoys reading or being read to
Seeks out fun things to read like magazines and comic books
Can easily recognize sight words
Understands and uses written information (like following written directions)
Can remember details and retell stories after reading them
Can make predictions based on what’s happened so far in a story
Can pause when reading and return to that sentence after being interrupted
Reads with expression, like the way an actor talks on TV shows
Can figure out what new words mean by looking at the context or asking questions
Makes connections between reading material and personal experiences
Math and logic strengths
Has strong number sense, like being able to quickly compare groups of items and know 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 cutting a recipe in half)
Understands math terms used in word problems
Solves puzzles or word problems
Likes playing games that involve strategy, like chess
Likes taking things apart and figuring out how they work
Study skills strengths
Understands and sets goals
Can plan ahead
Is a self-starter
Can ignore distractions and stay focused on tasks
Can think about something in more than one way (flexible thinking)
Keeps information in mind long enough to use it (working memory)
Organizes thoughts and physical items like a backpack
Follows rules and routines well
Can keep track of time and obligations
Can recognize and try to control “big feelings”
Can pause to think through decisions or choices
Can learn from mistakes and solve problems
Self-advocates/asks for help
Can work or play independently
Works well/gets along well one-on-one
Works well/gets along well in groups
Has a growth mindset and believes skills can improve with effort
Other strengths and talents
Is creative
Likes drawing and doodling
Can dance, act, sing, or play a musical instrument
Can swim or play sports
Practices yoga, mindfulness, or meditation
Is gentle with animals and/or younger children
Enjoys entertaining people by telling jokes or stories
Likes doing community service projects
Likes problem-solving in video games
Get tips on how to talk to your child about strengths and challenges. You may also want to try a hands-on activity to identify your child’s strengths — one you and your child can work on together. If your child has an , you might want to do this before your next IEP meeting.
While your child’s strengths are top of mind, learn about the best ways to praise your child’s efforts and achievements. You can also download activities to help your child 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 function and other kinds of strengths.