Many have parenting strategies focusing on improving their children’s cognitive abilities, including reading, logical reasoning, and memory abilities. Of course, cognitive abilities are important, but non-cognitive skills (or what can be called “personal soft power”) actually play a key role in whether children can achieve academic success when they grow up.
Non-cognitive skills refer to abilities that cannot be measured by traditional intelligence measures, including perseverance, initiative, enthusiasm, emotional regulation and social skills. Cognitive ability can be measured through standardized tests, such as scores on intelligence tests. As for non-cognitive skills, they are reflected in a person’s behavior and attitude in many situations in life, especially when facing difficulties.
The medical journal Nature Human Behavior published a study in August 2024 that tracked the growth of 10,000 children aged 7 to 16 and found that as they grow, non-cognitive skills play an increasingly important role in promoting academic performance. This means that kids who can manage their emotions, regulate their impulses, and stay focused and motivated tend to graduate high school with better grades, even if they don’t have the highest IQs. Then, how can parents help their children develop non-cognitive skills?
- Self-regulation: Cultivate children’s concentration and ability to manage impulses and emotions. For example, parents can do mindfulness exercises and get close to nature with their children.
- Perseverance: Praise the children for their efforts in the process, rather than the scores or awards they get in the end. The whole family can implement a “growth mindset” and regard setbacks as learning opportunities and part of the process of progress.
- Motivation: Stimulate children’s natural curiosity, connect subject knowledge with their interests and daily life, and praise their creativity.
- Social skills: Lead by example, cultivate children’s empathy and learn to communicate with kindness; increase opportunities for children to play with other children of the same age.
Children with the above-mentioned soft skills may not have the highest test scores in elementary school, but they will be able to stand out in high school and later stages of life.
Written by: Dr. William Chui
Originally posted on: HKEJ Health
Translated by: Cheuk Long Chan
