Types of strengths in kids
Kids have many different kinds of strengths, not just academic ones. Sometimes they’re 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.
Recognizing and talking about these strengths can help kids thrive. This is especially true for kids who are struggling in school. Use this list to help identify a child’s strengths.
Character strengths
Is honest and trustworthy
Is caring, kind, and empathetic
Helps others
Shows loyalty
Works hard
Is resilient
Shows independence
Cooperates
Social strengths
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
Language strengths
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
Literacy strengths
Understands the structure of sounds; can do tasks like rhyme
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
Math and logic strengths
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
Study skills strengths
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
Other strengths and talents
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
Make a strengths chainPDF - 58.2 KB
Get tips on how to talk with kids about strengths and challenges. You can also read about how to identify signs of resilience. And download a list of activities to help kids 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 functions and other kinds of strengths.