This activity is best suited to children older than 10 (depending on their maturity). It is valuable for strengthening the relationship, as the exchange of Signature Strengths creates a common ground for the parent and the child.
Primary Signature Strengths are authentic to You. You can lean into these when taking on a difficult task, and transform a potentially overwhelming challenge into a seemingly effortless Flow, and even experience joy and enthusiasm while using them.
Discover your Signature Strengths and then help your child to discover their own strengths. Just knowing their Signature Strengths will make your child feel valid, authentic and special.
To find your child’s Values in Action Signature Strengths visit: https:www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu
Log in and click through to Questionnaire Centre and help your child complete their :
VIA Strength Survey for children.
It is free and you will get your results immediately and can print them if you like.
It will take you 15 – 20 minutes.
Teach your child how to use their strengths.
Having learned my child’s Values in Action, I found better ways to motivate him, and through practising these together, he learned how to apply his values and strengths to daily challenges.
With his first Signature Strength being “Spirituality”, I taught him how to pray when he felt anxious or sad.
His second strength was “Fairness, Equity and Justice”, so when he was saddened by a child being bullied, I taught him how to pray for and stand up for the victim. I also realised that if he was in a situation of unfairness it would upset him, more so than perhaps others. I made sure he always felt that he was treated fairly and equally within our home.
His third strength was “Curiosity”, which is about asking questions, exploring the world and finding a fascination in topics and subjects. This was a win when it came to homework trauma. If he was, (which was mostly the case) disinterested in homework, I would steer him toward research and interesting discussion around the subject.
Knowing that “Honesty and Authenticity” was his fifth Signature Strength, I realised that even a “white-lie” would be frowned upon and quickly learned to engage with him without pretence.
Within days I noticed a remarkable difference. This was a “cup half empty” child that quickly became “a cup half full” wonderful and peaceful person.
Parents and teenagers can contact LifeAssist for confidential counselling and guidance. This service is available 24/7. Confidentiality is assured.
28 March 2020: Author: Ingrid Ashwin, The Wordstock Company
Cited works:
Seligman, M. (2011). Flourish. London Boston: Nicholas Brealy.
Seligman, M. (1990, 1998, 2006). Learned Optimism . New York: Vintage Books.