Parents can cultivate excellence, no matter what genetic blueprint.

Many parents ask themselves at one point, what can I do for my child to achieve greatness? Author David Shenk dares to answer this loaded question with his new book The Genius in All of Us: Why everything you have been told about genetics, talent and IQ is wrong. Shenk asserts that genius can be ignited. His book discusses how the nature versus nurture debate has been missing the point all these years. His book shows evidence on how human achievements are the outcome of the nuanced interplay between genes and environment.

If anybody can be a genius, why are there so few Mozarts, Eisnteins or Tiger Woods among us? Citing the latest in human development research, Shenk underscores that genius is nothing without extraordinary dedication and persistence. Yes, we all know that. But there still seems to be a strong belief that people either have it or they don’t, and that’s that.

Just think… all those high achievers we had mentioned, from Mozart to Woods, all had started nurturing their talents young and put in so many hours honing their skills. Einstein has been quoted to say, “It’s not that I’m so smart. It’s just that I stay with problems longer.”

Einstein may have been over-dramatic with that statement. Of course he was very smart. His point is, we tend to forget that he had to work very hard for his achievements.

What this tells me is that as parents we should make an extra effort to cultivate persistence — extraordinary persistence. Apparently, years of research can show us how to cultivate persistence and tenacity. I’d like to see what new science has to say about this so I’m going out to get David Shenk’s book. If you have kids or have a baby on your way, the book could be worth checking out.

Good books for a good night’s rest… and good dreams.

Every night, after dinner and a bath, my kids have to wind-down with a good book. Actually, most often it would be at least two, three, four or more books – depending on that night’s negotiations. I’ve noticed, not all books are made… to create the same effect. Some books are good for getting the kids all excited, even getting them to move around. Some are perfect for getting them to think about letters and numbers and school stuff. What we’re sharing here are our kid-certified favorites that go well with those night-time cuddles, that are just right for settling down.

Some books are just perfect for getting them ready to drift off to a good night’s sleep. And if you are like most parents, before bed is just about the time when you can accommodate those extended reading sessions. Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle and Leo Lionni provide surefire hits for both my 5-year-old boy and my 3-year-old girl. But let’s break it down according to his and her favorites.

Today’s list brought to you by our resident book-loving little girl.

My Toddler’s Bedtime Classics

Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me, Eric Carle. My daughter especially likes it when her own papa reads this book to her. It is not lacking in Carle’s riveting, signature illustrations which in this book, fold in and fold out for some surprising book moments. And as usual, Carle tells a lovely dreamlike story to inspire a child’s own night time dreams.

Poppleton Everyday Series, Cynthia Rylant. Actually, both kids love this series about a humorous pig and his funny band of friends. I think children can relate a lot to Poppleton and his adventures. The language is simple but rich, employing a few repetitions which are all great for beginning readers too. Everything usually turns out good and well for the friendly pig. Great for setting up dream time!

Sleep Book, Dr. Seuss. And of course one of the best bed time books is simply called the Sleep Book, written by no less than Dr. Seuss. This is a long one, but you’ll have fun reading lines like “sleep thoughts are spreading throughout the land. The time for night-brushing of teeth is at hand.” It takes a lot to make a child want to end a day of fun exploration, but with this book, Dr. Seuss provides a lot of help. As he says of the Sleep Book’s tired characters who have put down their loads, “Tonight they’ve forgotten their feet are so sore. And that’s what the wonderful nighttime is for.”

More Books

If you have a girly-girl toddler like me, other titles worth checking out are the Fancy Nancy series by Jane O’Connor. You might also want to show your toddler the wonderful (though somewhat dark) stories  and gorgeous illustrations of Maurice Sendak. My daughter especially likes In the Night Kitchen and Outside Over There. She doesn’t like reading Sendak’s most famous book - Where The Wild Things Are - during the night. Curiously, during the day she loves it! As she explains, “monster books are not for night, mama.”

As for my preschooler, Wild Things is one of his favorite night time reads. The rest of his list will be posted tomorrow. In the meantime, sweet dreams….