Navigating Responses to a Child's Inquiry About Intelligence

Parents and educators often find themselves in a situation where a young child asks, 'Of course I am smart, otherwise you won’t be asking me.' How should one respond to such a query? This scenario can be intriguing for adults, as it highlights the complex and evolving nature of intelligence in children.

Understanding the Child's Perspective

When a child asks this question, it is important to consider their age and the context of the conversation. 'Smart' can be a colloquial term and may hold different meanings to the child. They might be curious about a specific subject, such as mathematics, physics, or philosophy. Instead of directly answering, it is beneficial to find out what the child means by 'smart. '

For instance, a young child might want to ask about another topic and gauge whether the adult is knowledgeable enough to continue the discussion. This can be an opportunity for the adult to engage in a meaningful conversation with the child, helping them understand that 'smart' can be relative and context-dependent.

Real-World Examples of Responding to Questions About Intelligence

Consider a scenario where a parent or adult asks an intelligent-looking man in a uniform, 'Are you important?' The man smiles and says he works for the council. The adult then inquires for help and leads the man to an unconscious man in a shop doorway. The man's assistance ensures that the situation is handled safely, and the individual turns out to be only mildly drunk. This example illustrates the importance of forming quick judgments and acting on the situation.

In another interaction, the author of this text sarcastically responds, 'Of course I am smart; I am still alive, right? That takes brains to stay alive.' This response is laced with humor and self-deprecation, while still conveying a point of humility and caution.

Personal Stories of Encounters with Intelligence

The author recalls a time when they corrected their friend Palmela's grammar about the difference between 'your' and 'you're.' Palmela responded with a sardonic comment, 'You are dumb,' to which the author thought they were the 'dumbest person in the world.' This interaction highlights the complex dynamics of intelligence and how it can be perceived and expressed in social settings.

On another occasion, the author received a letter about a linguistic idea from Rigoberta Menchu-Tum, a renowned activist and scholar. This experience showcases the importance of engaging with complex and abstract ideas, often beyond the immediate context of everyday life.

Strategies for Responding to Young Children

Ultimately, adults should respond to a child's inquiry about their intelligence with a mixture of honesty and humility. The author suggests saying, 'Yes, I am to a point. You look like you are smart too—but here’s the thing. It’s not that good an idea to be talking about how smart people are too much. Smarter to just watch and see for yourself.' This approach encourages the child to observe and learn from others, fostering a balanced and nuanced understanding of intelligence.

In conclusion, responding to a child's inquiry about intelligence requires thoughtful consideration and a balance of humor and sincerity. Through these interactions, adults can inspire curiosity and encourage the development of critical thinking skills in young minds.