Risky to gauge potential based purely on IQ

It is understandable that parents would want highly intelligent offspring, especially in a competitive environment with steep social stratifications like in Singapore ("Gifted? More kids sent for psychology tests"; yesterday).

But there are many other cognitive and social indicators, such as adversity quotient, and social skills, like emotional quotient, that will determine the overall success of a person.

Perhaps we should guard against gauging the potential of our children purely on their IQ scores.

If we are not careful, our children will be in for unpleasant surprises, as they may lack other life values, such as humility and industry.

A "gifted" child should also be taught life's responsibilities and to use his intelligence to help his less-fortunate peers.

George Lim Heng Chye

This article was first published on June 19, 2015.
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