One of the most challenging journeys in life is parenting. Parenting is also one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have in life. Regardless of thousands of books offering advice on how to be a parent, it is still never easy. There are many ups and downs, but determination and consistency help to make all the techniques and advice effective.
Today we are looking at some of the strategies that scientific research highlights as effective when raising successful children. These key techniques emphasise the importance of resilience, social skills, and fostering a love for learning, which are all important tools your child will need to become successful later in life.
1. Encourage chores to instil responsibility
Assigning chores to children is not only useful in getting things done around the house; it is also effective in building life skills in children. Research shows that chores teach children that effort is essential for being a part of a community. Chores also promote independence and accountability so that they can learn what it is like to be responsible. Household tasks are also effective in teaching children how to manage time and expose them to the satisfaction of completing tasks and achieving small goals.
2. Teach Social Skills Early
Having social skills helps children become successful later in life. A study indicated that social skills play a vital role in success just as academic knowledge does. The study showed that children were more likely to achieve higher education and maintain stable jobs as adults when they cooperated with peers, understood emotions, and resolved conflicts independently. When parents allow their children to spend time with their peers and model kindness and resolution skills, children are more likely to navigate social dynamics.
3. Set Realistic yet High Educational Expectations
When parents have realistic yet high expectations, their children will strive to meet those goals. Studies have shown that the academic paths children take are significantly influenced by the attitude their parents have towards education.
Research shows that parents who prioritise their children’s and their own education positively influence their children to be ambitious. Parents who celebrate education and welcome curiosity make learning enjoyable and foster a love for knowledge. Parents are advised to use this strategy to help their children improve their academic performance.
4. Promote Early Math Skills
Many children struggle with math, but creating a fun environment that welcomes math can help significantly. Research has shown that math is not just about numbers, but it can also indicate how successful your child will be. Research involving 35,000 young children highlighted that early proficiency in math correlates with success in both math and reading later on. Parents can help their children develop a love for math by incorporating it into their daily lives through counting games, puzzles, or exploring shapes and patterns.
5. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Many children feel demotivated when they fail at doing something. However, failure is a minor setback that teaches a lot of lessons. When parents encourage their children to see failure as an opportunity to grow, it helps them become resilient.
It also teaches perseverance and allows them to develop a “growth mindset.” The best way to help your child share this perspective is by modelling this mindset and embracing their own mistakes. As a result, children will want to experiment with more things with confidence and not fear failure.
6. Demonstrate Work Ethic and Achievement
Having a strong work ethic is very important when it comes to success. When children see their parents modelling strong work ethics and displaying determination and dedication, they are more likely to follow in their parent’s footsteps and develop similar work ethics.
Studies have shown that when children see their parents working hard, especially when daughters observe their working mothers, they typically work hard to get a higher education, take on leadership roles, and earn more. Parents can teach the value of hard work by sharing stories of their own efforts and achievements, involving children in projects, and celebrating milestones.
