Successful kids are a treasure to their parents. Let’s face it, we want nothing more than the best for our children, and for them to succeed in life, it’s important to recognize that parental influence plays a huge part in that. Although there’s no perfect set of rules to follow while raising children, there has been lots of research that shows a correlation between healthy parenting and the success of those children.
13 Tips to Rear Success Kids
I recently discovered an article on Business Insider, which describes traits of successful parents. Co-authors Rachel Gillet and Drake Baer collected information and interviewed several psychologists and found that parents of successful kids had these 13 things in common:
Their children do chores
By giving kids tasks to be responsible for, you’re ultimately setting them up for success. Learning the importance of contributing and working together early on makes for better future students and employees.
They instill social skills
Social and emotional skills are vital for a healthy future. A study performed by Penn State and Duke found that children who learned social skills at a young age were more likely to earn a degree and have a full-time job by 25. Kristen Schubert, director of the program that funded the research program, says that “from an early age, these skills can determine whether a child goes to college or prison and whether they end up employed or addicted.”
They hold high expectations
It’s been shown that parents who set expectations for their children can often ultimately push them in the right direction toward achieving those goals. Researchers at UCLA studied the standardized test results of 6,600 students and uncovered some interesting results. 57% of the lowest-scoring and 96% of the highest-scoring students were expected to go to college.
They have healthy relationships
Although this isn’t a surprise, it’s good to point out that kids raised in high-conflict environments achieve less than those who aren’t. Interestingly enough, this group also includes single parents. This is important to keep in mind as you’re raising young and impressionable children.
They are educated
Often, parents who go to college raise kids who follow that same path. A 2009 study by Bowling Green State University psychologist Eric Dubow found that “Parents’ educational level when the child was eight years old significantly predicted educational and occupational success for the child 40 years later.”
Their children’s math skills are developed early
The successful development of math concepts and competencies at a young age indicates future success. Studies show that children who mastered math earlier were high achievers later in school in math and reading.
They develop healthy parent/child relationships
The University of Minnesota performed a study in 2012 and found that children born into poverty who still received “sensitive caregiving” were more successful later on than those who didn’t. Responding appropriately to your children’s needs early on is key to establishing a healthy and long-term parent/child relationship.
They have minimal stress
Recently, research has uncovered the phenomena of “emotional contagion.” In other words, this means that your emotions can directly affect the feelings of those around you – including your kids. The happier and more positive you are, the same will go for your children.
They encourage their children to try, despite the possibility of failure
Parents of successful kids know that attitudes matter. Instilling a positive growth mindset in your kids and teaching them that putting forth an effort is important, even though they might fail. We want our kids to see mistakes as learning opportunities.
They have a high socioeconomic status
Unfortunately, we know that poverty can limit potential. Although background shouldn’t matter for children, research shows that “absent comprehensive and expensive interventions, socioeconomic status drives much of educational attainment and performance.”
They are authoritative
Ideally, parents shouldn’t be overly controlling or too lax. Adopting an authoritative method of parenting teaches children to respect authority, which can go a long way later in life.
They teach grit
A trait recently uncovered by University of Pennsylvania psychologist Angela Duckworth, the term “grit” is defined as the “tendency to sustain interest and effort toward very long-term goals.” Simply put, it’s about teaching children to create the future they want.
Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from Family to PARENTING & FAMILY on 9/10/2023.
