Being a parent and raising a child is anything but easy. It is a challenging role that requires a lot of patience, however in the end the results of raising a successful child are worth it. Even though there are no strict rules about how to raise a child, the following 9 behaviors are common among parents of very successful children.
1. Ask them for specifics
One survey that included 400 teenagers showed that these kids usually chose careers that were less likely to provide them security and they often pursued careers as athletes, video game designers, or musicians. So, it is important to guide your child into a more prosperous career and teach them about the consequences of not having the right skills later on in life.
2. Eat together
Families who eat together tend to be much happier and closer. One study has shown that the rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, obesity, and depression are much lower among children in families who have dinner together. This habit also helps a child improve their grades as well as their communication skills and self-confidence.
3. Working parents
Another study from Harvard University has shown that parents who work can easily focus on their children compared to parents who don’t or those who work from home. Parents who don’t work or work from home are usually overprotective of their children.
4. Reduced usage of electronics
Children who are younger than 18 months should never use electronic devices, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. So, make sure your child does not use any devices, especially in places such as the bedroom, car, or dinner table.
5. Teach them how to work
Children who often do chores can easily understand and adjust to a working and professional environment later on. They will know how to prioritize their commitments as well as how to react to various situations.
6. Reading to the kids
Children who read more have better literacy and reading skills. One study discovered that children who read more books at the age of 10 achieve higher test results than those who read fewer or no books at all. Reading is the best source of knowledge and children who read a lot tend to grow into curious adults who will be more eager to learn new things.
7. Say no to instant gratification
One experiment from 1972 called the Marshmallow experiment, involved placing a marshmallow in front of a kid with a promise they will get another one only if they waited 15 minutes before eating the first one. This study has shown that the children who resisted the trap were less likely to get involved in substance abuse and they also had better social skills. These children were also a lot better at dealing with stressful situations and less likely to become obese.
8. Failure is the greatest teacher
Children learn from their mistakes and you should never protect them too much to prevent them from making any. By making mistakes they learn how to become better and to avoid repeating the same thing. The more you protect your child the less independent adult it will be.
9. Traveling
One study has shown that children who travel more are more likely to be successful. This habit will teach them how to become more tolerant of other cultures, nationalities, and ethnicities. They will learn more about other countries’ cuisine and they will develop better self-confidence and curiosity.