Tips for Raising a Child Who Succeeds Academically

What parent doesn’t want their child to be successful? In fact, I would venture to say that all parents would like their children to excel academically. Unfortunately, desire does not always equal knowledge. Here are some tips for parents to help raise children who are prepared to succeed.

I recently read a news article that caught my eye: Scholars Who Rock: The Whiz Kids’ Success Secrets. After reading the interviews of the best local high school academics, I thought to myself, wouldn’t it be great if parents knew directly from the academics themselves how to be an outstanding student? I am by no means suggesting that these young Einsteins’ strategies and techniques are the only way to become an outstanding student, but their plans are certainly worth checking out.

For parents who may not have a plan, these students’ approach to competing and succeeding in school may be just what they need to create a foundation for their child’s success plan. What I have done is synthesize their strategies into a parent-friendly list. You may think that because your child is only in elementary school, it might be a little early to put together their game plan. Well, one of the things I noticed while reading this article is that these students formed their habits from elementary school, long before their high school years. Remember, it’s about using your child’s ENTIRE school career to instill the motivation, knowledge, and skills to compete and be successful. Here is the list:

* Make sure your child creates a network of friends that promotes a culture of success.

* Instill in your child that there is nothing wrong with “standing out.” In fact, I think there really is no such thing as over-performance because each child sets their own level of performance based on individual abilities.

* Teach your child to set high expectations and aim to exceed them.

* Encourage your child to do more than expected.

* Model success in your own families.

* Help your child maintain balance: socialize and participate in extracurricular activities.

* Help your child understand the power of learning. Knowledge really is power.

* Give your child the tools to organize.

* Don’t get obsessed and help your child do the same.

* Actively help your child set goals.

* Encourage your child to apply to the best colleges and universities for their area of ​​focus.

* Remind your child never to miss an opportunity.

* Make sure your child recognizes weaknesses and takes the initiative to overcome them.

* Advise your child to participate in clubs and organizations that build curriculum.

These strategies have been tested and proven effective by the best academics. Using these techniques is just the beginning and may need to be adjusted depending on your child. Remember that parents can be the most important factor in a child’s success.