5 Traits Of A Successful Child & What Parents Can Do To Instill Them
Every child has abilities which make them special and allows them to develop skills that help shape their character for a successful future. A successful child sees every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. They have a strong sense of self and are always working towards goals. These attributes transfer into adulthood, where they result in high self-esteem and self-worth. They enjoy learning and spending time with people they love. They have good morals and values. Most importantly, they are happy.
We all desire our children to prosper. While success varies in definition depending on the person, it usually entails achieving what one sets out to do and receiving positive feedback. A multitude of factors play into a child’s success, but studies suggest that many successful children have several common traits from their early childhoods.
First – what are the traits of a successful child?
Independence
- A successful child generally learns to assert his/her independence from a very young age
- They learn to make their own decisions early on
- They have a positive self-image and start feeling like a winner
- Parents of independent children trust their actions and decisions
High self-esteem
- Children with high self-esteem are independent
- They believe in themselves and their abilities
- They’re confident and feel liked and accepted
- Kids with high self-esteem take on age-appropriate tasks by themselves
Emotional strength
- Emotionally strong children have high self-esteem
- They are aware of their as well as others’ emotions
- These children are also empathetic
- They can recognize and express their needs
Resilience
- Resilient children are emotionally strong
- They accept failure as a learning experience
- They have the high frustration tolerance
- They’re able to engage in delayed gratification
How to raise a successful child – tips for parents
- Learn the art of delegation
After assigning them an age-appropriate task, let them figure it out on their own. Guide them if they have questions but don’t hand-hold them if they ask you to give them a hand. Delegating simple tasks and household chores will help make them more independent.
- Focus on efforts, not results
Praise your teen for all the hard work they did to prepare for the contest, rather than simply praising them for winning it. Let them know that trying hard is important, even if they don’t always succeed. They can control the effort they put into their work, but they can’t always control the outcome. Acknowledging their enthusiasm and effort will let them know they are valued even when they don’t succeed.
- Be a positive role model
Children mirror their parents’ state of mind. Children absorb a lot of how they should act by observing their parents. The younger they are, the more they take from your example. Be conscious of the fact that your children are constantly observing you. Show your kids the traits you want them to have: respect, friendliness, honesty, kindness, and tolerance. Be unselfish. Do things for others without always needing something in return. Show appreciation and give compliments. But most importantly, treat your kids the way you would want to be treated.
- Communicate with them
Kids need and deserve explanations just as much as adults do. Parents who reason with their kids enable them to understand and learn in a nonjudgmental way. Be clear about your expectations. If there is a problem, describe it, express your feelings, and invite your child to work on a solution with you. Don’t forget to include consequences. Make suggestions and offer choices. Be open to your child’s suggestions too. Negotiate. Kids who participate in decisions are more likely to follow through with them.
- Create new experiences & happy memories
Family rituals promote family unity and allow children to grow socially. Take your child on new adventures and create new experiences or traditions with them. This can include going on monthly picnics, making it a point to visit new public attractions once a week, or taking them to places like orphanages. These traditions can also include something as simple as cooking Sunday breakfast together!
A successful child is a future-ready child. Learn more about this topic with positive parenting programs at Kosh Wellness! Avail of a 1:1 Personalized Parenting Counseling Session with our expert parenting consultants today!
