How Can We Support Our Children To Success?

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X

Does education contribute to the success of an individual? Countless employment records show that while some billionaires and millionaires didn't bother with college, their story is an exception rather than a universal rule. You may not need a degree to be successful, but college education is linked to better employment chances. Almost three-quarters of young adults with a bachelor's degree work full-time. Additionally, college graduates tend to live longer in comparison as they are less likely to be hired in roles that are physically straining or put them at high risk of injuries. They can also afford better healthcare and have less stress in their day-to-day lives compared to less educated adults. 

Education is the key to the future in more than one way. As Malcolm X states, education does provide an individual with the knowledge to face future challenges and move progress forward. Education also guarantees a better and safer future in general, as those with a college degree enjoy longer and more fulfilling lives. 

Knowing this, it makes sense for families to prioritize the education of their children as one of the major contributors to future success. The good news is, education comes in different forms. A college degree is one type of education. But there is a lot more parents and teachers can do to help the children of today become successful tomorrow. 

Relationships are stressful, but pressures are avoidable

Many children have divorced or separated parents. According to statistics, 50% of American children will witness the end of their parents' marriage or relationship. While parents can get divorced for a variety of reasons, the most commonly quoted reason for separation is lack of commitment. As a result, many parents find themselves raising children in a split household with little to no interaction from the other parent. There's little doubt that the situation can greatly affect a child's emotional balance. 

Indeed, children with divorced parents are more likely to drop out of high school and never finish their education. 

What can parents do to protect their children? 

Staying together for the sake of the kids is no valid option. Children often end up mimicking their parents' relationship in later life. Showing them that love is doomed to be bitter and unhappy is not the right path for their future success. Instead, healthy co-parenting with the other parent when possible or with other relatives can provide emotional balance and support to the child. The right environment can help divorcees' children thrive and safely pursue their goals at school and elsewhere. 

Diversify learning materials 

Every child has a unique personality and learning style. Therefore, as a parent meets with their teacher, it may be worth asking about primary school learning materials and their diversity. Teachers who can use different materials are more likely to engage children and keep them interested. 

It may also be a good idea to ask the teacher for recommendations if you wish to support your child at home. For instance, you could discuss the best book tips for your child's age group or the best educational apps. Education doesn't end after school. Everything your child does or sees at home can be part of their education journey. Sometimes, something as simple as arranging a library card for your child and going to the library with them can introduce them to the joys of reading. 

Learning is for their own benefits, not yours

There is nothing wrong with being proud of your child's results at school. However, it is important to create a healthy environment for your child to learn and enjoy learning. Education empowers children to grow and build a professional career. Therefore, you must give them the tools they need to realize that they are learning for their own future, not yours. 

Things to avoid:

• Comparing your child with other children. Creating a competitive environment where your child can only exist if they do better than their classmates is counterproductive. It can seriously affect your child's self-esteem, making them feel worthless if they can't rank first. As every child has unique skills and aptitudes, it could prevent them from developing their passion because they feel they are not good enough. 
• Punishing low scores and rewarding high scores. Sometimes a child might fail a test despite working hard. Perhaps they didn't understand the topic as well as they thought. Perhaps the teaching method is not appropriate for your child. Perhaps they were tired or stressed on that day. If you create an environment where children learn in fear of meeting your approval, you force them to associate learning with negative emotions. They will be more likely to drop out of school at the first opportunity. 
• Dictating which topics they should learn more of based on your preferences or aspirations. This is a big no. No parent should fulfill their dreams through their child. Instead, you should provide support in their endeavors, even if they pursue topics you don't enjoy yourself. 

More than book education

The French language has a saying to describe individuals who quench their thirst for knowledge through books only: rat de bibliothèque. Roughly translated, the saying is the equivalent of library rat, or more commonly, bookworm. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying reading and seeking information in books, it is crucial to understand that the human brain needs more to develop its full potential. 

Regular physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Indeed, sports increase blood flow and bring more oxygen to the brain. The Latin mens sana in corpore sano — a healthy mind in a healthy body — brings physical exercise to the heart of mental and psychological well-being. Similarly, a healthy diet can also influence a child's success in education. While it doesn't translate into failure for those who enjoy a sedentary lifestyle and junk food, the combination of physical exercises and healthy "brain" food can make a huge difference to children's prospects. 

Parents have a huge responsibility when it comes to preparing their children for the future. Education is the central pillar of growth. But education has many faces, ranging from school materials to emotional well-being. How we educate our children today will define what success they can achieve tomorrow.