We all care about our kids – and always wonder whether we’re doing the very best we can to set them up for success.
There’s certainly no shortage of advice when it comes to parenting. From Dr. Spock’s “The Common Sense Book of Baby and Childcare” to “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” you can find all kinds of approaches, ideas, even systems for bringing up baby.
A recent article in Inc. magazine, however, boils down the core attributes of raising children to become successful adults into 9 simple actions. Rather than recap the entire article, here are 3 that struck me as particularly simple and sound:
- Eat Dinner as a Family. Research shows that children who have eat with their families at least 5 times a week wind up with better vocabularies, improved self-esteem, and even higher grade point averages.
- Make them do chores. The Harvard Grant Study, which spanned over 75 years of research, identified two things that everyone needs to be happy and successful. Number 1 is LOVE and Number 2 is a strong WORK ETHIC. And the best way to develop that work ethic is to build it into them right from the earliest ages, with a consistent call to “pitch in” to help with the daily workload of the family.
- Let them fail. That’s right. Fail. But it really is one of the best things a parent can do. Because failure teaches you how to cope and that’s an incredibly valuable skill to have in place as you navigate the real world. It helps build resilience and persistence… two traits that will pay off throughout your entire life.
Parenting’s always been difficult, no less so today. But sometimes it’s the simple things, done consistently over time, that pay off in helping build a quality life.
Here at Matson & Cuprill we’re dedicated to helping you make sure you have the financial aspects of life under solid control – allowing you to put more time into giving your family the attention it deserves. Call us today at 513-563-PLAN (7526) or book online to schedule a free review to ensure you and your family are protected and set up for many happy days to come.
Regards,
Dan Cuprill, CFP®
