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5 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Life

Recently I was noticing a disturbing trend involving my son. When he had difficulty with a school assignment he would get emotional and quit, refusing to do it. I talked to him about perseverance and the importance of finishing our work. Next I told him that getting emotional was okay, but he needed to push through and give his best effort. Then I asked him to repeat the words, “I can do it.” At first, through tears, he said, “I can’t do it.” But I made him say it the right way, “I can do it.” He finally said it and I had him repeat it until I heard conviction in his voice. Then I had him repeat, “I can do it. I will do it.” Now he says it to me every night without my prompting. Even more important than saying it, he’s been doing it.

When we think about how to help our children succeed in life, we often think about things like helping them do well in school and giving them opportunities to play sports or a musical instrument. But there are other bigger things we can do to help our children succeed. Here are 5 ways to help your child succeed in life.

1. Believe.

We can help our children reach their potential, and beyond, by showing them that we believe in them. You can help your child become confident in his abilities by believing in him and encouraging him.

2. Forgive.

It’s easy to look back over our parenting and see the things we did wrong, and the choices that could’ve been better. When you get into this mode, forgive yourself and remember that even your bad decisions were motivated by love. And by showing your children you can forgive yourself, they’ll learn that making mistakes is common to all of us.

3. Regroup.

Okay, so maybe the way you thought you should handle your child turned out to be not so great. Well, now’s the time to come up with plan B, C, or D!  The point is you need to be ready to change your approach if it’s not working.

4. Love.

The challenges of parenting can be hard on a marriage. Instead of seeing your husband as your enemy, see him as your most valuable ally in helping your child succeed. No one will love your child like you and your husband; keep your marriage strong so your child will have the daily benefit of that support.

5. Outlast.

When the going gets tough in parenting, you might feel an urge to just throw in the towel and let things unfold on their own. Don’t do it. Stretch yourself to go deeper. Fight for your child. Talk to his teachers. Ask that doctor another question. Research the best way to help your child. You can do it!

What is one thing you have done to help your child succeed?

ASK YOUR CHILD...

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