Successful parenting involves recognizing that you are the primary role model for your child. From an early age, they observe and imitate your behavior, considerably influencing their behavior.
Esther Wojcicki, author of "How to Raise Successful People," shared that mindful modeling helped her raise highly successful daughters: Susan, the CEO of YouTube. Janet, a doctor, and Anne, the co-founder and CEO of 23andMe.
Esther shared the guiding principles and values that guide her new book, "How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results," where Esther provides insights into motivating children to take charge of their learning and build confidence in handling challenging tasks:
1. Be Punctual
Punctuality demonstrates respect for others' time, while consistently being late conveys the opposite. If you can't make the appointment, learn to at least call or text to inform the other person as a common courtesy. Being on time is a crucial value of your child's daily activities, whether going to school or submitting assignments. Cultivating punctuality in her routine will help her succeed and excel in various aspects of life.
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2. Maintain a Healthy Relationship with Technology
A recent survey discovered that Americans check their phones around 144 times a day, causing what technology expert Linda Stone calls "continuous partial attention." Modeling this behavior isn't only detrimental to their focus on homework. Still, young children with mothers reporting higher phone usage had more difficulty recovering from emotional stress, according to a 2022 study.
3. Maintain a Healthy Relationship with Food
Caring for your health is the most effective way to teach your kids to do the same. Wojcicki's grandkids learned to read food labels early and avoid processed junk food. In her classes, soda is confiscated with no exception.
4. Prioritize Family
Parents should show collaboration and cooperation even in divorced households. Prioritizing family involves sharing positive and negative experiences to teach kids how to handle challenges. One effective way to do this is by having enjoyable moments together, whether playing a board game, going to the park, or jumping on a trampoline. The more positive experiences, the more support the child feels.
5. Be Honest with Your Kids
All parents occasionally lie to their children. Not all lies are harmful, and it's the lies about important matters that harm trust. For instance, saying no one else is going to the show becomes problematic when the child learns everyone else goes. Trust is crucial in relationships; breaking it is the last thing you want to do.
6. Control Your Temper
We may all yell sometimes, but are you unintentionally showing your children that yelling is an acceptable communication? Cursing but getting upset when your kids use foul language sends mixed messages. While it's okay to express genuine emotions, it's important to recognize that anger doesn't improve things, and choosing a calmer approach is a lifestyle we prefer our children adopt.
7. Be Willing to Admit Mistakes
We often discuss kindness and forgiveness, but practicing them can be challenging. Throughout Wojcicki's years of teaching, she learned to forgive her students, allowing them to make amends even when they face consequences. While admitting mistakes can be painful, it's less than attempting to hide them. Wojcicki believes in continuous learning and growth, aiming to set an example for future generations.
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