Many times in life, it’s the simple things that prove to be the most effective. Many parents possibly try too hard to make sure their children will be successful and have the best future available, when in actuality, all they need to do are some basic, easy to access things.
A recently published article established a list of things that definitely have a big impact on your child’s future.
- Books
The National Endowment for the Arts did a survey and concluded that a child’s engagement with books affects future life in a plethora of ways. Poor reading skills are often equated with a lower paying career, fewer chances for advancement in a career, and more difficulty in securing employment. In addition, the survey shows that poor readers are less likely to be active adults in civic life, volunteer less, and even vote less than those who are life-long readers.
- Responsibility and Chores
Having your child become responsible and giving them chores to do prepares them for their future. This will allow them to be able to take on and fulfill obligations in their future career and teaches them the relationship between work and success. In addition, learning to be responsible at an early age will give a child confidence and a “sense of community” as they grow. The article quoted financial guru Dave Ramsey as saying, “You should view teaching your children to work in the same way you view teaching them to bathe and brush their teeth–as a necessary skill for life.”
- The role model of an educator
Throughout your child’s life, he or she will have many different teachers. Somewhere along this educational journey, your child will make at least a few “special” connections with an educator that will change your child’s life in a positive way. A teacher can influence your child to love a particular subject in school or even help your child get through a difficult time in his or her life. Having your child make that connection with a teacher will earn a special place in your son or daughter’s mind and heart.
- A musical instrument
Did you know that statistics show playing an instrument can improve your memory, mathematic skills, creativity, self-expression, and be a good avenue for stress relief? In addition, having your child learn to play an instrument, join a band, join an orchestra, and/or join the school band will improve his or her social skills and allow them to widen their peer group.
Next week we will continue this list of simple things you can do as a parent to ensure your child has a successful future.
At Advanced College Solutions, Inc., we offer a variety of programs that prepare you for college. Please give us a call and set up an appointment so we can start in guiding you to a successful college career.