Top 5 Phrases Parents of Successful Children Say
Are there parenting ‘formulas’ that make kids successful? Writer Margot Machol Bisnow interviewed 70 top entrepreneurs, including companies like Youtube, WordPress and TOMS, and their moms to discover parenting insights and challenge long standing assumptions of parenting.
What surprised her was that although these parents and entrepreneurs come from an extremely diverse group, the parents give the same messages to their children. Here’s the top 5 phrases they say:
“I can’t do everything for you”
These parents tend to avoid being too involved with their children, opting to step back at times and allow children to assume responsibility. As the parents resist the urge to be overprotective, the children are able to learn the consequences of their actions or inaction. This gives them the opportunity to develop their own independence and sense of motivation.
“Do your best and be kind”
All the entrepreneurs interviewed learnt the importance of kindness at a young age. Helping the less fortunate was part of Blake Mycoskie’s, founder of TOMS, growing up. His family delivered toys and clothes to three or four families every Christmas. Contributing to society not only promotes generosity, but also allows children to appreciate what they have.
“If something doesn’t work out, don’t be sad. It may turn out to be a good thing later on.”
Mistakes and failures happen to everyone. Establishing resilience and how to process mistakes are important steps of growing up. Some children tend to treat themselves too harshly when they don’t succeed, so their mindset needs to be redirected to view it as a learning experience and not to give up.
“What’s the best—and worst thing—that happened today?”
Asking children about their day not only gives parents a chance to be up to date with what is happening, but also provides a space and time for them to express themselves. This routine lets them know that they are heard and that they can trust their parents to provide encouragement or advice if necessary. They also get to reflect upon the good and bad of the day as they share.
“I love you.”
It’s undeniable that parents do a lot for their children, so sometimes verbal affirmations feel unnecessary. However, these reminders are important messages of support and encouragement to children that bring positive change. The parents of 70 entrepreneurs interviewed all find the message to be important: “We love you and we’ll always be here for you.”
