Your child can become anyone they want to be; the possibilities are endless.
As a parent, you can see your child’s potential. But while young, they may not see their full potential and may not believe they have what it takes to be successful. Fortunately, you can help.
Here are five suggestions for helping your child to reach their full potential and achieve success in their lives…
Provide opportunities
When your children attempt new things, they find hidden talents. They are more likely to find activities that they enjoy and skills that become valuable throughout their lives.
As a parent, you are in a unique position to provide opportunities for your child to discover these talents, skills and passions such as new sports, classes and more.
Being encouraging and helpful as they try to find things they love to do can have a positive impact on their self esteem.
However, it is also important to be aware that too many activities at the same time can become overwhelming and could result in a quitter instead of an achiever.
Praise your child
Let your child know when you are proud of them as your praise and recognition means a lot to a child. It can build their confidence in themselves and their own abilities.
When children receive praise, they are more likely to continue trying because they want their parent’s approval. Giving praise is a way to encourage and help boost your child’s confidence and self-worth.
Support your child’s decisions
Your child is an individual. They have their own passions and they won’t always choose hobbies, sports, activities and even careers that you choose. Be supportive of your child’s decisions. Your support shows your love and your willingness to assist them in whichever activities they pursue. When you don’t show that support, your child is likely to have a more difficult time finding activities they enjoy and want to continue.
When challenges and failure appear, your child will be more likely to quit than push forward and reach their potential.
Teach commitment
If you want to help your child to succeed at school, activities and in their future lives, it is important for them to learn about making a commitment. ‘Stickability’ is a core skill that can also help to build resilience. For example, helping your child to recognise that failure is part of the learning process and not a sign that they don’t have the ability to succeed.
When a child learns to be committed to their own learning, they not only build self compassion and self reliance, but also become valuable assets to their future employers, family members, neighbours and friends.
Set goals together
When your child sets realistic goals for themselves, they will generally be more willing to reach their potential. For example, if your child is struggling to learn the piano or solve mathematical problems, you could set goals with them to help motivate them to reach them step by step as they undertake new challenges. Every child has the ability to reach their full potential in any subject or activity with a little encouragement.
