1. Build your child’s self esteem
If children see themselves as unique and talented individuals, they will be more inclined to strive for good things. Children should be made to feel like they are part of a chosen people, no matter their heritage or the limitations around them. They need to be taught their family history in such a way that their identity is not confused. When we give children an international experience, it helps to build their self-esteem. They should understand that the world is a global village with diverse people and cultures.
“I am the measure of my worth, and I say I am worthy. ”
Anonymous
2. Build your child’s ability to defer gratification
We are all in love with the culture of now now. Delay in today’s world has become intolerable. As parents, we must as a matter of necessity instil the skill of deferring gratification gradually as our kids grow. children must be taught that there are long term rewards for positive behaviours at an early age. They can get great opportunities from learning to wait. Every responds better to targeted rewards, this can be used as tool to instil the skill of delayed gratification. This skill also helps to re-enforce other useful skills for living such as saving among others.
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3. Choose the best education possible
Sometimes the sacrifice of a lifestyle by parents for a quality education is a trade-off that is well worth it in the long run. No child should be sent to a school that is inadequate for his or her abilities. Parents must realise that some part of the education comes from lessons learned from fellow students as well as from both formal and informal moments in class. A child’s social environment is most time determined by university classmates, who become lifelong friends, business associates and on some occasion spouses. Parents must be intentional about their children’s education and they must realise that the education of a child is both within and outside of the classroom.
4. Create an expectation for each level of education
Parents must create expected outcome for the education of their children. Where the education is to be attain and the expected outcome must be spelt out. Education is expected to make them self-reliant, to a an extent independent, it should empower them to create value for the community at large and also for themselves. The planning of a child education should be beyond the economics, I mean the financial cost for it. Questions such as what should my child be able to do, what should he or she become, what level of knowledge, skill fullness should be clarified.
5. Build your skill and grow in your value quotient as an adult.
Children should see their parents involve in continuous learning throughout their adult life whether through a formal or an informal process. This would help to re-enforce the importance of education in their minds and will also allow us share the educational experience with them.
We would like to hear your thoughts or questions if any in the comment session.
