How to Prepare Your Child For Success in Adulthood

A parent’s primary objective for their child is that they are happy and healthy, not just when they’re children, but also in their adult years. 

The seeds for happiness as an adult are sown, of course, while they’re younger. Researchers have repeatedly shown that our childhood experiences have a significant influence on an individual’s success as an adult. And while that might sound like additional pressure on an already tough parenting gig, it’s actually a good thing. If you tick all the boxes, then there’s every chance that your child goes on to become a success once they finally flee the nest. We’ll run through some key areas that researchers have identified as being critical to adulthood success. 

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Instilling Confidence

Why does confidence lead to success? Because achieving your goals is much easier when you believe in yourself. There’s no shortage of ways for parents to gently build the self-esteem of their young children. Giving them space to do things on their own — rather than micromanaging every step — and giving praise (when it’s earned) are fundamental, as is focusing on their strengths and rewarding hard work will all give your child the traits and belief they need to succeed.

Support their Education

Your child’s academic performance will be highly influential in determining their later success. There’s a well-defined link between education and earnings, showing that better-performing students are more likely to experience career success. As a parent, you can support your child’s education by putting them in the right school, investing in tutoring, and just generally taking an interest in their school life. Families can also more broadly encourage an interest in learning by taking educationally-focused trips, having stimulating conversations at dinner, and filling the home with books — it’s much better if a child picks up a book when they’re bored rather than searching for a game to play. 

Self-Care and Wellness

You’ll want your child to be successful when they reach adulthood — but more than that, you’ll want them to be happy. Studies have shown that today’s successful people aren’t actually that happy. As a parent, you can ensure that your child is more likely to retain their happiness once they become successful by giving them the self-care and wellness tools they need to look after themselves. It’s much easier to practice wellness habits as an adult if they’ve been part of your life since you were a child. 

Some happiness-boosting habits to teach your child include:

• Meditation 
• Exercise
• Eating healthy
• Positive thinking

Encouraging Hobbies 

Finally, remember that success doesn’t necessarily have to mean a high-flying, well-paying job. So long as your child is happy and is able to meet their needs, then they’ll be successful. You can encourage your child to forge their path in life by supporting their hobbies and letting them try new things. It can seem ridiculous that your child might become, say, a musician, but you never know what might happen if they have loving parents encouraging them to go in the direction of their dreams.