Parents aspire for their children to excel academically, but it’s essential to balance high expectations with emotional support to prevent fear of failure. Education expert Pamela Briskman emphasizes nurturing self-awareness and individuality in children. She identifies three crucial skills for success: courage, which fosters resilience in facing challenges; determination, which frames failures as growth opportunities; and reflection, which encourages thoughtful evaluation of experiences. Together, these skills cultivate a strong foundation for academic achievement and personal development.
Many parents dream of seeing their children shine academically, hoping they will be the top performers in their classes. While it’s entirely natural to wish for your child to achieve greatness in all their endeavors, it’s crucial to ensure they do not feel overwhelmed by high expectations that could lead to a fear of failure.
Education expert Pamela Briskman highlights the significance of cultivating a child’s “self-awareness.” She often advises parents to focus on embracing their child’s individuality and fostering specific skills that promote their unique qualities, ultimately steering them towards success. Excelling academically goes beyond simply mastering lessons; children must also develop a resilient character that can withstand challenges and setbacks. Here, we explore three essential skills recommended by the specialist.
Courage
As per the expert, courage plays a vital role in a child’s educational journey. “Being a courageous ‘learner’ transcends the traditional notion of bravery,” she emphasizes. Children need to demonstrate resilience if they wish to thrive in their studies. Good grades alone are not sufficient; they must also learn to confront and overcome challenges. “Research in learning indicates that we perform better when operating within our zone of proximal development (ZPD), pushing ourselves to the limits of our abilities,” Dr. Briskman explains. This implies that the more challenges a child faces, the more they cultivate a willingness to extend their boundaries. “Courage serves as the driving force that propels us beyond our comfort zones, empowering us to tackle complex subjects, explore innovative ideas, and foster personal growth,” she adds. Consequently, a resilient child is better equipped to succeed and comprehend academic setbacks.
Experiencing academic setbacks is not something to be ashamed of; rather, it is critical for children to learn how to manage their emotions and recognize that perfection is unattainable. Embracing courage will provide them with the mental fortitude necessary to rise above challenges, transforming setbacks into motivation to strive for excellence.
Determination
While courage is vital, determination is equally essential for success. To grasp the concept of determination, it is necessary to define it as acting with resolution and without hesitation. This trait is crucial for achieving set objectives and contributes to resilience and cognitive development. “Being a determined ‘learner’ involves viewing failures as stepping stones for growth. Mistakes reveal our areas for improvement, serving as powerful learning tools that can expedite our progress towards our goals… often more effectively than if we had succeeded on our first attempt,” the specialist explains.
To fully leverage the knowledge gained in school, determination is a key ingredient for academic success. A strong motivation to achieve is a characteristic found in resilient children. Therefore, instilling this value in your children from a young age is vital. You can set a positive example by encouraging perseverance regardless of challenges, enabling them to present the best version of themselves.
Reflection
Reflection is closely linked with logical thinking. Children who rush into tasks often face failures due to impulsiveness or poor decision-making. The prevalence of social media has exacerbated this issue, as children increasingly seek instant gratification, often hurrying through their work. According to the specialist, if children learn patience and the art of reflection, they will produce higher-quality assignments and retain more knowledge by maximizing their thinking capabilities.
“Being a reflective ‘learner’ involves taking the time to evaluate our educational experiences, assessing what worked well and what didn’t to better prepare for future opportunities,” the expert insists. She recommends teaching children to be methodical and take their time with homework to reduce careless errors. “As children mature, learning to seek and implement feedback can significantly enhance their capacity to improve and refine their work,” she asserts. Encouraging children to step back and evaluate their schoolwork is advisable for their overall growth.