Publications
Partners
Most parents are quick to see the best in their children, and a large part of their parenting role is to help them accomplish the very best in life. Of course, it’s just not possible for every single child to be a billionaire, successful sports-person or a public figure. A very small percentage of scholars compete for certain careers. What if your child isn’t academically gifted, or particularly special in any way?
Some children struggle at school. Some are not naturally gifted in social situations, nor remarkably good-looking. If you look at your baby or young child, could you honestly say that you wouldn’t be terribly disappointed if he was to end up doing a “mac-job”?
“I want my child to have every opportunity I didn’t/did have” is something many parents say, and it’s their desire to see their child making the most out of everything they offer. Ultimately, though, it is up to the child: Will he want/be able to make the most of those opportunities?
A report in the Onion has, in typically wry fashion, commented on the way the parents of a successful student took the time, at her graduation, to say that they were equally proud of their drop-out son: "Jonathan,” his mom said, “you may not be accomplished, impressive and destined for great things like your sister, but we love you, too."
That seems like a fair attitude to have. Jonathan’s loving mom added: "You are not a huge disappointment in our eyes." The proud parents also praised their son's third-shift truck stop-waitress girlfriend as "very nice."
Would you be able to praise your underachieving child as much as your super-achiever child?
Some children struggle at school. Some are not naturally gifted in social situations, nor remarkably good-looking. If you look at your baby or young child, could you honestly say that you wouldn’t be terribly disappointed if he was to end up doing a “mac-job”?
“I want my child to have every opportunity I didn’t/did have” is something many parents say, and it’s their desire to see their child making the most out of everything they offer. Ultimately, though, it is up to the child: Will he want/be able to make the most of those opportunities?
A report in the Onion has, in typically wry fashion, commented on the way the parents of a successful student took the time, at her graduation, to say that they were equally proud of their drop-out son: "Jonathan,” his mom said, “you may not be accomplished, impressive and destined for great things like your sister, but we love you, too."
That seems like a fair attitude to have. Jonathan’s loving mom added: "You are not a huge disappointment in our eyes." The proud parents also praised their son's third-shift truck stop-waitress girlfriend as "very nice."
Would you be able to praise your underachieving child as much as your super-achiever child?
