The successful education and guidance of children requires an effective
strategy. A successful strategy can be broken into three components; goals,
motivation, and techniques.
First, we must set our goals. In order to make our educational goals more
real and powerful it is useful to consider them in as much detail as possible.
For example, if we want our daughter to be an adult with exemplary character
traits it is helpful to consider what it will look like each step of the way as
she is growing-up. We may decide that at four she should say "please and thank
you," at six she should be generous in sharing her toys and at eight she should
call her friends on the phone when they are sick and wish them a "speedy
recovery."
When deciding on goals for our children, it is essential that we take into
consideration both the child and other family members. Goals must be fair,
respectful and just. If we want our son to be a scholar, it cannot be at the
expense of denying him his need to play and relax. Likewise, it is not just to
concentrate on one child at the expense of the others.
In 1953, scientists wanted to study the impact of goal setting. They
interviewed the graduating class of Harvard University. They discovered that
less than 3% had clear-cut goals set for themselves. Twenty years later these
researchers interviewed these same people. What they found was that the same 3%
that had definite goals in 1953 appeared, in 1973, better adjusted emotionally,
socially, and with their families. In addition, this 3% had more financial clout
than the combined net worth of the rest of their classmates. The value of goal
setting is obvious.
Once we know what our goals are, it is necessary to implement them. This
requires "motivation." The way to increase one's motivation, passion, and
dedication is by understanding why particular goals are important. This is
important for both parents and children.
Consistently considering and evaluating our goals and how to implement them
will help us successfully accomplish our education plans.
The actual "techniques," the "how to" of implementing our goals varies
greatly from child to child and family to family. The media proliferates an
abundance of parenting tips and "how to's." Serious parents can become overly
cautious and confused by the many points of view and are thereby unable to
assume the necessary responsibility for effective parenting. However, there are
no cook-book type rules or pat answers. What is essential is that parents take
charge of their household that they be the captains of their ship. Otherwise
the children themselves may fill the void and the results will be disastrous.
They may grow up arrogant and without values, and thereby preclude the
acquisition of good academic and character traits. Certainly, the educational
goals set out by the parents will never be achieved. When parents set the tone
and structure of family life, children will respond with humility and respect as
well as love and closeness. Taking charge is more critical than whether parents
are pedagogically 100% or only 96% correct.
Whatever your plan, it is important that you "sell" the idea to your
children. They don't have to agree on the final destination, but they have to
enjoy getting there. Encourage them and positively acknowledge their
accomplishments with rewards and praise. This is the best way.