Behind every successful child, there is a parent

You read it right. We all want our children to be successful in life, but do we understand the real meaning of success and what it takes to get there? Join us in this very special Children’s Day ‘Epic’ as we meet some of the most successful people and unlock the ‘Super 10 for success’.

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In 2015, a global survey conducted by a leading financial institution revealed that a good 51% of Indian parents surveyed wanted their children to be successful in their careers. This number was the highest among all countries surveyed and was well ahead of countries like the US, UK and Australia, where it hovered around 20%. The message is clear. We all want our children to enjoy the fruits of success, but do we understand what actually constitutes success and the role we play in shaping our children’s success?

Often misunderstood, success is not an accomplishment; it is the outcome of accomplishment, which is why it is pure and divine. Noted American author and educator, Dr Stephen Covey once stated, “Parents are handing life’s scripts to their children, scripts that in all likelihood will be acted out for the rest of children’s lives.” So, as parents, we have a huge role to play in our children’s success.

In an interview given to ParentCircle in October 2015, Professor Lea Waters, Director of Center of Positive Psychology, University of Melbourne, Australia, whose special study on a concept called ‘strength-based parenting’ grabbed worldwide headlines for its uniqueness, stated, “Strength can come in the form of the child’s personality (e.g. courage, kindness, fairness), talent (e.g. musical, analytical, artistic, intellectual and sporting abilities) or skills (e.g. communication, problem-solving, planning and organisation, and time management). Parents see the strengths in their children and their fear subsides as they realise they can use these strengths to be happy, to make meaningful friendships and to achieve success.”