One of the men on this site (forgive me for not remembering who) posed this interesting question or something to this effect.
Offering a constant positive outlook on education can be challenging to say the least.
For me and mine, first we begin with adapting a positive outlook on life and on self then we can carry that forward into education, sports, friendships, choices, etc. I have encouraged a certain expectation level in my oldest from a very your age. Because that foundation and expectation has been formed, he now expects the best from himself. Each year we raise the bar just a bit to promote growth, set realistic education goals and a plan of action to achieve them. We always have a measure of accountability and rewards for accomplishment.
Here are some solutions that seem to be working for us:
1. Teach our kids to expect the best from themselves. Have more than one goal and dream. While it's cool to want to be a rapper, model or some sort of professional baller, learn the day to day operations of a recording company, of a modeling agency - Begin with an informational interview with one of the decision makers. As for all the future sports stars, grab a few kids each summer or after school and host a mini-camp or tournament. One way to master your skill is to teach another.
2. Increase awareness around learning. There are several ways to learn outside of an academic school day. An example; once a month I encourage my son to read a financial article/publication. This is getting him familiar with how money work and doesn't work. To make it more interesting, he has purchased some shares of stock in company he chooses to spend his money on. Since he is invested, he takes an interest in reading about his industry and the company of his choice.
3. Give them incentives. I love the idea that the Professor from Harvard is doing. Monetary incentives or not, maybe it just needs to be something tangible. We all need to have a reason to go forward. I believe children tend to need more tangible validation or incentives to help with there why until they can begin to SEE the benefits.
4. We as mothers, wives, ex-wives and guardians need to take an interest in and understand our children’s learning style. Therefore we can be effective during the many lectures we as parents will deliver to our children in there lifetime.
5. We need to saturate them with positive influences (male & female). If you don't have one in the home or in your 'hood, read about them on the internet.
Posted By: Tamela Saulsberry
Monday, August 11th 2008 at 10:23PM
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