Ways to Help Prepare Your Child for Future Success

Ah, the eternal quest: raising a kid who not only survives in this world but thrives. It’s easy to get caught up in the everyday chaos of parenting  the morning rush, the after school activities, the bedtime routines (that never go according to plan, right?). But somewhere in the midst of it all, we start thinking:  What’s the big picture here? What can I do now to make sure my child is set up for success down the line?  The truth is, success looks different for every kid. But there are some universal lessons and habits that can make a difference in their future, no matter what path they choose.

Ways to Help Prepare Your Child for Future Success

Teach Them to Fail Forward

Okay, this one took me a while to get comfortable with. I’ll be honest: when my daughter was younger, I would swoop in at the first sign of struggle. If she got frustrated with a puzzle or didn’t understand a math problem right away, there I was, ready to fix it for her. But here’s the thing  learning how to fail and then figuring out how to bounce back from it is one of the most important skills a child can develop.

There was a turning point when she was about seven. She had been working on building a Lego set  one of those complicated ones with like 5,000 pieces that probably require a degree in engineering to assemble. After a few mistakes, she got frustrated and wanted to quit. Every fiber of my being wanted to step in and help her put the pieces together. But I held back. Instead, I just asked, “What do you think you could try differently?” And, wouldn’t you know it, after a few more tries, she figured it out. The sense of accomplishment on her face was priceless.

It’s easy to forget that failure is a part of learning. It teaches resilience. So, letting your child struggle a bit (while providing encouragement) will help them learn how to problem solve and not give up at the first sign of trouble. As an adult, I wish someone had let me fail more as a kid. It would’ve saved me a lot of heartache later.

Foster a Growth Mindset

You’ve probably heard the phrase  growth mindset  tossed around, but it’s one of those buzzwords that actually holds up under scrutiny. The concept was popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, and it’s all about the belief that abilities can be developed through hard work and persistence. It’s the opposite of a  fixed mindset,  which says you’re either born with talent or you’re not.

I started introducing this idea to my kids early, and let me tell you, it changed the game. Instead of praising them for being “smart” or “talented,” I began focusing on the effort they put into things. So, after a test or a soccer game, instead of saying, “Wow, you’re so good at this,” I’d say something like, “I noticed how hard you worked to solve those problems” or “You really gave it your all out there today.” 

This subtle shift in language has helped them understand that success isn’t about being perfect or gifted from birth. It’s about showing up, trying hard, and improving little by little. And honestly, it’s had a side effect of reducing their anxiety around failure too, which is a win win.

Encourage Curiosity and Problem Solving

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that curiosity is the cornerstone of innovation and creativity. When kids are curious, they’re more likely to ask questions, explore new ideas, and develop critical thinking skills. These are the kinds of skills that will serve them well no matter what career they choose in the future.

A simple way to encourage curiosity is to stop giving answers so quickly. And believe me, this is  hard . Like, when my son was five and asked, “Why is the sky blue?” my instinct was to whip out my phone and Google it right then and there. But instead, I turned it around and asked him what  he  thought. His answers were... imaginative, to say the least. But what I noticed was that his brain was working. He was making connections, even if they didn’t always make perfect sense.

I also try to create an environment where it’s okay to ask questions and, even more importantly, okay to not know the answer. When kids realize that not knowing something isn’t a failure but an opportunity to learn, it opens up a whole new world for them.

Build Financial Literacy Early

This might sound like an “adult” topic, but hear me out: financial literacy is one of the most underrated life skills, and the earlier you start, the better. I grew up in a household where money wasn’t really talked about  it was just something that adults worried about. So, when I got my first job and started managing my own money, I was  clueless .

Now, I’m not saying you need to get your five year old involved in balancing the checkbook (do people even use checkbooks anymore?), but basic concepts like saving, spending, and even the difference between needs and wants can be introduced in a way that makes sense for their age. 

With my kids, we started with a simple allowance system. They got a small amount of money each week, and we encouraged them to split it between saving, spending, and giving. It wasn’t long before they started grasping the idea that money is finite, and you have to make choices about how to use it. When they wanted to buy something, I’d remind them, “You can spend your allowance on that toy, but remember, once it’s gone, it’s gone.” This little exercise has helped them understand that there’s value in planning and delaying gratification, which will definitely help them as they get older.

Teach Them How to Communicate Effectively

One thing I’ve noticed (and maybe it’s just me?) is that communication skills often get pushed aside in favor of academic achievements. But I’d argue that knowing how to communicate effectively is just as important as acing that math test. Being able to express thoughts clearly, listen actively, and collaborate with others is crucial in almost every area of life.

We practice this in small ways at home. For example, during family dinners, we have a no phones rule, and we take turns talking about our day. It’s a little thing, but it forces the kids to not only share their thoughts but also listen to their siblings and respond thoughtfully. Sometimes it turns into a comedy show  kids can be hilarious when they try to describe their day  but I can see how these conversations are helping them become more confident speakers.

Another thing I’ve tried to do is model good communication skills myself. If I’m upset or frustrated, I’ll tell them, “I’m feeling upset because X happened, and I need a few minutes to cool down.” I want them to see that it’s okay to express emotions, as long as you do it respectfully and calmly. Hopefully, they’ll take these skills into their future relationships and workplaces.

Cultivate Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

If I could only pass on one thing to my kids, it would be emotional intelligence. The ability to understand and manage your own emotions  and recognize the emotions of others  is a superpower in today’s world. Kids who are empathetic and emotionally intelligent are more likely to build strong relationships, handle stress well, and navigate the inevitable ups and downs of life.

We do a lot of talking about feelings in our house. If someone’s having a rough day, I’ll ask, “How are you feeling right now?” and then actually listen to the answer. It sounds simple, but naming emotions and talking about them helps kids build self awareness. And when they’re aware of their own feelings, they’re better equipped to understand and respond to others’ emotions too.

At the end of the day, preparing your child for future success isn’t about making sure they have a straight path to the Ivy League (though if that’s their dream, awesome!). It’s about helping them build the tools they’ll need to navigate life’s challenges, whatever form those challenges take. So, whether you’re teaching them to fail forward, encouraging their curiosity, or just helping them talk about their day, remember that these little moments add up. 

You might not see the results right away, but trust me, they’re learning. And that’s what really matters.

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