4 secrets to raising successful children, getting them into Harvard, Stanford...

In nearly a decade of helping students find the right extracurricular activities to build their college applications, Theo Wolf has seen many students achieve outstanding results.

They made a strong impression on the most rigorous admissions boards at top American universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Princeton...

Expert Theo Wolf found that the difference between these excellent students lies not only in the students themselves, but also in the way their parents raise and accompany them. Below are 4 things that Wolf noticed that parents of excellent children often do very early.

Parents who raise successful children often have things in common (Illustration: CNBC).

Not "clearing the way" for the child

"Clearing the way" for children is when parents try to clear away all obstacles and challenges so that their children can easily and quickly achieve their goals. The most common manifestation is that parents do a lot of work for their children.

This prevents children from developing initiative. Children grow up thinking that if they don't do something, someone else will do it for them.

Meanwhile, the most successful students Wolf has supported are those who take responsibility for their own tasks and goals. The more difficult the situation, the greater their sense of responsibility and initiative, which leads to impressive results.

Therefore, parents should only act as guides, ready to help when their children really need it. Sometimes, letting children suffer the consequences for their hesitation, indecision or laziness is the most effective way to teach children.

Respect your child's interests

Wolf has supported students with unique extracurricular activity ideas, based on their own interests. One student was passionate about makeup, became a social media star specializing in "reviewing" cosmetics, then donated these cosmetics to charity for auction.

There are students who are passionate about knitting and sewing, so they teach these skills to those who share the same interests, then form a group that specializes in selling "handmade" products to raise funds for charity.

Many parents tend to push their children to pursue “serious” activities or hobbies, hoping to give them an edge and increase their chances of getting into a top university. However, allowing your child the freedom to develop based on what they truly love can bring unexpected results.

It is important that parents let their children develop naturally according to their own inclinations and pace, without turning every hobby or interest into pressure or strategy, just to make their profile look better.

One of the most important things parents can do is be a positive role model for their children (Photo illustration: CNBC).

Train your child to be independent from an early age.

The schedules of many elementary school students today are very stressful. Parents set goals to help their children develop "all-round": good at studying, playing musical instruments well, drawing well, understanding music, knowing how to play sports ...

The problem is that a busy schedule leaves children with little time to be alone, to play and explore on their own. However, time for children to relax, be alone and do what they like in their own way is essential for children to develop independence and their own identity.

Some pediatric psychology studies have shown that children who have more time without close supervision will learn to control themselves better and make more effective decisions.

One student that Wolf highly appreciated during the cooperation process was asked by his parents to prepare for school every day from elementary school. This seemingly small action has great value, helping this student to mature and become independent early. From a young age, he prepared his own clothes, breakfast, books, and then moved to school by himself. This is an opportunity for children to practice their independence.

Be a role model for your children through real actions.

One of the most important things parents can do is be a positive role model for their children. Want your child to stop being addicted to their phone? Don't stare at the screen all day. Want your child to be active? Let your child see you exercising regularly.

Always ask yourself: Am I being the good version of myself that I want my child to be? Are there any habits that go against the values ​​I want to teach my child?

Children learn most from their parents' actions, not from their words. If you want your children to be responsible, hardworking, and passionate, you need to demonstrate those qualities first.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/4-bi-quyet-nuoi-day-con-thanh-cong-do-dai-hoc-harvard-stanford-20250522095719727.htm