Parents' regrets when having successful children

Despite raising successful children, many parents feel regretful for not being able to teach their children things more important than grades.

As parents, we often wonder if we are doing the right thing for our children. No one is immune to that kind of thinking.

American writer Margot Machol Bisnow, author of "Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Child Achieve Their Dreams," interviewed hundreds of young entrepreneurs and their parents to learn about parenting. Most of the parents who raised successful adults did very well.

However, many parents admit that there are some things they would do differently if they could turn back time.

Regrets of parents with successful children

Too focused on scores and achievements

Many successful entrepreneurs were good students and easily got into top universities. But there are also those who dropped out of school or did not study at all.

According to experts, education is important but it must be realistic. This makes some parents want their children to develop naturally, perhaps in a non-traditional environment, instead of struggling to graduate, spending a lot of money but not having much fun.

Similarly, some parents recalled pushing their children to study harder and participate in more school activities to boost their grades instead of encouraging them to pursue their interests.

"In retrospect, parents realize that when their children spend 10,000 hours cultivating skills in their favorite field, it can be useful when starting a career, even though these activities may not be highly appreciated by adults," Ms. Margot said.

Feeling like you're in too much control

All parents want their children to be safe, but too much control makes a child feel suffocated.

Many parents have shared regrets such as: "Why didn't I let my children be more independent?", "I feel bad that my children didn't become independent until they went to college. I should have let them do things earlier."

There are many terms used to describe over-controlling parents, such as helicopter parents who interfere in every decision their children make. Or snowplow parents who try to clear all obstacles in their children’s path. But these parents also regret their actions.

"I should let my children learn to solve problems on their own instead of trying to support them in everything" - One parent shared with Margot.

Do not give housework to children

When she became a parent, Margot and many parents found themselves not giving their children enough chores.

Most parents do everything themselves, from washing clothes, gardening and cooking because they think their children are busy with school. Giving them more housework overloads them.

"But ironically, my kids told me they dreamed of learning those skills since high school," said Margot. She also found that assigning chores to children helps them become responsible, which helps them develop many useful skills when they grow up.

Not teaching children to take risks

Many parents shared that they urged their children to be cautious, to adopt a “safe” approach instead of making reckless decisions.

But when they see their children take big risks to start a new business, be willing to sell what they built, or change direction to pursue their passion and succeed, most parents feel proud.

"If we knew this earlier, many parents would encourage their children to dare to try, instead of withdrawing into their 'shell' in exchange for safety" - the expert said.

Finally, female writer Margot wants to say: Parents just need to love their children unconditionally, encourage them to develop instead of forcing them to become the version they want.

T. Linh (According to CNBC)

Source: https://giadinhonline.vn/co-con-thanh-dat-nhung-nhieu-cha-me-hoi-tiec-vi-4-dieu-nay-d203331.html