Parenting method of a mother whose son got a PhD at the age of 17

Jimalita Tillman - a mother in Chicago, USA, attracted a lot of attention when she shared the story about her daughter Dorothy Jean's parenting methods and learning experiences from when she was a child until she received her doctorate at the age of 17.

Jimalita Tillman said she realized her daughter had an insatiable curiosity and a passion for learning that set her apart from many other children. So she began doing a lot to help her daughter achieve academic success. “I see my daughter as an inspiration for what I do in my daily life,” Jimalita told CNBC.

Dorothy Jean, daughter of Jimalita Tillman, earned her doctorate in integrative behavioral health from Arizona State University at the age of 17.

Dorothy Jean began homeschooling at age 7 and began taking high school courses at age 8. By age 10, Dorothy Jean had earned an associate's degree and two years later, a bachelor's degree. By age 14, she had earned a master's degree in environmental science.

Last year, 17-year-old Dorothy Jean received her doctorate in Integrative Behavioral Health from Arizona State University. This year, the 18-year-old is not only considering her future plans, but also founding and running the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute to provide educational programs for Black youth in Chicago.

Jimalita Tillman says it's "no big deal" that her daughter has achieved so much. The mother believes there are a number of parenting principles she adheres to that have helped develop Dorothy Jean's talents.

Set clear expectations

Tillman recommends that parents work with their children to create an “expectation contract,” an agreement about what is expected of them. She gives examples of completing homework before watching TV or allowing children to participate in their favorite after-school activity only if they maintain good grades.

"Parents need to be clear and concise, not ambiguous when dealing with children, especially gifted children," says Tillman.

According to this mother, gifted children need clear expectations and responsibilities. When children are involved with their parents in setting these rules, it helps them develop self-confidence and self-motivation, which is the key to long-term success.

Teach children about responsibility and set an example for them

Tillman believes that parents are the best role models for children to learn responsibility. She emphasizes: "Parents should be responsible for themselves, clearly demonstrate their attitude and determination in front of their children to teach them how to be responsible and complete tasks on time."

This mother gives advice from renowned psychologist Cindy Graham, who shared with HuffPost magazine in 2021: "Children have the ability to repeat what they see others do, so it is important for caregivers to be aware of the lessons children learn from them."

Additionally, Tillman suggests talking frankly with children about your experiences with falling short of your expectations and how you overcame them. This can teach children that adults are being held accountable for their actions. It can be as simple as apologizing when you’re late picking them up or getting angry about something trivial.

Keep the faith

“Parents and children alike need confidence to face life's inevitable obstacles,” says Tillman.

Above all, according to this mother, parents who maintain a positive attitude in the process of raising children will contribute to creating children's confidence and this has a close correlation with success. In the face of difficulties, children who believe "I will continue to try" are more likely to succeed than children who give up easily.

Avoid inappropriate comparisons

Tillman asserts that you should not use other people's achievements to compare and motivate your children to succeed. According to this mother, each child develops at their own pace, and comparison can have the side effect of making children feel inferior.

Tillman said she always avoided comparing Dorothy Jean's achievements to anyone else's, and she was adamant that other parents should not compare their children to Dorothy Jean.

Source: https://giadinhonline.vn/nguyen-tac-day-con-cua-ba-me-co-con-tien-si-17-tuoi-d200260.html