Modern science is constantly evolving and gives people more understanding of all areas of life. In particular, this applies to such important activities as raising children. Representatives of different cultures and countries have different approaches to this. Someone uses all the knowledge of Western psychologists to create a comfortable environment in the family. Others, on the other hand, use conservative methods because they have worked for centuries. The purpose of this paper is to discuss ways in which parents can help kids achieve success.
There are different methods of achieving outstanding performance in various areas. One of the most common concepts is the 10,000-hour theory (Gladwell 28). It lies in the fact that it is necessary to be engaged in any activity during this time to become an expert in it. Indeed, regular practice and diligence pay off. This method can be applied in education: for example, even if children do not want to play a musical instrument, they will become much more pleased to do it when they get a lot of experience in it. Unfortunately, such “experiments” do not always go unnoticed and do not guarantee success for children. In the process, children may hate the study and the parents themselves, as well as a particular field of education, even if they become experts in it. In this case, they will not achieve success in it: they will diligently avoid these activities.
Therefore, it is crucial to choose a competent approach to raising a child to not injure them in this way. Eastern and Western methods of education have dozens of striking differences. In Battle Hymn of the Tyger, Mother Amy Chua talks about Chinese parenting methods. First, this applies to education because learning different skills takes up a significant part of children’s lives. Amy argues that her child should only receive an A grade (Chua 63). Even with minor difficulties with academic performance, the mood in the family is getting worse. The mother devotes an enormous amount of time to working out the knowledge gap and achieving an excellent grade. Thus, success becomes not an accident or an exceptional event. This is the fruit of the common and hard work of the child and parent. This happens in most families, for example, in China, so this success does not surprise others.
It is difficult for carriers of Western culture to imagine such an image of upbringing. Undoubtedly, an Eastern parent can force the child to do something only because the power is in their hands. Hence, the child teaches to overcome difficulties and believes in their strength: they can cope with difficult tasks. Nevertheless, not every person can withstand such pressure. This can break the psyche and ruin a child’s life. Instead of communicating with peers, a person will learn to perform certain tasks efficiently, but social life will suffer. Consequently, Western parents take a different approach to parenting.
Many Western parents try to surround their children with care and love. They do not force them to perform certain tasks but try to push them towards something most interesting and appropriate. Research shows that one of the best ways to help children do this is to focus on their strengths (Geiger). First, this way, children will have high enough self-esteem and enjoy everything that happens to them. Second, they will be ready to draw on their strength to cope with obstacles. This is also what will help them find their strengths. They will know what they do best: swim, sing or solve difficult math problems. This will help in choosing a profession and the entire path of life.
On the one hand, there is no doubt that children should grow up in a suitable psychological atmosphere and not be under pressure. On the other hand, they may not always understand the importance of choice and self-determination in childhood. Hence, they need to be nudged towards the necessary decisions as they may not be able to cope with this task without their parents. It is safe to say that Chinese parents win in this: they make good professionals out of their children. However, Western parents pay much more attention to psychological comfort, which is also a key aspect of parenting.
Undoubtedly, every parenting approach has its pros and cons. They all initially pursue a single goal: to raise a decent person. However, each culture, nation, and even family has its special methods. Each of them has a right to exist if they are really useful and necessary for children. Thus, each mother adapts to her knowledge, feelings, and characteristics of her children. Thanks to this, they can find a common language and come to succeed in their youth life goals.
Works Cited
Chua, Amy. Battle Hymn of the Tyger Mother. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2011.
Geiger, Mia. “Focus on your child’s strengths to help them succeed. Here’s how.”Washington Post, Web.
Gladwell, Malcolm. Outliers: The Story of Success. Little, Brown Book Group, 2008.