Every parent wants their child to go on to do great things and be successful, but it’s not always as easy as you would like it to be, to bring up a future genius who can really make it in the big bad world, right? It’s definitely tough and there are no guarantees, but here are some basic things you can do to set them wandering down the right path.
1. Embrace Play (Yes, Even If It’s Messy)
Gone are the days when being “educated” meant sitting quietly at a desk for hours (think Oliver Twist, minus the singing and dancing). Research shows that children learn best when they’re actively exploring, even if it sometimes looks like they’re trying to sabotage your carpets with crayons and glitter. So, as a parent, encourage them to build towering pillow forts, host impromptu tea parties for their stuffed animals, or create their own culinary “masterpieces” out of mud. Though you might weep for your clean floors, these messy, hands-on experiences help fuel creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience—qualities that will make them unstoppable in the future.
2. Chores: A Sneaky Way to Teach Responsibility
We get it. Asking your kid to pick up their toys can feel like you’re the Wicked Witch of the West, cackling over a broom. But guess what? Chores are life’s best free crash courses in accountability. Having them feed the dog or organize their own lunchbox might seem small, but those routine tasks are stepping stones to bigger responsibilities. Plus, once they realize that nobody’s going to clean up the spaghetti they dropped on the floor except them, they’ll learn a thing or two about consequences. Just keep the tasks age-appropriate (no microwaving leftover pizza for your toddler…though that might be a hilarious science experiment).
3. The Piggy Bank: Where Futures Are Born
Financial literacy can be taught earlier than you think. Start with a piggy bank—maybe one shaped like a unicorn to keep it interesting—and show them how to drop coins in and watch their savings grow. Gradually introduce the concept of “investing” (even if it’s investing in their next LEGO set). This is also a great time to start talking about saving for future education. A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), or any college savings fund, can be like a hidden superpower you pass on. It takes more than pocket change to pave the way to Harvard—or any other dream university—so every penny counts.
Bonus Tip: Celebrate Imperfection
Kids are going to fail, and guess what? So do adults, basically all the time. Teaching them that failure is just part of the process—like re-baking that fallen soufflé—will give them the confidence to face future challenges. Applaud their attempts, even if the results are gloriously disastrous. Keep the vibe positive, and when in doubt, remember that laughter is sometimes the best cure for a meltdown (yours or theirs).
Here’s to future geniuses and the parents who helped to get them where they are now, and where they will be in the future!