How to Raise Successful People

02Kids are people too

Let's think about kids in a different way. Instead of seeing them as half-baked adults waiting to be shaped and molded, let's see them as fully formed people. They're not incomplete or lacking, they're just smaller versions of us with their own unique personalities, interests, and abilities. Imagine a sculptor with a block of marble. Some might see it as a blank canvas, waiting to be turned into a masterpiece. But the best sculptors see the masterpiece already inside the marble. Their job isn't to force their vision onto the marble, but to chip away the extra bits and reveal the beauty that was already there. That's how we should see kids - not as raw material to be shaped, but as unique individuals who need a little guidance to reveal their own potential. This way of thinking changes how we parent. Instead of telling kids what to do or be, we should create an environment that lets them explore their interests and develop their abilities. This doesn't mean we throw out all the rules or discipline, but it does mean we respect kids' autonomy and individuality. Here's a handy model to help with this approach - it's called TRICK. Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness. Trust means believing in your kid's ability to make good decisions and learn from their mistakes. Respect is about recognizing your kid's unique individuality and treating them as equals. Independence means letting your kid do things on their own, which helps them become self-reliant. Collaboration is about working together with your kid, promoting teamwork and mutual support. Kindness is about showing and teaching empathy and compassion. For example, instead of insisting that your kid must become a doctor because that's what you wanted to be, trust them to choose their own career path. If they choose to be an artist, respect that decision. Let them explore art on their own to foster their independence, but also visit art museums together to collaborate. Show kindness by supporting their passion, even if it's different from your own. Remember, kids are always watching and learning from us. By living out the principles of TRICK, we can show them the behaviors and attitudes we want them to adopt. This approach not only helps build a strong parent-child relationship, but also gives kids the skills and attitudes they need to succeed in life. In a nutshell, seeing "Children as complete human beings" means respecting their individuality, trusting their judgment, and guiding them towards their own version of success. It's about helping them reveal their inherent potential, rather than trying to force them into a preconceived mold.

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