Parents want their child to be successful in as many areas as possible, while children want very much to please their parents – so much so that they sometimes end up doing things that they really don’t like yet are afraid to say so. They can end up taking subjects that they don’t identify themselves with, which can lead to feelings of unhappiness and frustration.

Specialists in early years education draw attention to inappropriate methods used by some parents who enroll their child in many courses/clubs and then pay for extra tuition on top of these, thereby occupying time which could be used to get to know their child better.

Together with Alexandra Dascal, Educational Manager at Acorns Nursery, we’ve come up with a list of tips for parents who want to support their child from their first years in how to make the best decisions for his/her future

  1. Try to offer your child many choices: „In the nursery we encourage children to explore a variety of activities – science, maths, writing, role play, expressive arts. If for example a child shows a particular interest in music, we use music in other activities (to learn numbers, letters etc) explains Alexandra Dascal.
  2. Follow his/her play – this can provide valuable clues to your child’s interests

    children painting

  3. Show your unconditional love. Research shows that when parents show support and love for their children, they feel confident and trust in their ability to choose the future career which will be right for them. These children manage to make the right choices later in life too.
  4. Rather than criticize your child’s interests, encourage those which could benefit him/her.
  5. Don’t insist or pressurize your child “Passions and interests are different to each individual and grow in time. Insisting that children find a passion limits their chances to find what they actually connect with and may even stop them taking life chances which come along later, “ says Acorns Nursery Educational Manager
  6. Don’t stop his/her self expression, be confident for him instead.children playing
  7. Encourage your child to make decisions from a young age. For example, you can ask a 3 year old what toys he wants to take to the park, showing him options available. The importance of decisions will grow with time and your child will know how to consider various options.
  8. Encourage cultural diversity and equality between sexes. A tolerant and friendly person adapts to change easily and knows how to get on with others.