Five Tips for Teaching Your Child Perseverance

Parents work hard to raise children who are responsible and conscientious students, but what other qualities are important? Co-Founder and CEO, Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center says that perseverance is one of the most essential traits of high-achieving students. “All parents want their children to put sincere effort into school and other endeavors, but what they sometimes forget to keep in mind is that there is so much to be learned from encountering difficult times and working through them,” she says. “The strongest students out there have this in common: they know that success takes hard work.”

How can you teach your child to persevere, even when things are challenging? Huntington offers five tips:

1. Teach your child that learning never stops. Learning is an active, lifelong journey. Remind your child that he or she always has something new to learn and that consistent practice—of homework or any skill—leads to improvement.
2. Embrace the failures. It’s absolutely critical that you allow your child to attempt homework and projects independently and let him or her work through struggles and manage frustrations without “helicoptering.” Stepping in to fix your child’s problems robs your child the opportunity to learn from mistakes. Instead, talk with your child about trying new strategies when one failed approach doesn’t work.
3. Celebrate the effort. Yes, high grades are great, but your job as a parent is to teach your child that persistence leads to accomplishments. Make it clear to your child that what you value most is diligence in school and a good attitude, regardless of any outcome.
4. Encourage your child to try something new. There are so many great lessons your child can learn from regularly taking on new challenges, despite the unknown outcomes. Whether your child decides to try a new activity or tackle a project on a challenging subject, let him or her know that some of the best things in life come from learning new skills and pushing oneself outside the comfort zone.
5. Talk about the importance of sticking with it. Your child should set goals and define the steps to reach those goals—while keeping in mind that he or she will encounter road blocks sometimes. When it comes to school, that means giving homework and studying his or her very best and recognizing that part of learning requires grit when things aren’t easy.

Last and certainly not least, Huntington reminds parents that their attitude about school perseverance has a tremendous influence on their children. “Share stories of times that you tried, faced rejection or failure, and learned in the process,” she says. “Parents should let their children know that their success in life will be directly tied to their belief that good things come to those who apply themselves and fight through adversity.”

Huntington at 1 800 CAN LEARN to learn about how we help develop children into determined lifelong learners.

About Huntington

Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams.  Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards.  Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible.  Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.  

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