How a Childs Will power Can Make or Break his Future

How a Childs Will power Can Make or Break his
Future?
Will power, in simple words, means a strong determination that allows one to do something
difficult. It is a driving force towards maintaining discipline, gradual improvement, and goal
achievement. While it is an oft-discussed psychological aspect in the world of adults, ever
thought that it stands equally relevant for children? Learning good habits, passing exams,
performing well in arts and sports, there is no dearth of tasks that children need to perform
during their formative years. Here, willpower is the main ingredient in the recipe for their
success. So, how do we instill willpower in children? Is it solely a teacher’s job? Or Do
parents have a role too? Well! The tips below will answer all such questions.
Practice what you preach
Whether you are a parent or a teacher, lead by example to make a child determined and selfmotivated.
For example, if you want your child to get up early but one parent follows an
erratic lifestyle, mere instructions won’t work. Children learn what they see and hear.
Therefore, elders should behave the way they want the children to be. Another example could
be that of teachers at the best secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur. They follow and
demonstrate punctuality to teach students how to resist the temptation of staying outside class
past lunchtime or playtime.
Teach them the value of consistency
Be consistent to emphasize the value of unrelenting efforts for achieving something. It helps
fast-track success in any area by making the doer stay connected to what matters. In addition,
it prepares a person to rise above momentary pleasures and instant gratification to keep
moving towards the goal. Willpower comes into the picture here. You may start with smaller
tasks like keeping the dishes in the sink after lunch and dinner, improving one’s reading, and
a weekly activity like writing a journal. If the child forgets or intentionally skips the tasks,
they may be asked to do a substitute task for course correction.
Encourage and appreciate
Avoid being too rigid, or worse, strict with children. When they go against what’s tempting
and choose to do what’s right, use positive words to boost their morale. Discuss the benefits
of the action they have taken and the adverse effects of delaying or not doing what they have
done. For example, distraction or delayed action is one of the downsides of the unhindered
availability and exposure to social media and mass media. One Sunday morning, your child
chooses to apply for an educational scholarship instead of watching videos on YouTube. It
is time for you to praise his efforts and talk about how they might have missed the deadline
and lost an opportunity had they not taken this timely action.
Avoid comparison
Every student’s journey to becoming mentally strong and disciplined is different. Neither
parents nor teachers should compare the progress of one child to that of another. It may
discourage the child, affect his self-belief adversely, and take their interest away from being
consistent and focused. Be supportive, and if not that, then at least avoid being negative.
What are your thoughts on will power in children?

Comment below and share with us.