By Alice GibbsShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberParenting is tough. From the everyday things like getting them out of bed and off to school, to watching for learning milestones and identifying their skills.
Now a parenting expert has shared five key behaviors that may signal future success in children.
Sarah Lebovitz Suria, a licensed psychologist and parenting and school strategist with 10 years' experience, told Newsweek that while no single trait determines a child’s path, certain skills formed in early childhood can set a strong foundation for thriving academically, socially and eventually in the workplace.
...1. They can regulate their emotions and stay focused
Children who can control their emotions and remain on task tend to gain a powerful advantage both in school and later in life.
“Self-regulation is so important. Being able to manage your emotions, right? Also how to sustain attention in an environment—that's really critical in school settings, and also out in the real world,” Suria said.
2. They bounce back when things get tough
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“Resilience is essential. Being able to bounce back when things get tough and really being able to physically and emotionally get back up when things are hard,” she said.
3. They show curiosity and a willingness to work hard
A child’s readiness to put in consistent effort—even when tasks are difficult—is another strong predictor of future achievement.
“This willingness to work hard, putting in the work every day, that consistency goes a long way,” Suria explained.
Curiosity also plays a role. Children who are eager to explore new subjects and ideas tend to flourish later on.
“Having any type of curiosity is definitely one part of this recipe for success… You have to be a lifetime learner,” she said.
...4. They have cognitive flexibility and the ability to pivot
Kids who can adapt quickly often navigate challenges, transitions and problem-solving with more ease, skills that remain important well into adulthood.
“Being able to approach something in a different way or pivot when a plan doesn’t go as expected, that is a great sign,” Suria said. “Being cognitively and mentally flexible.”
5. They have prosocial and teamwork skills
The ability to collaborate, take feedback and contribute to group settings is another indicator that a child may thrive socially and academically.
“This is about prosocial skills. Turn taking, perspective taking, group learning and cooperation,” Suria said. “Being part of a team and adding value is a great skill. Not everyone is a leader, and that’s okay.”
No ‘Perfect Formula’ for Success
While these skills are meaningful indicators, Suria stressed that children without these skills will not necessarily fail—just as their presence does not guarantee future achievements.
“These skills are all muscles that children need to flex. There’s no perfect sauce or special sauce,” she said. “I really encourage parents to give themselves grace, it really is a learning process. These predictors are all skills that kids can work on.”
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