Sometimes
young people look for the easy way out. They may want to take a class that does
not challenge them, or slide by with little effort.
It
helps to have children understand the importance of challenging themselves to
their fullest. Encourage them to take courses that are demanding — ones that
get them to think and reach a little further.
Subjects
or projects that require young people to push harder are well worth the extra
effort. When they find an extra resource within themselves, they feel
comfortable trying new challenges in the future.
By
taking accelerated courses, your children might end up finding their life’s
passion. The hard work will often pay off in experiences that they otherwise
might not have been able to share.
The
payoff might be as simple as interacting with students they’ve never talked
with before, getting hands-on experience in a new area, meeting experts in a
certain field, or writing college-level research papers that will better
prepare them for higher-level academic challenges.
While
children should be allowed to focus on the present moment, help them understand
that the future will hold more opportunities for those with broader
experiences.
Reaching
beyond one’s grasp and finding success is positive reinforcement. It is a good
way to keep at bay the fear that too often is associated with trying something
new or difficult.
It’s
been said that “You get what you settle for.” Make sure your children set their
own bars high and use their skills and creativity to meet those higher
standards.
