The success of a family is not determined by mystical forces or the judgment of others, but by the cultivation of one’s own virtues.
When parents nurture their children with care, they naturally grow into healthy adults. As the family thrives, blessings can endure.
Conversely, when parents act impulsively and lose their propriety in dealing with others, failing to restrain themselves, their children will struggle to progress.
Caring parents often plan for their children’s long-term future. Conversely, parents with a lack of foresight can squander the family’s blessings in three key aspects.
Parents’ Bad Habits and Narrow Worldview Limit Their Children’s Horizons
Writer Ma De once shared a story about a woman strolling through a market. As she passed food stalls, she would take a little from each, tasting as she went, all the while claiming she was “just sampling.”
In this way, she could fill her stomach without paying, taking advantage of the vendors’ offerings.
An elderly man was also at the market with his grandchild. After witnessing the woman’s behavior, the child wanted to do the same. But as the child reached out, the grandfather scolded and stopped them, leaving the child confused and upset.
The grandfather explained, “If you learn from her, you will also become poor like her. This kind of poverty is hard to escape.”
“Poverty,” in this context, refers to the accumulation of bad habits over time, which can lower one’s standards of behavior. One’s character influences their problem-solving skills and perception of the world.
Parents’ characters subtly influence their children’s attitudes toward learning and life and determine their future outlook.
In some cases, due to difficult family circumstances, parents may convey the idea that “making money early is better than studying.”
Parents should focus on improving their daily habits and setting a good example for their children to follow.
When parents are overly particular about minor details and confused or superficial about significant issues, children may struggle to find meaning in life and the motivation to work hard. A parent’s narrow worldview can unconsciously limit their children’s horizons, gradually diminishing their blessings.
Therefore, when parents broaden their perspective and cultivate positive habits in their daily lives, their children will have a wider path to follow.
“A person’s family will determine who they become.” A child’s upbringing significantly influences their life.
Instead of expecting children to succeed, parents should focus on improving their daily habits and setting a good example.
Criticism and Nagging Can Inhibit a Child’s Success
In psychology, there is a well-known effect called the Rosenthal Effect.
The experiment began when psychologists visited an elementary school and randomly selected a group of students from each class. They created a list of these children and informed the teachers that these students had the most potential for the future but asked them to keep it confidential to avoid influencing the experiment.
Inspired by the list, the teachers praised these students more often and criticized them less. Over time, the students became more confident, optimistic, and successful.
Parents should communicate with their children using kind and positive language.
In reality, the students on the list were chosen at random. However, the power of praise motivated them to strive for a better life.
Within a family, language plays a crucial role. What parents say regularly will influence their children’s psychology and shape their future character. Therefore, how parents communicate is essential to their children’s character development.
When parents constantly complain about life, their children may become confused when facing challenges.
Thus, parents should strive to communicate with kindness and positive energy. A positive attitude, a gentle tone, and effective communication methods will foster a harmonious family environment and happier children.
Parental Moral Character: The Foundation of a Family’s True Blessings
The descendants of Xie An, a famous prime minister of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (China), were renowned and respected for their potential.
When asked about his secret to raising successful children, Xie An replied, “The best way to educate children is to be a good parent yourself.”
When asked about his methods, he explained, “I educate my children through my words and actions.”
Children raised in a family with strong moral values will naturally absorb these virtues.
A parent’s behavior sets the standard for their children’s character development and lays the foundation for their future.
Children growing up in a family with strong moral values will naturally absorb these virtues. Conversely, when parents act arrogantly and selfishly, their children may struggle to fulfill their potential due to the negative influence of their parents’ words and actions.
2. Lack of autonomy: When parents make all the decisions for their children and don’t allow them to explore their interests and make their own choices, it hinders their sense of independence and self-efficacy.
3. Unreasonable expectations: Placing too much pressure on children to achieve academic or extracurricular success can lead to anxiety and a fear of failure, ultimately hindering their potential.
