Anonymous wrote:The truth is, most developed countries in this world (as well as high-achieving and educated strata of developing countries) expect more of their kids and are less fearful of destroying their self-esteem than Americans.
I have experience with Japanese and Vietnamese families. Most of the ones I know, including my ILs, drill their children into academic perfection and the odd bad grade (an A- ?) shames the whole family. Most of the time, it works. My nephews and nieces, already at or headed for the top universities, have iron determination and great confidence. When it does not work, however, the poor kid suffers a great deal. I know of 2 cases.
Since I have SN as well as typical children, I think that you really have to gauge your children and have them reach for the most they can realistically strive for. It's not a one size fits all. They are all at least a grade ahead in math and reading, and excel in music. I had them drill mental math every day this summer to give them confidence to explore more wordy problems in class without wasting time calculating.
What they choose to do with their work ethic and their skills as adults, however, is up to them.
Anonymous wrote:So what's the secret of Jewish parenting? How do you raise such successful children that excel academically and later in careers?
Please do, share.
Anonymous wrote:. Most of the ones I know, including my ILs, drill their children into academic perfection and the odd bad grade (an A- ?) shames the whole family.
Anonymous wrote:How many Jews do you know? All lawyers and doctors? Are you insane?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Social pressure and growing up in families and societies who expect excellence go a long way.
This. And paying for college where possible. I knew that my parents would pay for a reasonable college and a reasonable major (not basket weaving somewhere random). And I am very grateful and will do te same for my kids. Also, there was little praise for trying only for results (not necessarily top results but good ones). However if there were real problems help was given either with them helping directly to learn a a concept or getting tutoring etc.
Anonymous wrote:Jews always help Jews first. My experience in business is that being Jewish has given me the ability to cut in line, just due to my last name.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I read "The blessing of a skinned knee". The author, a Jewish psychotherapist, has 2 daughters and they didn't seem to do anything extraordinary at home - they went to school, playdates, had one music lesson a week and some tutoring.
True, but when you are surrounded by achievers, achieving becomes the norm, not an exception or something praise worthy. Jews are extremely resilient people who do not make excuses for failure. Heck 6+Million were exterminated, wiping out whole families and they carry on, hardly looking back. Never in history will you see a more beaten down people who just pick them selves back up, dust off, and carry on with success.
Same reason a WASP family would not praise their kid for graduating high school. It is a complete expectation. Most Jews just take it up a notch. We also have tight communities. Jews always help Jews first. My experience in business is that being Jewish has given me the ability to cut in line, just due to my last name.
Anonymous wrote:
True, but when you are surrounded by achievers, achieving becomes the norm, not an exception or something praise worthy. Jews are extremely resilient people who do not make excuses for failure. Heck 6+Million were exterminated, wiping out whole families and they carry on, hardly looking back. Never in history will you see a more beaten down people who just pick them selves back up, dust off, and carry on with success.
Same reason a WASP family would not praise their kid for graduating high school. It is a complete expectation. Most Jews just take it up a notch. We also have tight communities. Jews always help Jews first. My experience in business is that being Jewish has given me the ability to cut in line, just due to my last name.
Anonymous wrote:I read "The blessing of a skinned knee". The author, a Jewish psychotherapist, has 2 daughters and they didn't seem to do anything extraordinary at home - they went to school, playdates, had one music lesson a week and some tutoring.
Anonymous wrote:I thought they were good with money