If you want to raise children who are not only successful but also resilient, a simple yet important parenting practice can make a big difference. Psychologist Angela Duckworth, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania known for her research on grit, emphasizes the importance of helping kids discover activities they genuinely enjoy.
Rather than pushing children toward a specific sport or hobby, parents should expose them to a wide variety of extracurricular activities and observe which ones capture their interest. This approach allows kids to find passions, hobbies, or even potential career paths that resonate deeply with them.
Duckworth explains that great parenting often involves simply noticing where a child’s attention naturally goes. When parents tune into what their children are spontaneously drawn to, they help them uncover interests that can lead to expertise and fulfillment in life.
Encouraging kids to stick with their interests, especially through challenging moments, nurtures confidence and perseverance—traits linked with long-term success. For example, even if a child dislikes homework or practice, completing the season or finishing upcoming performances helps build resilience.
Duckworth shares a personal story about her own child Lucy, who didn’t enjoy studying or playing the viola but expressed a strong interest in cooking. By supporting Lucy’s passion for baking, including volunteering in restaurants and working with pastry chefs, her interest flourished over several years, demonstrating the power of attentive parenting.
It’s important to note that not every interest needs to translate into a career. Expert Scott Galloway advises focusing on what you’re good at and committing to mastering it through practice rather than blindly following passion. For Duckworth, genuine interest is a foundational element of grit, alongside hard work, purpose, and hope.
Those who excel in their fields do so because their curiosity drives them to engage deeply. When someone talks about a subject they truly care about, they become an expert because their mind is fully invested in it.
