Wanting Our Kids to Thrive (Versus be Successful)

Yesterday, Ellen Galinsky, author of Mind in the Making, hosted an incredible Talk in TheMotherhood on the life skills our kids need.

Co-hosting the Talk was a brilliant group of mom bloggers: Asha Dornfest from ParentHacks, Julie Marsh from The Mom Slant, Morra Aarons from Women & Work, Amy Tiemann of MojoMom, Miriam Peskowitz, author of the Daring Book for Girls' series, and Jo-Lynne Shane of Musings of a Housewife.

The Talk was amazing, as I said, with very specific, thought-provoking ideas on ways to raise our kids to:

-   Have more focus and self control

-   Get perspective

-   Communicate

-   Make connections

-   Think critically

-   Take on challenges

-   Be self-directed

-   Be engaged learners

The Talk covered a LOT of ground, but I wanted to share the idea I woke up thinking about today.

 
At one point, Ellen said, "I use the word thrive rather than successful. Success is often judged by others ... and I don't want that." 

Isn't that a great distinction?  Helping our kids to thrive feels different than helping them succeed, with the focus shifting to what's right for the individual kids and less about some global sense of 'success'.  Love that.

I had thought that my job is to raise a well adjusted adult. Now, with Ellen's words in mind, my job description is to raise a well adjusted, thriving adult. 

Thank you, Ellen, and wonderful mom blogger celebrity co-hosts and TheMotherhood community for making this conversation so rich and meaningful.

Go here to read the whole of Ellen's Talk.

P.S.  Mind in the Making only just came out and already it's a bestseller. Ellen got a rave review in the New York Times - Lisa Belkin said "It may well be the next iconic parenting manual, up there with Spock and Leach and Brazelton, one that parents turn to for reassurance that all is more or less okay, reminders of how to make it better and glimpses of what’s to come." -  and she has been on ABC news, the morning shows etc. We're so so happy for Ellen and are cheering on her great success!!!!

Comments

[Hollee Temple]

Congrats on your first post-makeover talk -- what a guest! I cannot wait to read this book. I have so many thoughts swimming around just from skimming the transcript. How to help your child THRIVE .... love it!

[Emily]

Hollee, thank you so so much!!!!  I had to reread the transcript myself because there was so much great information and wonderful stories and insights yesterday that I wanted to really absorb all that was said.

I cant wait to get to do a Talk with you!!!  When youre ready, were there!!!

[Jenjen@GottaLoveMom]

Thanks for posting a recap. Sorry I missed it!
This definitely is in line with what my 14yo is going through trying to decide what classes to take.
Great job, Emily and Cooper on keeping us informed.