Behind every successful woman is… a nagging parent?
This true, according to a study out of the United Kingdom, that suggests parents’ setting high expectations for their teenage daughter, is a leading factor in determining whether or not she will become a successful woman.
The study, led by Ph.D. candidate Ericka G. Rascon-Ramirez out of the University of Essex, examined life experiences of 15,000 girls between the ages of 13 and 14 over a 10-year period.
Their findings revealed that adolescent girls whose “main parent” (usually the mother) consistently displayed high parental expectations were far less likely to be distracted by temptations that would make them less likely to succeed in life.
Specifically, researchers found that these girls were:
- More likely to attend University.
- Less likely to become pregnant as teenagers.
- Less likely to get stuck in dead-end jobs.
- Less likely to work low-wage jobs.
- Less likely to have prolonged periods of unemployment.
While the thought of being a nagging mom might make you cringe, Rason-Ramirez suggests parents’ should take solace knowing the findings suggest your daughter IS listening.
“In many cases, we succeed in doing what we believe is more convenient for us, even when this [is] against our parents’ will,” writes Rascon-Ramirez. “But no matter how hard we tried to avoid our parents’ recommendations, it is likely that they ended up influencing [our] choices.”
So, no matter how many times you’re on the receiving end of the “deaf treatment”, rolling eyes, snide remarks, and otherwise normal teen behavior — remember what she really means is, “thank you for the helpful advice. I shall endeavor to act accordingly.”
Researchers also point out that by “stacking” a child’s psyche from an early age with expectations such as that they should wait to have a boyfriend, should go to college, and should NOT have teenage sex, she’ll be more likely to make it to 20 without having been pregnant.
It’s important to remember to always set realistic expectations for your child that they CAN achieve. Talk to them. They’re listening. And to all you mom’s and dad’s out there whose daughter thinks you’re nagging her, you’re not. If done within reason and intent, it’s called parenting.
In closing – THANKS MOM!
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