Child Psychologist Reveals Five Key Behaviors That May Signal Future Success in Kids
A child's early development plays a significant role in shaping their future success. According to Dr. Sarah Lebovitz Suria, a licensed psychologist and parenting strategist with over 10 years of experience, certain skills formed in early childhood can set a strong foundation for thriving academically, socially, and professionally.
Firstly, children who can regulate their emotions and stay focused tend to gain a powerful advantage both in school and later in life. "Self-regulation is so important," Dr. Suria emphasized. "Being able to manage your emotions, right? Also how to sustain attention in an environment—that's really critical in school settings, and also out in the real world."
Secondly, resilient children often build a robust toolbox that supports long-term success. Whether it's recovering from bullying, a disappointing grade, or conflict with friends, these kids are able to bounce back when things get tough. "Resilience is essential," Dr. Suria said. "Being able to bounce back when things get tough and really being able to physically and emotionally get back up when things are hard."
Thirdly, children who show curiosity and a willingness to work hard tend to flourish later on. This consistency goes a long way, according to Dr. Suria. "This willingness to work hard, putting in the work every day, that consistency goes a long way," she explained.
In addition, kids who have cognitive flexibility and the ability to pivot often navigate challenges, transitions, and problem-solving with more ease, skills that remain important well into adulthood. "Being able to approach something in a different way or pivot when a plan doesn’t go as expected, that is a great sign," Dr. Suria said.
Lastly, children who have prosocial and teamwork skills tend to thrive socially and academically. The ability to collaborate, take feedback, and contribute to group settings is another indicator of future success. "This is about prosocial skills. Turn taking, perspective taking, group learning and cooperation," Dr. Suria emphasized.
It's essential to note that there is no single trait that determines a child's path to success, and children without these skills will not necessarily fail – just as their presence does not guarantee future achievements. "These skills are all muscles that children need to flex," Dr. Suria stressed. "There’s no perfect sauce or special sauce."
A child's early development plays a significant role in shaping their future success. According to Dr. Sarah Lebovitz Suria, a licensed psychologist and parenting strategist with over 10 years of experience, certain skills formed in early childhood can set a strong foundation for thriving academically, socially, and professionally.
Firstly, children who can regulate their emotions and stay focused tend to gain a powerful advantage both in school and later in life. "Self-regulation is so important," Dr. Suria emphasized. "Being able to manage your emotions, right? Also how to sustain attention in an environment—that's really critical in school settings, and also out in the real world."
Secondly, resilient children often build a robust toolbox that supports long-term success. Whether it's recovering from bullying, a disappointing grade, or conflict with friends, these kids are able to bounce back when things get tough. "Resilience is essential," Dr. Suria said. "Being able to bounce back when things get tough and really being able to physically and emotionally get back up when things are hard."
Thirdly, children who show curiosity and a willingness to work hard tend to flourish later on. This consistency goes a long way, according to Dr. Suria. "This willingness to work hard, putting in the work every day, that consistency goes a long way," she explained.
In addition, kids who have cognitive flexibility and the ability to pivot often navigate challenges, transitions, and problem-solving with more ease, skills that remain important well into adulthood. "Being able to approach something in a different way or pivot when a plan doesn’t go as expected, that is a great sign," Dr. Suria said.
Lastly, children who have prosocial and teamwork skills tend to thrive socially and academically. The ability to collaborate, take feedback, and contribute to group settings is another indicator of future success. "This is about prosocial skills. Turn taking, perspective taking, group learning and cooperation," Dr. Suria emphasized.
It's essential to note that there is no single trait that determines a child's path to success, and children without these skills will not necessarily fail – just as their presence does not guarantee future achievements. "These skills are all muscles that children need to flex," Dr. Suria stressed. "There’s no perfect sauce or special sauce."