Summer’s a Great Time to Foster GRIT!

Quite the opposite of America’s helicopter parenting, psychologist Angela Duckworth argues that a combination of passion and perseverance is the key predictor of success.  In her New York Times best-selling book, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” she suggests that kids do one “hard thing” each summer.  This, of course, is just another way of saying “practice makes perfect” and “if you don’t shoot, you don’t score”.

Kids today – more than ever – need to put down their phones and games, and do something real to make the world a better place.  While this might sound daunting, it is exactly what they need so they become an active part of their communities.

By working hard at something – anything – they get the sense that they are contributing in a meaningful way. This engagement keeps them out of trouble and sharpens their minds.

I wrote the book, “Beat the College Admissions Game: Do a Project!” to help kids start their very own projects like Duckworth recommends above.

Give each of your children the opportunity to expand their minds by doing a project this summer.  Besides, it’ll also help them get into college, and earn scholarship dollars!