In How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, Paul Tough argues that character rather than IQ is the key to determining a child’s success as an adult. He suggests that non-cognitive skills such as self-control, perseverance, diligence, grit, social intelligence, zest, optimism, curiosity, gratitude and conscientiousness should be the focus of any interventions.
Paul states that conventional wisdom about child development has been misguided in focusing on cognitive skills over personal traits. He cites numerous examples of poor students from economically low areas who have achieved success due to being raised in a nurturing environment where their character was soundly developed.
At its core, the book is about an ambition to solve some of life’s most pervasive mysteries: Why do some children thrive while others lose their way? What can we do to steer a child or a generation of children away from failure and toward success? To this end, How Children Succeed offers valuable insights on how to cultivate the character traits necessary for success in life.
Parents and other caregivers who are able to form close, nurturing relationships with their children can foster resilience in them that protects them from many of the worst effects of a harsh early environment. This message can sound a bit warm and fuzzy, but it is rooted in cold, hard science. The effect of good parenting is not just emotional or psychological, the neuroscientists say; it is biochemical
In Paul Tough’s How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, readers are presented with a powerful argument that character, not IQ, is the foundation for success in life. Through his research and examples of successful individuals from all walks of life, Tough sheds light on how non-cognitive skills such as perseverance, grit and social intelligence can be developed through a nurturing environment.
Table of Contents of the book
- Introduction
- How to fail (and how to not to)
- How to Build Character
- How to Think
- How to Succeed
- A Better Path
On Failure
In How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, Paul Tough asserts that failure is not about a lack of intelligence, but rather about being unable to effectively apply your capabilities. He argues that failure occurs when children are unable to develop their character traits and skills properly. For example, when a child lacks self-control or the ability to form relationships.
In order to cultivate these traits, Tough suggests a nurturing environment in which children can build character and be encouraged to learn from their mistakes. He also advises that parents and educators focus on teaching children how to think rather than what to think, as well as helping them develop learning strategies based on their own interests and strengths.
In addition, Tough proposes a better path forward for education that focuses on the hidden power of character and helping children develop their skills in an environment that cultivates curiosity, problem-solving, creativity, resilience and grit. He shows readers how to build these essential traits so that all children can have the opportunity to succeed.
By presenting a compelling argument for the importance of character and practical advice for nurturing its development, “How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character” is an invaluable resource for those seeking to help children reach their fullest potential. It is essential reading for parents and educators alike.
I hope you find this summary of How Children Succeed helpful.