Thanks for Listening: Practices That Lead Kids To Excellence
- William Leroy Kennedy
- May 3
- 2 min read
With a daughter and a son who have graduated from Harvard's Master's Program, William Leroy Kennedy has a list of keys to success he has instilled in his kids. I asked him to share some of his practices and teachings with Garden Spices. Gate open - Victorine.
It is almost impossible to be an expert at raising children because each child is unique. We have about 16 years to do the best job we can to raise our kids to be all they can be. Good luck!
Teach spirituality
Helping others
Study Skills Course
Teach how to network, and its importance
Join school committees other than PTA
Instill self-pride
No baby talk
Preschool
Kindergarten
On-the-job training was passed down
Start at the top, work your way down mentality
Teach strategizing
Interview outstanding parents & their kids, and use what appeals to you
Never assume you don’t need to follow up
Start future occupation questions early
What Color Is Your Parachute For Kids book
Emphasize math
Importance of reading well
Foreign languages
Study/teach real history
Who all can we learn from
Narcissists and other downers
Sex/infatuation versus successful studying
The first 22 years define the rest of life
Persevering
Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong
for you first. So, go through life planning for things to go right
All universities - only 2 plane rides away
Sibling competition
Maintaining connectivity
Reason with kids = reasonable people
Improve your education by helping kids
Never let parent riffs hurt kids
Assume the good and follow through with the positive
Utilize games for early learning
Let your kids know/understand your hopes
Coach good behavior
Coach good/reasonable values
Start figuring out how to pay for education
Create “Outstanding Achievement Lists”
Give realistic, deserved praise
Deal with clinical behavior issues asap
Ensure open communication with educators
Volunteer at school often
Provide absolute discretion for each child
Let kids know some family stressors
Explain the responsibilities of adults
Explain how to not let pride get in the way of progress
Try not to make material adults
Teach respect for all others
Teach thinking 5, 10, 15 years ahead
Teach self-pride and self-reliance
Teach resume building
Teach how to shake hands while looking someone in the eye
Teach forgiveness
Explain the difference between being perfect and being excellent
Scouting and other organizations
Caring for pets
Thanks for listening!
William Leroy Kennedy
Former Financial Services Professional at Kennedy Group, Ltd. – Financial/Motivation
Studied Architectural Engineering at Prairie View A&M University. Giving a strong recommendation: Khan Academy for educational success.
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