Beyond Statistics

In his book Freakonomics, Stephen D. Levitt says that, statistically, the greatest indicator of the education level that a child will achieve is the mother's education level. So typically, the higher the mother's education, the higher the child's education. I don't know about you, but that sounds like a lot of responsibility that I may not be ready for! I mean, who wants to think that they may indirectly and inadvertently limit their child?

This is, of course, only a general statement. In spite of statistics, no mother should have to worry about stumping her child's academic growth. I am convinced that a parent's attitude toward education is more influential than the highest diploma they earn, and that attitude can overshadow whatever positive or negative messages they are receiving at school. Parents who are highly educated are likely to already have a positive attitude toward education. Parents without much education are still able to motivate their children to achieve more than they did by instilling a love of learning in their young ones. The key is to inspire them to want to learn new things, whether you already know those things or not.

The first step in motivating your children to learn is motivating yourself to learn. Whether you have a graduate degree or a high school diploma, take an interest in the world around you beyond pop culture. Learn the history behind your town and your state. Turn off the television and pick up a book; there are great educational books geared toward explaining various concepts to laymen. Your kids will see this and imitate you. Spark their interest by telling them all the new things you are learning, and encourage them to tell you what they are learning. Whether you like it or not, as a parent - and especially as a mother - you have a powerful sway over your children's education. Your concern for your children can be a great motivator for you to better your own education, and that will in turn motivate your children, and the cycle of learning will continue.