Redefining Success: Why Our Kids Deserve Better

Growing up, success in my home had a very clear definition: you had to come first, or at least somewhere in the top five in your class. Anything less felt like failure. It didn’t matter if you were creative, kind, or a great problem-solver. What mattered most was your report card.

My parents meant well. They sacrificed everything to give us the best education because they believed it was the ticket to a better life. And in many ways, they weren’t wrong; good grades can open doors.

I still remember the day my high school recommended me for the arts instead of the sciences, while my twin sister (yeah, I am a twin😊) was recommended for the sciences. My parents were disappointed, even frustrated. I was too young to understand it all, but I remember feeling their disappointment and wondering if I had done something wrong.

But here’s what I now know as a mother and professional: The world our children are stepping into is very different from the one we grew up in.

For decades, society equated academic performance with intelligence, potential, and even personal worth. But times have changed. The skills that matter most today aren’t just taught in classrooms, they are learned through life.

A 2023 LinkedIn survey of 1,611 hiring managers found that 92% believe soft skills like communication, collaboration, problem-solving, are as important, if not more important, than hard skills. Harvard Business Review also notes that emotional intelligence often separates high performers from the rest.

So, while academics still matter, focusing only on grades can leave our kids unprepared for a world where adaptability, creativity, and resilience are essential.

The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, 50% of all employees will need reskilling because of technological change. Think about that. Half the workforce will need to learn again. Success will belong to those who can pivot, embrace change, and keep growing; skills no report card measures.

Leading the Shift as Parents

As mums (and dads), we have the power to lead this shift. We don’t have to repeat the cycle of defining our children’s worth by numbers. We can teach them that curiosity, courage, and character matter as much as academic performance.

Redefining success isn’t about lowering expectations. It’s about raising them for what truly matters in today’s complex, fast-changing world.

So here’s my invitation to you:

Reflect: How did your childhood definition of success shape you?

Decide: What values do you want your kids to hold on to in a world where grades alone aren’t enough?

Act: Celebrate effort, resilience, and creativity as much as achievements.

Because success is not just about what you know, it’s about how you think, how you adapt, and how you treat others.

We can’t change the world our kids will live in, but we can prepare them to thrive in it. Let’s lead the shift together, as parents.

Yours truly,

Dr. Kenny

If today’s post resonates with you, I would love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or share your experiences. Let’s learn from each other as we lead the shift. And if you would like to receive weekly insights, stories, and practical tips to help you navigate life’s transitions, subscribe to my newsletter 👇and never miss an update.