How Children Succeed by Paul Tough

Last updated: Sep 15, 2023

Summary of How Children Succeed by Paul Tough

How Children Succeed by Paul Tough is a book that explores the factors that contribute to a child's success in life, beyond just academic achievement. The author argues that character traits such as perseverance, curiosity, self-control, and grit are more important indicators of future success than IQ or test scores.

Tough begins by discussing the adverse effects of stress and trauma on children's development. He explains how children growing up in poverty or in unstable environments often face chronic stress, which can have long-lasting negative impacts on their cognitive and emotional development. However, he also highlights the importance of resilience and the ability to overcome adversity, citing examples of individuals who have succeeded despite challenging circumstances.

The author then delves into the concept of non-cognitive skills, which he believes are crucial for success in school and life. He explores the research on executive functions, such as self-control and working memory, and how these skills can be developed in children. Tough also emphasizes the importance of character strengths, such as grit, optimism, and conscientiousness, in determining long-term success.

Tough examines various interventions and programs that aim to foster these non-cognitive skills in children. He discusses the success of programs like Tools of the Mind, which focuses on developing self-regulation skills in preschoolers, and KIPP schools, which prioritize character development alongside academics. The author also explores the role of parenting and the impact of different parenting styles on children's character development.

Throughout the book, Tough emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and practice. He argues that fostering a growth mindset in children can lead to increased motivation, resilience, and ultimately, success.

In conclusion, How Children Succeed by Paul Tough provides a comprehensive exploration of the factors that contribute to a child's success. It highlights the importance of non-cognitive skills and character strengths, as well as the role of resilience and a growth mindset. The book offers valuable insights for parents, educators, and policymakers on how to support children in their journey towards success.

1. The Importance of Character

In "How Children Succeed," Paul Tough argues that character traits such as perseverance, curiosity, self-control, and grit are more important indicators of success than IQ or academic achievement. He presents research that shows how these character traits can be developed and nurtured in children, leading to better outcomes in school and life.

Tough explains that character is not fixed and can be improved through deliberate interventions and experiences. He highlights the importance of creating environments that challenge children to overcome obstacles, take risks, and learn from failure. By focusing on character development, parents, educators, and policymakers can help children develop the skills and qualities they need to succeed in the face of adversity.

2. The Role of Adversity

Tough emphasizes the importance of experiencing and overcoming adversity in childhood. He argues that children who face and navigate through challenges develop resilience and character traits that are crucial for success. Adversity can come in various forms, such as poverty, trauma, or difficult family circumstances.

Tough suggests that protecting children from all adversity can hinder their development. Instead, he advocates for providing support and guidance to help children navigate through difficult situations. By allowing children to face and overcome adversity, they can develop the skills and resilience needed to thrive in adulthood.

3. The Power of Mindset

Tough explores the concept of mindset, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, and its impact on children's success. He explains that individuals with a growth mindset believe that their abilities can be developed through hard work and effort, while those with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities are fixed traits.

Tough argues that fostering a growth mindset in children can lead to better academic performance and overall success. He suggests that praising effort and resilience, rather than innate talent, can help children develop a growth mindset. By teaching children that their abilities can be improved through hard work, they are more likely to embrace challenges and persevere in the face of setbacks.

4. The Influence of Non-Cognitive Skills

Tough highlights the importance of non-cognitive skills, such as self-control, perseverance, and conscientiousness, in predicting long-term success. He argues that these skills are often overlooked in traditional education systems that prioritize academic achievement.

Tough suggests that non-cognitive skills can be developed through intentional interventions and experiences. He presents research that shows how programs focusing on character development and social-emotional learning can improve non-cognitive skills in children. By recognizing the value of these skills and incorporating them into education, we can better prepare children for success in school and beyond.

5. The Impact of Toxic Stress

Tough explores the concept of toxic stress and its detrimental effects on children's development. He explains that prolonged exposure to stress, particularly in early childhood, can have long-lasting negative impacts on cognitive and emotional development.

Tough argues that addressing toxic stress requires a comprehensive approach that includes providing support to parents, improving early childhood education, and creating safe and nurturing environments for children. By addressing the root causes of toxic stress, we can help children develop the resilience and skills needed to overcome adversity.

6. The Importance of Parenting

Tough emphasizes the crucial role of parents in shaping their children's success. He explores the impact of parenting styles, attachment, and the quality of parent-child relationships on children's development.

Tough suggests that responsive and nurturing parenting can promote healthy brain development and the development of important character traits. He also highlights the importance of providing children with a stable and supportive home environment.

7. The Value of Grit

Tough discusses the concept of grit, defined as a combination of passion and perseverance, and its role in achieving long-term goals. He presents research that shows how individuals with high levels of grit are more likely to succeed in various domains, including education and career.

Tough argues that fostering grit in children requires creating environments that challenge them, providing opportunities for them to pursue their passions, and teaching them strategies to overcome obstacles. By cultivating grit in children, we can help them develop the resilience and determination needed to achieve their goals.

8. The Need for Character Education

Tough advocates for the inclusion of character education in schools. He argues that teaching character traits such as perseverance, self-control, and empathy can have a positive impact on students' academic performance and overall well-being.

Tough suggests that character education should be integrated into the curriculum and taught explicitly, rather than assuming that children will develop these traits naturally. He presents examples of schools that have successfully implemented character education programs and highlights the positive outcomes for students.