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THE MOM FACTOR By Jeffrey M. Bowen We see a blizzard of international test score comparisons that suggest U.S.

performance suffers because of our high rates of poverty. Compared to other countries where scores are higher, the percentage of American children in poverty is said to depress achievement largely because it denies equal educational opportunities. True enough, but others point out the most revealing comparison is between groups of poor kids who succeed and those who dont. They say the biggest difference between these two groups has more to do with parental influence than anything else. Just what is this parental influence, and how does it produce the enduring difference between success and failure, maybe not just for poor kids but for all who face harshness or adversity in their home or community life? To put it simply, the biggest single factor may be MOM in her role as caregiver. Neuroscientists have discovered through the wonders of biochemistry that moms have a starring role potentially as stress reducers in their childrens lives.* Stress produces potentially devastating psychological and physical effects that sometimes take years to show up. However, just by providing help and attention, by caring and showing it consistently, parents can offset many of the negative influences created by an impoverished environment. Moms and other connected caregivers (this includes dads, grandparents, and extended family) set the stage for children to cope emotionally with the crises of everyday living. They create the preconditions for their children to develop a sense of control, a stockpile of self worth, motivation and drive, grit, curiosity and many other attributes we associate with the term character. The caring mom factor alone outweighs all of the early academic preparation a parent gives to the child often before they are developmentally ready for it or before they reach school age. The effects of a de-stressed home environment last right through the years formal schooling and into adulthood. Perceptive teachers notice and nurture it by attempting to create home-like environments in the classroom. On Mothers Day, and everyday, scientific research prompts us to celebrate moms as invaluable developers of their childrens character and will to succeed. The mom factor is huge for all children, including those who struggle with the emotional stresses of so much denial in their earliest years. * An insightful review of recent evidence is documented by Paul Tough in his book, How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character (New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012).

5/12/13

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