For parents who wish to leave no stone unturned

This morning at a breakfast meeting, I had an informal chat with parents of a fifth-grader (thankfully, without the student). They were already worried about her future, wondering if her current school was “good enough” to prepare her for admission to a top college. The school, mind you, has a proven track record of sending students to some of the most prestigious institutions worldwide. But that wasn’t enough to ease their doubts. They couldn’t shake the fear that they might be leaving some stone unturned.

As I listened, I realized that their concern wasn’t just about their daughter’s school; it was rooted in a much deeper anxiety that many parents share—a worry that the future won’t turn out as planned if they don’t control every step of the journey.

As we talked, I gently reminded them of this. “The school has a strong history,” I said, “The truth is that colleges don’t just look at the name of the school; they value the unique way a student engages with opportunities, grows through challenges, and demonstrates their individuality.”

Fifth grade is a precious time for curiosity, creativity, and playful learning. Life doesn’t get defined by something that will happen 7 years later! It’s happening now in every book she reads, every friendship she builds, every game she participates in, and every hobby she explores.

Parents often feel they must hurry through their child’s milestones, filling every moment with preparation and planning. But rushing doesn’t create success; it creates stress. As the discussion wound down, I could sense their perspective softening. They started to see that their daughter’s school wasn’t the problem. The real challenge was learning to trust the process and that actual growth in a student requires time, patience, and space for self-discovery.

Success is as much about how we grow as where we end up.

Are we nurturing children to thrive in the present, or are we rushing them toward a future we imagine for them?