Jimalita Tillman, the mother of Dorothy Jean, an 18-year-old with a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health from Arizona State University, has recently shared her parenting approach, which she believes helped her daughter achieve remarkable academic success.
Dorothy Jean, who was home-schooled from the age of 7, earned an associate’s degree at 10, a bachelor’s degree at 12, a master’s degree at 14, and completed her PhD at just 17 years old.
She is now the founder of the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, an organization dedicated to providing educational programs for Black youth in Chicago.
The Four Non-Negotiable Rules for Raising a Gifted Child
As a single mother, Tillman attributes much of her daughter’s success to four key parenting rules that she consistently applied while raising Dorothy Jean.
- Clear Expectations: Tillman stressed the importance of setting clear, mutually agreed-upon expectations with your child. She suggests creating a “contract” that outlines what is expected in terms of schoolwork and extracurricular activities. This approach ensures that children understand their responsibilities and are held accountable for meeting them.
- Accountability: Tillman believes that parents should model accountability for their children. By being transparent about their own mistakes and demonstrating how they address them, parents can teach their children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions. This practice, she says, helps children learn to complete their tasks and achieve their goals.
- Faith: A strong foundation in faith, whether religious or simply a belief that things will work out, is another cornerstone of Tillman’s parenting philosophy. She believes that instilling a positive outlook in children can boost their self-confidence and resilience when facing challenges.
- Avoiding Comparisons: Tillman advises against comparing children to others, as it can harm their self-esteem and hinder their development. She stresses the importance of allowing children to grow at their own pace and focusing on how they can become the best versions of themselves.
Dorothy Jean’s Journey and Future Plans
Dorothy Jean’s accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary, and her mother’s parenting methods played a significant role in her success.
As Dorothy Jean contemplates her next steps, including the future of her STEAM Leadership Institute, Tillman’s parenting principles continue to guide her.
For parents looking to support their children’s growth and development, Tillman’s non-negotiable rules offer valuable insights into fostering an environment where children can thrive.
This story was culled from an article first published by CNBC.com.
