4 "golden" principles to teach your child to become a doctor at the age of 17

Jimalita Tillman of Chicago, USA, talked about her daughter Dorothy Jean's learning experience as a child.

She began homeschooling at age 7 and began taking high school courses at age 8. By age 10, Jimalita Tillman had earned an associate's degree and two years later, her bachelor's degree. By age 14, she had earned a master's degree in environmental science.

Last year, 17-year-old Dorothy Jean received her doctorate in integrative behavioral health from Arizona State University. This year, the 18-year-old is not only planning for her future, but also founding the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute to provide educational programs for black youth in Chicago.

Jimalita Tillman says it's "no big deal" that her daughter has achieved so much. The mother believes there are certain parenting principles she follows that have helped develop Dorothy Jean's talents.

Set clear expectations

Tillman recommends that parents work with their children to create an “expectation contract,” an agreement about what you expect of them. She gives examples like completing homework before watching TV or only getting to participate in an after-school activity if they maintain good grades.

"Parents need to be clear and concise, not ambiguous when communicating with children, especially gifted children," says Tillman.

According to this mother, gifted children need clear expectations and responsibilities. When children participate in setting these rules with their parents, it helps them develop self-confidence and self-motivation, which are important factors for long-term success.

Teach children about responsibility and set an example for them.

Tillman believes that parents are the best role models for children to learn responsibility. She suggests: "Be responsible for yourself, show your vulnerable side to your children to teach them how to be responsible and meet obligations on time."

This mother gave advice from renowned psychologist Cindy Graham, who shared with HuffPost magazine in 2021: "Children are likely to repeat what they see others do, so it is important for caregivers to be aware of the lessons children learn from them."

According to Tillman, sharing honestly with children your experiences of falling short of your goals and how you overcame them can teach children that adults are responsible for their actions. It can be as simple as apologizing when you’re late picking them up or getting upset about something trivial.

Keep the faith

Tillman emphasizes the importance of faith. “It doesn’t have to be religious: You can just have faith in the idea that things will work out in the end.” Maintaining a positive, optimistic attitude can foster a child’s self-confidence, Tillman says.

This mother also believes that optimism is closely correlated with success. In the face of difficulties, children who believe that "I will continue to try" are more likely to succeed than children who give up easily.

“Parents and children alike need that confidence when faced with life's inevitable hurdles like bill deadlines or tuition payments,” says Tillman.

Avoid inappropriate comparisons

Tillman asserted that she has never compared her daughter's achievements to others and urged parents not to compare their children to Dorothy Jane. According to this mother, each child develops at their own pace, and comparison can have the side effect of making children feel inferior.

"Don't tell your child, 'You have to be this or that,'" she stressed. "Comparisons are very harmful to children's self-esteem and confidence. We should think about how to help children become the best version of themselves."