Don't Confuse Access with Aptitude

🌟Weekly Inspiration🌟

Spring can be a hotbed of stress for adolescents—college admissions and rejections are rolling in, AP tests are looming, school burnout has hit and they all are ready for summer to arrive ☀️. I hear a lot from affluent kids and families about where they are getting into college, what they are getting on the SATs/ACTs, and what their resume looks like. I hear about their athletic success after lots of private lessons, club teams, camps, and year-round access to improve their game. These kids are capable, bright, motivated, and work hard—and they have ACCESS. The world is their oyster. As adults, let’s not confuse aptitude with access. Some kids who are just as gifted have less access, let’s be honest about this and discuss it with our children. If they were born on third base (due to SES, their gender, or the color of their skin)—the world can be easier for some kids to navigate. This is not something to feel guilty about, but it is humbling and their opportunities should be appreciated. They shouldn’t assume that their aptitude alone is what is helping them be successful.
 

If you are interested, check out this article on “Super Zips” from the Washington Post a few years back. There are clusters of elite zip codes that have higher household incomes and college graduation rates—obviously, these are areas in the US with the most access.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/local/2013/11/09/washington-a-world-apart/

Food for thought in this springtime parenting moment.

Ask Yourself:

Was I raised in a community or family with access?

How did this affect me and my opportunities?

How did this affect what I have wanted for my children?

Have I ever over-attributed my aptitude and not truly considered my access?

Do I over-attribute my child’s aptitude and not truly consider their access?

Does this topic raise my hackles a bit? Why?

HAPPY EARLY MOTHER’S DAY!! You are so important in the life of your child ❤️.