The head researcher Ericka G. Rascon-Ramirez, studied the experiences of more than 15,000 British girls aged 13 and 14 from 2004 to 2014. She found that the higher parental expectations were, the lower the likelihood of teenage pregnancy became.
"It is worth highlighting that the measure of expectations considered in this study, reflects a combination of aspirations and beliefs. About the likelihood of attending Higher Education reported by the main parent, who in the majority of cases, is the mother."
Nagging parents may irritate teenagers, but their influence is irrefutable.
The study also found that girls with nagging parents did better academically, even when they weren’t really academic. As the researchers explain, these girls don’t have any teachers or friends to motivate them, so the impact of a nagging/ pushy parent seems more pronounced. Even when teenage girls try to act independently, ignoring their parents' expectations, the nagging still has an influence on their performance.
“What our parents expected about our school choices was a major determinant of our decisions about conceiving a child or not during our teenage years”
And that, dear parents, is the point at which your work is done. When your children's success becomes much more a factor of their desire and work ethic than yours.
This study has shown that when mothers demand a lot from their daughters, they are more likely to avoid elements that compromise success, such as teen pregnancy, abandoning academics, and unemployment.
The bottom line is that contrary to popular belief, nagging is effective. Reminding your children to wash the dishes or do their homework over and over again doesn’t only teach them to tune out your voice. It actually makes them more successful in life later on! After all, all the doors slams, tantrums, and eye rolls are worth it!
"In many cases, we succeed in doing what we believe is more convenient for us, even when this is against our parents' will," writes Rascon-Ramirez. "But no matter how hard we tried to avoid our parents' recommendations, it is likely that they ended up influencing our choices."
So if your tween or teenage daughter rolls her eyes and says, "Arrrrggghhh! Mom, you're so annoying." What she really means, deep down in her subconscious mind is: "Thank you for the helpful advice. I shall endeavour to act accordingly."
If this study holds true for boys as well, and there's no reason to think it wouldn't. That means your sons will have your nagging to thank for their successes too. Those are some major bragging rights. Feel free to use them with pride.
Resource: INC
Also read: Parenting For Dummies: Useful Tips For The Accidental Parent
