How Children Succeed

Key takeaways

• Character Strengths Predict Success More Than Cognitive Skills Alone
• Childhood Adversity and Stress Shape Character Development
• Specific Interventions Can Support Character Strength Development
• Persistence Through Difficulty Requires Appropriate Support Structures
• Educational Policy Should Address Character Development Alongside Academic Achievement

Final takeaway

Tough's closing invitation: apply the book's research findings to advocate for and implement educational and parenting approaches that deliberately support character strength development — persistence, self-control, curiosity — alongside traditional academic achievement, recognizing both as genuinely important for children's long-term success and wellbeing.