Future-Proofing the Next Generation Through Strategic Education Planning

Preparing young people to become trusted stewards of their family’s legacy requires more than strong academics; equally essential is cultivating sound judgment, adaptability, and an authentic sense of purpose. I’ve had the privilege of working with families around the globe to develop tailored educational strategies that cultivate these traits. In every case, parents play a vital role — helping to guide not only what their children learn, but also how they develop.

Dr. Lee Hausner, a leading expert on psychological issues involving wealth and family dynamics, captured this beautifully in Children of Paradise: Successful Parenting for Prosperous Families: “The goal of parenting is to raise competent kids who can successfully make a positive contribution to the world in which they live.” 

Hausner’s message resonates deeply with the parents we serve — founders, investors, physicians, and industry leaders who see change as it’s coming. Operating at the forefront of innovation, they recognize that the skills required for success today will not be the same five years from now. Their priority is clear: ensure their children are prepared not just to inherit wealth, but to carry their family’s influence into an unpredictable future.

At the same time, the path to elite universities has never been more competitive. Acceptance rates at many top schools have dipped into the low single digits, and the landscape is very different from when most of our students’ parents applied. Today, admissions officers aren’t solely seeking strong academic and extracurricular achievements, but rather a coherent, values-driven narrative — one that reveals character, growth, and direction. In this sense, the college application process has become a family endeavor, rooted in thoughtful preparation, values, and a commitment to helping a young person become the fullest version of themselves.

I recently counseled a grandmother in Manhattan whose four grandchildren are enrolled in our program across three continents. Our conversation wasn’t about outcomes at all. It was about identity: how each child could tap into their unique strengths and use the application journey to build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of agency that prepares them for any professional landscape, no matter how much it shifts. 

That, ultimately, is the essence of future-proofing: equipping the next generation with the vision and resilience to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by their position and meet the challenges of a world in constant flux. Here is our advice for how to frame your child’s educational trajectory with this goal in mind:

Building the Foundation: Early Childhood

In early childhood, the goal is a warm, nurturing environment where children can explore freely, find joy in learning, and develop sociability and comfort with group dynamics. These years shape how children relate to others and how they experience the world around them.

Primary Years: Resilience and Follow-Through

Children in primary school are learning to collaborate, manage emotions, and develop genuine enthusiasm for learning. One of the most important skills to cultivate now is frustration tolerance. As child psychologist Dr. Becky (Good Inside) explains, the learning space is the liminal space between not knowing and knowing — often accompanied by uncomfortable feelings. Tolerating frustration, however, is the foundation for resilience. 

Dr. Lee Hausner adds that children must also learn commitment: “You don’t want them to be grazers in life.” As kids grow, helping them follow through — whether in music, swimming, or soccer — gives them the chance to improve and eventually find success in these activities. 

Middle School: Curiosity and Early Planning

By middle school, parents often have a clearer sense of how their child learns, what they enjoy, and where they need support. These years should blend appropriate academic rigor with exploration. A brief stop at a university campus during a family trip or a summer experience that nudges a child beyond their comfort zone can build confidence and broaden perspective. It’s also when time management, wellness habits, and friendships take on lasting significance — foundations that will support students through the intensity of high school.

High School: Depth, Direction, and Purpose

High school is a time for students to deepen their interests, whether or not they have a fixed career path in mind. For example, one student we worked with discovered a love for Classics after taking Latin. We encouraged her to spend a summer on an archaeological dig in Greece and she eventually chose to study ancient Greek at Stanford. Some teenagers already know what they want to major in, while others are still discovering what they enjoy and what they don’t, which is equally important.

This openness is one reason globally minded families are so drawn to the American liberal arts model; it offers the flexibility to explore different fields, encourages intellectual curiosity, and pushes students to engage with new ideas. To build this perspective, high schoolers can pursue summer internships, take college courses, or find meaningful experiences that stretch them in new ways. 

As parents navigate the question of how their high schooler should invest their time and what colleges may be the best fit, remember that family values matter. Ask not only, “Will this place teach the right skills?” but also, “Is this an environment where my child will flourish and grow into the best version of themselves?”

Students must be able to adapt to meet the demands of the evolving workplace. Career expert Suzy Welch captures this in both her popular course, “Becoming You,” at NYU’s Stern School of Business, and her book for young professionals. Welch identifies four rare but essential core traits employers seek: nerve, elasticity, soundness, and wonderment. Together, they form the foundation of leadership in a rapidly changing world.

While it can feel overwhelming, no one expects teenagers to be fully formed when they press “submit” on their college applications. What is expected is that they articulate a potential direction and do so with conviction. The college process challenges teenagers to take ownership of their choices and develop their unique voices. It also asks something important of parents: the courage to see their children clearly, the wisdom to step back without disconnecting, and the ability to guide without controlling. Approached thoughtfully, this rite of passage can become a powerful affirmation of your family’s values and a meaningful opportunity to support your child’s growth in a world that’s changing right alongside them.

This article was originally published in Family Office Magazine in the Winter 2025 issue and can be viewed here.