Başarıya Götüren Aile (Family That Leads to Success) was written by Doğan Cüceloğlu, a figure in the field of communication psychology in Turkey. The book focuses specifically on the role parents can play in supporting their children during periods of academic preparation, particularly for important exams. It was first published in 2019 by Remzi Kitabevi. The work provides content on topics such as family communication, psychology of learning, and parental attitudes.
Subject
The book explores what kind of attitudes families should adopt to help their children succeed during exam periods. The author emphasizes that it is not enough to simply instruct children to study; rather, the behaviors and approaches of parents play a crucial role in both the academic and psychological development of the child.
Through various examples, the book addresses how well-intentioned but senseless parental behaviors during exam times can exert pressure on children or even become obstacles to their performance. Throughout the text, it is stated that the learning process is grounded in scientific principles, and that parents must understand and respond appropriately to this process. In this way, the book serves as a practical guide for parents who wish to support their children during exam periods.
Themes
Family Communication
The book explains that family communication is not limited to daily interaction, but directly affects the child’s emotional development, self-confidence, and academic performance. During exam periods, the way parents speak to their children—including tone of voice, word choice, and body language—can significantly impact the child’s motivation. How a parent responds to failure or expresses expectations of success can result in stress, anxiety, or lack of confidence in the child. Therefore, the book emphasizes the importance of creating an open, understanding, and supportive communication environment within the family.
Learning Process and Psychological Development
The book presents learning as not merely the absorption of academic content, but as a process that involves emotional, social, and psychological dimensions. Each child has a unique learning style, pace, and attention span. The text suggests that parents should understand these individual differences and provide support accordingly. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, the book advocates for an approach that takes into account the holistic development and emotional needs of the child. Learning is framed not as a competition, but as a developmental journey.
Parental Roles and Attitudes
The parental role is described as that of a guide, observer, and supporter in the child’s development. However, the text underlines the need for this role to be carried out with awareness and intentionality. Over-involved, comparative, or controlling behaviors—though often motivated by good intentions—can have negative emotional effects on the child. Unrealistic expectations placed on the child at an early age may lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, or exam anxiety. The book stresses that parents should possess emotional awareness, respect the individuality of the child, and avoid turning their guidance into pressure.
The Exam Process and the Concept of Success
The book treats the exam period as a multidimensional challenge that involves not only academic knowledge, but also time management, stress control, family support, and self-confidence. Parental attitudes that ignore or minimize the psychological impact of exams may increase the child’s anxiety. The concept of success is not limited to high grades, rankings, or prestigious school placements; instead, success is defined as the process of realizing one’s potential, making an effort, and continuing personal growth. In this regard, the book offers a broader and more inclusive perspective on academic success compared to prevailing societal views.
