This Woman Is Sharing The "Parenting Practices" Her Mom Used That Helped Get Her Into Harvard, And Parents Everywhere Are Thanking Her For Her Service

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At just 20 years old, Olivia Zhang is the founder of a global nonprofit, an author, a TEDx speaker, and an undergraduate at Harvard University. She was named in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, and she's the recipient of the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Award.

But how did she do it?

Olivia's fans and viewers have been asking this question since she was accepted into Harvard in 2023. In August, however, she enlisted the help of someone special to share the habits and "parenting practices" that shaped her into the thoughtful, ambitious young woman she is today: her mom!

In the viral video, Olivia (who goes by @livviazhang on TikTok) and her mom take turns sharing "the parenting practices that got [Olivia] into Harvard," and parents everywhere are taking notes.

"Number one, for me," Olivia begins, "only Fridays and Saturdays were allowed for movie night or screen time, meaning we could not watch YouTube, watch movies, TV shows, any of that unless it was Friday or Saturday night."

She continues, "It was annoying at the time, but now, looking back, I think not only did it help us, but it motivated me personally to work hard throughout the week, because then I had a reward to look forward to. Plus, naturally, it kept us away from distractions."

Next, Olivia's mom shares her first piece of advice: "I think even when they were young kids, at a very young age, I always brought them into the adult environment to give them an opportunity or force them to talk to some adults."

This helped her kids practice "social skills, communication, and the way they're thinking" from a very young age. Between her mom's job at a nonprofit and her dad's work in corporate events, Olivia had plenty of opportunities to learn these essential skills.

"I honestly think that this was the best thing somebody could have ingrained in me," Olivia explains of list item number two. She says to her mom, "You're very, very good at networking and maintaining relationships with other people."

She then explains how her mom planned holiday gifts for every single one of her kids' teachers, and how "you need to be grateful and give back to every single person who has ever taught you or mentored you." Now, Olivia keeps a spreadsheet of everyone she wants to text and thank on Christmas, as well as a list of every woman to reach out to on Mother's Day.

Not only is this a kind gesture, but it helps her ensure that anyone who's ever helped her feels her appreciation. They're also more likely to help her again in the future!

Olivia's mom's second piece of advice is "strict" and to the point: "I don't spoil kids." She gives a timeless example that many parents can relate to when she explains, "They have to eat whatever the whole family is eating." The reasoning behind this, she says, is that when kids are older, they will have to endure things they don't like and plans that don't go their way.

"Number three," Olivia continues, "I was forced to go to Chinese school from [5 years old until high school]. ... Now, I'm so appreciative my parents did that because I think being bilingual is so important." Not only has this helped her in the business world, but it has also improved her family dynamics, as many of her relatives in China don't speak English.

Ready for Olivia's mom's last piece of advice?

"Everyone, from a young age," she shares, "they have to learn to be a responsible family member or a responsible person." This includes giving every family member a task on cleaning day, no matter how young they are. This encourages kids from a young age to consider how they can contribute to their family unit and to their community as a whole.

These helpful habits and parenting practices have had a lasting impact on Olivia's education and professional success, and they are also getting viewers talking. One person said what many were thinking when they wrote, "I’m screwed on the screen time thing." It's OK; most of us are!

Others loved these unique tips, with one viewer saying, "Wow, I love these tips! Especially making a spreadsheet of texting people a thank you!" To be honest, I might steal this life hack, too.

One mom even found inspiration for the way she wants to raise her own child!

Viewers also noticed the bond between mother and daughter, especially Olivia's admiration for her mom. One commenter loved, "the way she perked up when you complimented her people skills," while another observed, "Mom is so proud! As she should be!"

Overall, responses to Olivia's video have been very positive, with many wishing that upbringings like this were more common.

How do you feel about the routines and habits Olivia grew up with? Would you implement them for your kids if it could help them get into Harvard? Let us know in the comments!

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