The Seeds of Greatness

Excerpted from The Seeds of Greatness—The Value-Based Family Enrichment Program for 21st Century Leaders Coachingcalendar

One way to make it clear that you are listening to your child is to repeat what you think your child has just told you. You can use phrases like, "Sounds like you are saying..." or "Are you saying...?"

Ask your child questions—lots of questions! Encourage creativity, thinking skills and problem solving. Learning how to find answers is a lifelong skill. Ask who, what when, where and why? It's not pestering, it's parenting!

Take advantage of every little daily opportunity to express pride in what your children accomplish. Parents indicate by their approval, or lack of it, whether their child is a winner or loser.

The holidays are a hectic time, even for kids. Teach your kids time-management skills by helping them set priorities and balance their time.

The “Seeds” above have been transplanted directly from The Seeds of Greatness Treasury by Denis Waitley. The beautiful hardbound book is a collection of some of his best-loved “words to remember.” It truly is a priceless gift of poetry, proverbs, and prose from one of America’s most respected sages.

Remember that prior to those pesky teen age years, your little adolescents are for the most part like clay that can be molded into any shape that you like. Take the opportunity to shape their lives the way you want them to be shaped. If not, their peer group we surely shape it for you when they become teens-and you may not like the outcome!