Matthew is a 13-year old who dreams of becoming the next Steve Jobs of Apple, and talks about how he can improve the lives of others through technology. He and his best friend Houston are interested in a joint venture starting their own company. They brainstorm all night putting together a feasible business model for their start-up company. Drawings and notes litter the desk and floor as their creative sparks comes to life. Both have extensive knowledge and experience putting together computer hardware, and diagnosing and trouble-shooting computer problems for their families and friends.
They have opted out of looking for jobs when they finish school. Instead of building others dreams they plan build their own dreams-by starting a company together. They were taught at a young age success principles by their parents. I predict they will go far.
So what did their parents teach them that started them on the road to success? Simple strategies that any parent can teach their kids at home-where education starts and ends. Rather than wishing and hoping your child's life will turn out the way you want it to, you can play an active role in their success in life-now. You are their first teacher.
Before the Information Age, kids could go to college to become doctors, lawyers, and other professionals, then graduate and live happily ever after going into private practices with high salaries, or getting good paying jobs. Since the Information Age where the key phrase is "how fast is your modem", college is not a guarantee of success-and how to succeed is not taught in schools. You must instill in your child self-empowerment and mastery which you can do in various ways.
Look for the Good
Success is an inside job-and is directly related to your child's self confidence and self-esteem. This is the mental attitude that is connected to the Be, Do, and Have and principle. They must first "Be" confident with themselves and who they are. Then they will" Do" what it takes to achieve their goals. So they can "Have" what they want in life.
Praise and gratitude for your kids' achievements will go far in building confidence and self-esteem. Every time they do something well, tell them how proud you are of their accomplishments and thank them. Words are powerful motivators and your kids will rise to the level of your expectations and strive to do better. Your bonus is your kids will start doing more things for you to appreciate.
Nights of the Roundtable
Turn dinner time into a round-table brainstorming sessions. The best ideas are shared and talked about at dinner. Do you remember growing up and watching old movies or TV shows where the family is gathered around the dinner table discussing their day? Think of how close the families were, and how it kept everyone in touch with each other. So much of this quality time is lost because of conflicting family schedules that require us to eat at different times, or on the run in the car on the way to an event.
Family dinners can be information hubs where ideas can be shared freely. Invest the time at least once a week where the family can sit down together and have a meal. Get all the family members involved-especially in the planning of the meal (usually their favorite part). At our home, we have a weekly pizza and junk food night and will talk about their school, or about something that we've read in a book, newspaper, or on the Internet. Then we all take turns expressing our views and opinions. It' s fun, creative, and it sparks the imagination. Our lively, interactive conversations sometimes last well past dinner, but who cares when we are having so much fun?
Make this a regular routine at your home. See the difference it will make. This will start their thinking processes about their possibilities, the consequences of their choices, their outcomes and their visions. We can all learn from each other. You get to peek inside their heads and see what they are thinking, while keeping the channels of communications open. Also information that may be hard to pry out of your kids will be willingly disclosed.
Book em' Dano
Educate and coach your kids by encouraging them to read (or you read to them). Books are my favorite, but also newspapers, magazines, and anything else they like to read.
You can introduce subjects that will stimulate thought, imagination, and explore options outside the box. Topics on investing, creating a business, service, or product. Or where ever this road takes you. Help them discover their niche. Be open and non-judgmental. It is truly mind blowing and exciting to see the variety of topics your child may be interested in.
The earlier you can start this process the better. I started coaching my son when he was 4 years old. At bed-time, he would eagerly jump into bed and wait for his bedtime story. Sometimes he would pick a book from our collection, and at other times he wanted me to play make-believe and make up a story. His favorites were The Little Engine That Could by Wally Piper (great for grown-ups too), and Napolean HIll's Think and Grow RIch. Don't underestimate your child's comprehension. He would remember parts of the book Think and Grow Rich and make a reference to it when it was least expected.
When he got older, he wanted to be an oceanographer. He wanted his own TV show, and share with the world the wonders of ocean and sea life like the famous oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau. We frequently made trips to our local library and checked out books about marine life and the National Geographic. We would lay on our bellies on the floor flipping through endless pages, as we talked about him becoming the greatest oceanographer of all times-traveling the world, filming sea creatures with his team from an underwater diving bell. It was imprinted on his little brain how his work would inspire millions and people all over the world would know him by name.
He never forgot those times.
At 12 years old he read Rich Dad, Poor Dad for Teens, and Rich Dad, Poor Dad both by Robert Kiyosaki. Now he regularly reads the Wall Street Journal and Fortune Magazine. Today as high-school freshman, he is a gifted, exemplary student and wants to become a scientist who invents an anti-aging drug.
Put the F Back In Family
Have a family fun night with your kids playing board games with no T.V, computers, or video games. Board games like Monopoly and Robert Kiyosaki's Cashflow for Kids are not only interactive, but are excellent learning tools. These games teach cash flow management, investing, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills that they will need later in life. Games like these are the easiest and best ways to learn complex subjects while having fun at the same time. If there are other games that will teach your kids or help them learn, then play those games too.
Find a Goal Model
Finding a "goal model" like a mentor, coach, or community leader is a powerful way for kids to learn because they will benefit from the experience and expertise of others who have already blazed the trail. They will also learn how leverage time and resources by networking and connecting with others who can help them.
This can include friends, family, financial advisors, attorneys, teachers, coaches, spiritual leaders and others who will devote their time and give advice solely for the benefit of watching a youngster blossom. We have gotten free advice from financial advisors, attorneys, and business-owners. So many kind-hearted people will gladly give their time to help kids who show an interest and want to succeed. All you have to do is ask.
A friend of mine had a 10-year old son who wanted to know how to get a patent. A teacher recommended a patent attorney she knew and suggested the son call him. He called and got the attorney's voice-mail and left a detailed message about obtaining a patent. The attorney called him back long-distance within an hour and talked to the son for over 1 1/2 hours and told him to feel free to call him anytime if he had further questions. He never mentioned fees. There was no waiting for an appointment, and no rushed time schedules. It was just like a father and son chat, with no other motive than to make a difference in this kid's life.
It doesn't get any better than this.
Kids today need more options to compete in a world of global markets, rapidly-changing technology, and out-sourcing of jobs. It is up to you as parents to give your kids that head start in life to not only play the game of life but to beat it. The more parents are vested in the kid's future, the better the chances for their success. It's an inside job.
