Since our children are born, we can't help but to be proud and dream of the wonderful life that lies ahead for our sons and daughters. If your children think they can do it, anything's possible! So be careful what you say -- you may just get it!

Granted, we weren't trained to be parents and we probably can all agree that our parents seemed even more clueless! We're faced with so much more to expose our kids---we help them with sports, music, academics, and interaction with their friends.

As a mother of two daughters who were totally opposite, it was scary and exciting at the same time to wonder what path they would take during school days and after graduation. Acknowledge that each child has an individual talent, IQ, personality, and disposition. If you truly want to be involved in your child's future, here's the foundation that will build character, trust, and a lifetime of lessons that will last forever and pay off some day.

Tip 1 - Build 'Em UP! When a child or teen does something right, acknowledge them. Be sincere. There's nothing more annoying to hear a parent give compliments just for the sake of hyping the child up. The child is smarter than that and they'll know it's phony.

Tip 2 - Teach your child values, morals, and discipline. It's sad to say, but these virtues are becoming almost a lost treasure. Parents have eighteen years to train their child; and if you don't, someone will and you'd be putting your trust in someone else. Children are ever so eager to be taught, guided, loved, and disciplined. When you instill good, solid teachings into a child's mind, the it's much easier to gain a their respect as they grow older.

Tip 3- Show your child how to act, talk, and perform as you serve as a role-model, not an army sargeant. Be a good role-model. Admit you've made a mistake, have good work ethics, and associate with respectable friends.

Tip 4 - Trust is a major factor in helping your child be the best he can be. Be honest about your child's capabilities, talents, and skills without discouragement. Remember to teach them not to get stuck from one failure never to try again. Plant good seeds into their little heads and speak about them as though you were their best fan. Always say something positive and honest knowing that they can still attain higher accomplishments, even if they haven't quite made it yet. Then, work with them on whatever that achievement may be.

Tip 5 - Listen to your kids, especially your teens. A parent should know who they're hanging out with, who their parents are, where they are, and who they're with at all times. Don't be afraid to use "tough love" when necessary or you may be faced with some very painful consequences. Not only are they impressionable when they're young, the habits they develop will come from their peers which will be very influential in their lives.

Tip 6 - If there's a problem or challenge, handle it immediately. Every family should attempt to eat dinner together to discuss what's happening in each family member's life. This is a time to learn, relate, and listen to share with one another.

Well, you say -- How am I brainwashing my child to success? Once the foundation is in place, you can begin to build your child's self-esteem and belief that he/she can do anything in life!

The most important factor to remember is to encourage children from infancy to dream big. Teach them not to be afraid to try and do whatever it takes decide what areas they'll be involved in. Taking up too many sports, lessons, and activities can be detrimental. Academics first -- the rest will follow. The child's will is what will determine how far they get and what they'll do with their individual talents.

Start talking to your child from an early age about what they want to be no matter how ridiculous it may seem. Chances are, they'll change their minds dozens of times, but that's okay! What's not okay is to decide for them what YOU want them to be. You can expose them to ideas, but unless they have the passion, you are doing them a disservice by trying to force or expect them to do something they have no desire to do. Help them find where there passion lies.

Tell your child what a great student he/she is when they do well. Celebrate! Let them know what success feels like. Express how you see them as a great musician, nurse, dancer, teacher. Help them believe in themselves by pointing out their strong points and show them how to build on their weaker points. Continue to emphasize how they have excelled in some areas and can do the same in others. Remind them of something they did that they thought they couldn't at one time. Give them positive feedback of your observances about their individual aspects of their life. Help them to see themselves as successful without putting undue pressure or stress on them. Every child needs to be allowed to go at their own pace. Let your child compete without having a nervous breakdown. As a parent, know when to back off and when to give them a gentle push.

It is important to let your child understand that there are steps to success and that disappointments or failures are part of life. Allowing your child to believe they will succeed every time only sets them up for failure. Program them to know they can do it, but when they miss the mark, encourage them to try, try, try again. Turn a failure into a positive by explaining how they're getting closer to their goal and to never give up. Success takes place in stages that require much work. Reassure your child that the reward will be gratifying and will take them to the next level. The last thing you want to do is to defend your child only because it hurts you to see them fall. Parents should be there to pick them up and guide them back on the right track. As a parent, your satisfaction is knowing you did everything you could to get them get where they are and to see the smile on their face when they experience any type of success. Believing in oneself starts at a young age and will last throughout a lifetime.