10 Ways to Help Your Kids Succeed

Help your children become successful on and off the court.

I want my three daughters to succeed in everything from schoolwork to after school activities. I hope they'll find something they love and that they can excel at. I want them to be happy and well-adjusted.

In short, I want it all for them. How can I help them on the road to success?

1. Teach them to lose gracefully.

Kids who always win aren't going to be ready for the real world. Teach your child how to deal with disappointment. Let them see you try and fail while maintaining your composure.

2. Encourage perseverance.

Children need to learn to get back up after they fall. When you fall down, get back up and try again. Successful individuals are persistent people.

3. Be a constant presence.

Be there when your child needs help with their homework, a ride to soccer practice, or someone to talk to. The key to raising successful kids isn't an expensive present - it's your presence.

4. Cheer loudly.

Be your son or daughter's biggest cheerleader in whatever activities they choose. Don't point out their failings. Celebrate their progress, as well as their success.

5. Don't do it for them.

It can be tempting to help your child through the rough spots. Know your place. You won't help your child succeed if you do the work for them.

6. Try new things.

You'll never find your niche if you don't get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Encourage your child to try a new sport, read a new book, or get involved in a new activity. Be sure to let them see you do the same!

7. Nurture, don't shelter.

If you want to raise successful children, you'll need to walk a fine line between nurturing and supporting them and sheltering them from the real world. I wish I had some magic way of knowing which side of the line I'm treading on, but the truth is that you just have to trust your gut with this one. If you shelter your children too much, success will be so much harder to come by in life.

8. Play fair.

The old adage about cheaters rings true today. Remind your children (often) that fair play matters more than winning and losing.

9. Keep your cool.

Do you yell at the coach from the sidelines? Use obscenities to handle situations at home? Fly off the handle regularly? Keeping your cool inspires your kids to do the same.

10. Be the example.

If you want your child to succeed in life, be the example for them in all that you say and do. Children learn when we forget they're even watching. What did you teach your child today?

Content by Kelly Herdrich .