by Fion Li

Created on: March 19, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

Raising independent, self-motivated children, we need to start them young. It's never too early to secure your kids' future.
Here are some ways to start:

As parents, the best gift you can give your kids is education - not just in the academic sense, but also in life skills.

Social savvy, emotional confidence and financial know-how are some skills you can empower them with - skills that will take them through life, be independent and self-motivated.

Kids learn largely by example. That's why it's so important to take charges of our own attitudes, lifestyles and financial well-being, so they can be similarly encouraged and inspired. Best of all, you can be assured of their future by planning for it today.

*Teach Money Skills
Your kids won't get through life smoothly if they don't learn how to take charge of their own finances.
To start, show them how to budget their weekly expenses, or save up for a big purchase. You can try explaining how a bank pays interest, how to protect savings, and how they can make their money work harder for them.

*Take Charge of their Health
With good health you can do much more with your life. Whether it's making healthy food choices or taking up a sport, showing the kids how they have total responsibility over their bodies and health will build their sense of self-worth.
It's also never too early to show your kids how health insurance can be a safety net, if health concerns arise.

*Enforce positive thinking
Rather than breed a "complainer", you'd want your kids to be a "can do" type of person too - one who can take the hard knocks in life.
Build your kids' self-esteem by treating them like responsible people. Refrain from making excuses for them when things go wrong, and don't be quick to show your frustration when they make mistakes.
Rather, allow them to take ownership over their own actions, then show them how to make things right instead of focusing on what went wrong.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, START PLANNING YOUR KIDS' FUTURE NOW! IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY!=)

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