2 of 18

Write now Article Tools

There are many lessons we teach our children in life. A lot of them are smaller practical lesson like how to do laundry, or how to fry an egg. While these are useful, there are larger lessons that as a parent it's my responsibility to teach my children to help them become happy, successful adults.

1.) Do what you love. Most of us will spend a large portion of our adult life trying to earn enough money so we can pay our daily living expenses, and hopefully save enough to retire comfortably some day. If you are going to commit that much time to doing something, it should be something you enjoy doing. Toiling at a job that you don't enjoy is a miserable way to spend your life.

2.) Find your own voice. Many people go through life without ever really knowing who they are. They're opinions parrot what they've seen or heard on the radio and TV. They follow the crowd and are swayed by public opinion. I want my children to know what they want, and who they are.

3.) Dare to be different. Don't make decisions based on the status quo. While you shouldn't buck the system just for the sake of being a rebel, if your heart is taking you in a different direction, follow it. It's OK to be unique. We all are, but many people are afraid to show it. Have enough confidence and respect for yourself to allow yourself to be your own person.

4.) Don't let others decide what you can or can't succeed at. You're not too short, or too slow, or too young. It's not a dumb idea. If you want it bad enough, go for it, despite what other people think. History is full of people who were told they couldn't succeed, but went on to prove that they could. Look at the Wright brothers.

5.) Stay out of debt. Debt not only drains your bank account, it drains your life too. So many relationships have struggles due to avoidable financial hardships. Life can be hard enough without inviting problems.

6.) Allow yourself the opportunity to fail. The only way to avoid failure is to never take a chance. The greatest rewards come to those who take risks. That's not say you should be fool hearty, but you have to put yourself out there, in relationships, and your professional life.

7.) Treat others the way you want to be treated. Remember the Golden Rule. It's unrealistic to expect people to treat you well if you don't return the favor. If you treat those around you with disrespect, ,they won't stay around for long. You will end up alone. Don't be so self centered that you forget to pay attention to others.

8.) Take time to reflect. We spend so much time doing, sometimes we don't allow ourselves to just be. Your subconscious is constantly working. Take the time to listen to it. It gives you answers to problems. It reveals your inner desires. It heals your hurts. If you don't slow down and listen, you'll never know who you really are,and what you really want. You'll spend all of your time spinning your wheels, and never knowing true peace.

9.) When it's all said and done, all you really have is your word. Money can come and go. The same is true of friends and lovers. Even health and vitality will leave you someday. Only your reputation is yours. Whether it's good or bad is up to you. Remember, it take a lifetime to build, but it can be destroyed in an instant. Take great care of it. It's your most valuable possession.

10.) Say "I love you" to those you care about. Do it today. You may not get another chance. Life is fleeting, and can be taken away in an instant. Don't spend your life regretting that you let anger or pride get in the way of saying these three simple, powerful words when you had the chance.

Learn more about this author, Jim Smoot.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Ten things I want to teach my child?
We want to hear your view. Write now!