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Did you know that you can change who your child is by simply smiling at him? Did you know that you can reinforce the chances of financial, career and relationship success of the adult your child will become, just by listening to him? Parents have the strongest, and most underrated power over the success of the adult their child will become.

Self Esteem is the most valuable and effective gift you can give your child, along with, of course, your love. And Self Esteem can be developed in children through the simplest adjustments by their parents.

Here are 8 simple ways you can contribute to the adult your child will become, by building his self esteem and self worth.

1. Listen with both ears.
Everyone has a need to be listened to, and to feel understood. When you are listening to your child, make sure you:

Make eye contact while you listen.
Focus your full attention on what he is saying.
Ask questions. If you don't understand something your child is saying, never pretend you do. Ask him it'll show him you're listening and interested in what he's saying, which will give him the message that you find him interesting - which will be translated in his subconscious to mean that he is an interesting person.
React as you know he wants you to.
Even if it sounds like he's "waffling" or talking nonsense, try to take those few moments to listen anyway it is important to him, and it's worth it.

Tips for Listening to your child:

When you are unable to listen to your child in this way because you are busy/ worried/ stressed/ late, don't let him go through his whole story while you pretend to listen, or listen with half an ear.

It is important to tell your child that you can't listen now, but that you really want to hear what he has to say, and you will be able to listen later and then give him a realistic idea "In 10 minutes"; "When I get back from the store", "When we get home".

It's also a great bonus if you are able to remember to ask "Okay Michael, what were you saying?" (don't call him Michael if that isn't his name of course) It will give him an extra boost and confirmation that you really do want to listen to him.

2. Be on your child's side.
When he does something wrong, remember that you love him and your priority is his success. Instead of "I told you not to do that, now you're not going to the park. Well, I warned you " and so on, try "I'm sorry sweetheart, unfortunately you can't go to the park. Remember I said that if you do that, you couldn't go. I know it's frustrating,

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