Parents can have successful children by practicing a healthy spirit of praise.  They realize that performance is greater if the incentive includes praise.  From early childhood we teach our children to say “please and thank you”.  We must demonstrate and practice the things we teach.

A teenage boy graduated from high school and entered college.  He is well grounded in the fundamental teachings of morals, values and ethics.  He is a good ball player and decides to sign up for the school team.  He soon realizes that the coach does not practice the same ethical standards he has a conviction about.  The coach appears to use profanity in his presence unhesitatingly or ever purposefully.  He soon makes the decision to drop the sport and turns in his uniform.  The coach is silent as he does this and obviously realizes the reason for the boy’s resignation.

Will this single act change the coach?  Possibly, but probably not.  But it is an indication of the character of both personalities.  The boy has a lifetime before him and has chosen the high road.  His teammates know about his decision and many agree with it.  They may not follow in his footsteps now, but they may later on.  This young man has made a lasting impression on friends and hopefully a coach.

How parents have successful children is no accident.  They are conscious in their efforts to teach ethics, morals and values early in life.  They demonstrate a character of integrity, responsibility and humility.  Practice the words you teach and set the example.  It will underscore the word lessons a thousand time.

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