(by 6 people)
Ever wonder what it really takes to raise a child who grows up to be a success? Is it you, their enviroment, or their personality type? I'd like to explore this question from a Christian perspective.
In my opinion, it's up to you. You create the enviroment the home and you decide what enviroment they are in outside the home. You can coach any personality type, if you set your mind to it.
You see the home is the proving ground for success elsewhere- in job, business, profession, and ministry. The bad news- everything does matter, from team atmosphere you create as a family, to the music and tv they absorb, to the chores they do or don't do. Most importantly is the spiritual atmoshere you create.
The good news- you are not to go it alone. God is there to give you wisdom and guidence every step of the way- if you ask Him. There are also plenty of books, websites, and people at church there to help as well.
I titled the lens as "Raising Successful Kids", but I have always said, "I am not raising kids, I'm raising adults!"
May God grant you wisdom and success in bringing your children up.
Maureen Kellis :-)
P.S. I've also included some information about successful teen/kids in business and am adding new links to business links for kids.
Check Out These Videos of Smart & Successful Kids
What We Need To Be Teaching Our Kids!
10 Critical Traits Necessary For Success
1 John 5:14, Phil 4:13
2.) Honor: They must learn to honor and show respect for others and that starts with mom and dad. Honor needs to branch out to siblings and extented family, then to friends,neighbors, authority figures, etc. Children need to be taught that all others are created in the image of God, just as they are.
Exodus 20:12, Romans 13:1b, Phil 4:8, Prov 1:8-9
3.)Wisdom: If we teach our children to make wise choices and exercise good judgement, their way in life will be much easier. Included in this category is helping them make wise choices about the friends they keep.
Prov 12:15, Proverbs 23:19, Prov 13:20
4.)People and Communication Skills: We need to teach and demonstrate these effectively. All things being equal, people choose to business with people they like. Employers promote those with good people skills over those whose people skills are lacking. Key skills here: respect, eye-contact, attention, forgiveness, encourager, conversation starter.
Romans 15:2, Luke 6:45, Prov 16:24
5.)Work Ethic: We must teach our children the motto, "Work Before Play". Our outcome in life depends on our value to the "marketplace" so to speak and people admire, repect, and promote producers.
Colossians 3:23, Prov 10:14, Ecc. 9:10, Prov 10:26, 2 Thes. 3:11-12
6.)Proper Attitude: A proper minset is crucial to success. Children need to believe in themselves, trust in God, and think on positive things. They need to 'be transformed by the renewing of their mind." They need to be respectful of authority and treat others honorably. It all starts in the grey matter.:-)
Phil 4:8, Romans 12:2
7.)Stewardship: This of couse includes good money management skills. It also includes the areas of managing one's time, possessions, ministry, activities, and talents.
James 1:22, 1 Cor 4:2, Matt 25:14-30
8.)Excellence and Order God is an 'excellent' God and is a God of order. Kids need to be taught not to cut corners and do sloppy work.
9.)Sevice: Our kids must be trained from a young age not to be selfish. They need to help with chores around the house. Get them involved with outreach projects, teen missions, adopting a family/child, etc.
Gal 5:13
10.)Teamwork: Family chores, missions projects, game nights, and sports teams can teach this.
What One Teenager With an Awesome Business Idea Can Do!
How a $100 Start-Up Grew Into a Billion Dollar Business.
Casey started the business with $100 and through a series of mergers added a motorcycle fleet in 1913, vehicle delivery in 1916, and United Air Express in 1929.
Casey's business plan in 1907: (according to author Mike Brewster)
"Take message on new telephone gadget. Deliver message. Impress customer. Repeat."
Teaching Prosperity to Your Kids
I love this website! There are a ton of tools to help you teach your kids about money. Register for the FREE Report:7 Secrets to a Money Smart Kid
In this Special Report by Prosperity4Kids, you'll learn how to teach the basic principles and actions of financial prosperity. We reveal these to you in the form of
" Seven Secrets." Once you have the knowledge you'll gain by tapping into these powerful secrets, you'll be exceptionally well versed in how to prepare your child for a lifetime of wealth, health, and happiness.
Once you get to the Prosperity4Kids website, look under the "Latest" tab for the free report.
Additional Resources
- InternetBasedKids.com
- Great website loaded with tips and resources for kids to build their own internt business.
- Honor Your Father and Mother Book for 3-7 yrs.
- Help teach your little ones to obey! Simple drawings combine with questions and Bible verses to teach young children the meaning of the 5th Commandment, "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."
"We love this book! It has been very helpful in re-establishing order in our home. Success all starts with honor." ~ Maureen Kellis - Aquire The Fire/Teen Mania
- In college, my husband, Jonathan, had the privilage to work with Ron Luce, the founder of Teen Mania/Aquire the Fire. He was one of the first to go on what was later to become an incredible teen faith and evangelism movement. If you have teens, check this out! You and your teens will be in great hands. :-)
- Family Life with Denis Rainey
- This is one of my two favorite family resource sites. We have taken the Homebuilders couses and highly recommend them!
- Samaritan's Purse/Operation Christmas Child
- My kids love doing this every year! It's something that even a toddler can participate in. Many churches organize this every year, but you can always do it as a family.
- Vision Video- The Best Online Video Resource
- I love this website! You can get all sorts of videos and video curriculums for personal growth, bible study groups, homeschooling, family viewing. Some titles to keep on your list for developing the character traits that will yield a successful life are:
The Torchlighters: Heroes of the Faith Series (k-4)
The Test of Time Video Curriculum (middle school-adult)
Children's Hereos From Christian History(k-6)
Reality with Dr. Michael Greene(ms-adult)
Marketplace Ministry-Christian Life & Today's World and Christian Life & Work (ms-adult)
Flywheel (family)
Rudy(family) - Focus on the Family
- And here is my other favorite 'family website'. Be sure to check out their awesome resources available for all stages and ages.
Let Me Know What You Think!
Like this lens? Want to share your feedback, or just give a thumbs up? Be the first to submit a blurb!
Add to Your Library!
Resources to give you (and your kids!) the advantage
Enjoy!
Maureen :-)
Great Resources For Pre-School & Kindergarten
The Children's Book of Heroes
Amazon Price: $17.52 (as of 01/08/2009) 
Book of Virtues Gift Set (Gift)
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2009)
The Children's Book of Virtues
Now your 4- to 8-year-olds can have their very own Book of Virtues! Featuring excerpts from Bennett's bestseller specially chosen for younger children, this beautifully illustrated treasury includes inspiring lessons in self-discipline, compassion, honesty, loyalty, and faith. 112 pages, hardcover from Simon & Schuster.
Amazon Price: $16.32 (as of 01/08/2009)
Rules for Young Friends
This exciting coloring book curriculum teaches kids 11 simple rules for friendship. They'll learn how to be a good host and a good guest, how to borrow and lend toys, what to do about a friend who interrupts their chores, and much more. Comes with a laminated Master List to post on the refrigerator, as well as specific rule posters. 32 pages, softcover from Noble.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2009)
The Little Engine That Could: The Complete, Original Edition (A Platt & Munk Classic)
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 01/08/2009)
Great Resources For Primary Students
Searching for Treasure: A Guide to Wisdom & Character Development
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2009)
Ten Boys Who Changed The World (Lightkeepers)
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 01/08/2009)
Ten Girls Who Changed The World (Lightkeepers)
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 01/08/2009)
Ten Girls Who Made A Difference (Lightkeepers)
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 01/08/2009)
Ten Boys Who Made A Difference (Lightkeepers)
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 01/08/2009)
Great Resources For Elementary
Patterns of Destiny - Your Story Hour - Album 7 (Audio Cassette)
Your Story Hour presents "Patterns of Destiny Series. This a set of 12 audio cassettes. It's a wonderful collection of fully-dramatized stories about famous people such as: Joan of Arc, John Bunyan, Albert Schweitzer, and George Mueller to name a few who despite adversities, followed their vision and preserved to see their ideals and efforts succeed. Listen and experience their trials and tribulations-and ultimate joy-as they triumph, and in so doing demostrate the way for successful living today. This is ideal for home school, classroom, or personal enjoyment. Complete with sound effects and music. Enacted by a professional cast. Exciting, educational and entertaining! Appropriate for any age, but probably best for children up to age 12.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2009)
The Toothpaste Millionaire
A resourceful and scrupulously honest 12-year old makes a million dollars--and helps a lot of other people--by selling toothpaste at no more than 15 cents a tube. Delightful introduction to business for young people (and older ones, too!). gr. 3-8
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2009)
Out of Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille
Louis Braille was only four years old when an accident left him sightless. Through the kindness and notice of his provincial village, he was granted a scholarship to the only existing school for the blind-the Royal Institute of the Blind; there he was introduced to a still-imperfect method of writing with dashes and dots. Staying up late for nights on end, Louis toyed and reworked this system hundreds of times over, before settling on its current form. He was only 15 years old. Beautifully written with delicate pencil illustrations, this book details the life of one of France's national heroes. This vivid biography is recommended for grades 3-8. 81 pages, indexed.
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 01/08/2009)
Rich Dad's Rich Kid, Smart Kid: Giving Your Children a Financial Headstart
Give your child a financial head start by awakening your child's love of learning to be financially free. Imagine the affect you can have on their lives when they start early. Rich Dad's Rich Kid Smart Kid is designed to help you give your child the same inspiring and practical financial knowledge that Robert Kiyosaki's rich dad gave him.
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 01/08/2009)
Chalk Box Kid (Stepping Stone, paper)
I got this for my son, Lucas. Story about a boy who uses his creativity and an abandoned warehouse to create something very special.
Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 01/08/2009)
Great Resources for Teens
Battlefield of the Mind for Teens: Winning the Battle in Your Mind
Battlefield of the Mind for Teens takes an honest look at what teenagers face every day--peer pressure, expectations for your future, the struggle for independence. With solid research, interviews with young people, and no-nonsense, biblically based advice, Joyce Meyer gives you the ammo you need to make your brain a clean, mean, fighting machine.
Amazon Price: $8.79 (as of 01/08/2009)
Secrets of the Vine for Teens Audio CD
On the eve of his death, Jesus shared with his closest friends the secrets to experiencing a fulfilling, world-changing life. This teen-centered edition of Wilkinson's powerful bestseller is filled with real-life stories about teens; supportive Scriptures; interactive questions; and the secrets to truly abundant living. A poignant and powerful invitation for teens to truly experience Christ. 128 pages, hardcover from Multnomah.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2009)
Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets About Money--That You Don't Learn in School!
Picking up where school leaves off, Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens is the secret weapon for gaining the freedom to create the wealth you want. No matter what your grades are, you ARE smart enough to thrive financially - and it is never too early to begin your financial education.
Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens doesn't just share Robert's amazing personal story, it shows you how to make choices today - choices of the rich. The book is packed with straight talk, sidebars, tips and quizzes and will jump-start your personal success!
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 01/08/2009)
Great Resources For Parents
From Playpen to Podium
Give your kids the communication advantage! Myers, an accomplished speaker and teacher, shows you fun, easy-to-do projects that will make your kids great communicators. You'll improve their reading, writing, and thinking skills; enhance their comfort in social situations; help them resist negative peer influences; and guide their development of solid leadership skills. Approx. 230 pages, softcover from Noble.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/08/2009)
Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right
Every parent hopes their kids will turn out right. They pray that when their children leave the nest, they will be ready to face the world. And they hope that their kids will be equipped to stand strong in life's battles. There are no shortcuts to successful parenting-no secret formulas to raising kids of strength and character. However, there are steps you can take to prepare your children for the challenges ahead.
Amazon Price: $11.24 (as of 01/08/2009)
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Many parenting books are based on hit-or-miss theories steeped in secular thinking. This one draws from Pastor Tripp's seasoned experience as a father-and from God's Holy Word. Grounded in the Bible's divine plan for parenting, this guide defines your goals as a parent and provides the Scriptural methods for accomplishing them.
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 01/08/2009)
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
The New York Times #1 Bestseller is changing how the world views money by shifting your context to that of a rich person.
If you are like many - dependent on your paychecks to cover your monthly expenses - then you don't think like the rich.
The rich don't accumulate cash. They accumulate assets that generate cash flow for them.
In reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, you'll better understand the power that thinking can have on your life. If you are looking for financial freedom, then Rich Dad Poor Dad is a great place to start your learning process.
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 01/08/2009)
Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle
Jim's all time best selling book takes an in-depth look into the reasons certain people succeed and others don't. He covers the key components to success - philosophy, attitude, activity, results and lifestyle. This is one of my favorites. I highly recommmend it for teens as well.
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 01/08/2009)
