Isiah Thomas, NBA hall of famer and current the coach of the New York Knicks once told me that children at any age can have a better life if they have stronger foundations. Like the building of a house, if there is no foundation the house can fall. Children can start creating their desired life now, at any age. By learning to better communicate with their peers, teachers and family they allow themselves to succeed. Establishing a confident, not arrogant, young leader is something we should all strive to create in our children. As a father of 3, I struggle myself to find the perfect way to build this strong foundation in my children. I have discovered 3 very powerful techniques to help accomplish this goal.

1. Don't be a commercial parent. Many parents put their children to bed at night during the commercials. While watching your favourite show, you sometimes rush your children to bed not wanting to miss a moment. These one-on-one moments are times that children are starved for. Take the time, turn off the television. Remind your children how important they are and ask them about their adventures. Their stories can be better then anything written for television.

2. Leave your stress at work. Do what you have to do but don't bring it home. Take some time in your car and listen to a favourite song, take an extra lap of the neigbourhood before pulling in the driveway, go to the gym and have a quick work out. Your home needs to be a sanctuary of hope, love and encouragement. If your child hears the good stuff as a young child and sees your enthusiasm for work and life they will build their own excitement for their own future.

3. Don't be afraid. Many parents are terrified that if they do not entertain their children 24/7 they are a bad parent. Relax, you're not. Scheduling quality time with your kids is important, but so is allowing your children to learn to be independent and play on their own. Creating their own imaginary friends and adventures is ok. Don't forget to encourage reading so that when your children have that alone time they will feel as comfortable picking up a book as they do a Video Game.

Enjoy these years. As we strive to garnish appreciation and admiration from bosses, co-workers and clients, don't forget you have a some people at home that will give you more then you can imagine.