Ask Fred > Family > What are some traits to instill in my children?
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Dear Fred
I would like to know how to instill the character trait of ambition into my children. They are in their teenage years and I'm quite pleased with who they have become otherwise.
Fred's Response
Perhaps the otherwise, which you speak of, is satisfactory for them right now and no doubt like most parents you have a vision for them beyond their own. I think it is important to differentiate between ego satisfaction and responsibility. We have a responsibility to contribute and make a difference but so often ambition gets tied into competition and becomes an expression of ego. Arrogance should never be encouraged in an individual. Be sure you emphasize their self-worth more then their self-image. Worth is given to us by God. I have found with our own children that their vision of who they could be came a little later in life. So be patient.
