Every parent wants their child to grow up to be successful, and while everyones definition of success tends to differ somewhat, there are some aspects of it that most parents can probably agree on; you want your child to happy, confident, competent and well-adjusted both emotionally and socially.

While we cannot decide our childrens future, we can certainly pave the way for them by instilling the right values from an early age.

Following are 12 keys to raising a happy and successful child:

1. Stimulate your child’s interest

Encouraging your child to explore his or her interests is an important part of helping them figure out who they are and what they will ultimately grow up to do. Whether they love art, sports, music, reading or numbers, find ways to help them develop those interests and build on them.

2. Build your child’s self-esteem

Real self-esteem comes from feeling like you belong somewhere and are loved, from believing that you are capable of doing what you set out to do, and that what you do is worthwhile and valued. Teaching a child to value and respect themselves is no easy task, but giving a child unconditional love, establishing boundaries, providing encouragement and praising accomplishments is a great start.

3. Teach your child effective social skills

Good social skills will get your child far in whatever career he or she chooses to pursue. Make plenty of time in your childs schedule for socialization with peers and encourage them to engage in activities where they can meet new people.

4.  Control the use of television and internet

Take age appropriate measures to control your childs use of television and internet. You should be aware of what they are watching and the types of websites they visit so that you can protect them from adult content and other inappropriate material.

5.  Strengthen your child’s conscience

Whether you are religious or not, it is important to ensure that your child knows the difference between right and wrong. Take the time to discuss why certain things like stealing or cursing are wrong and what behaviour they should replace those things with.

6.  Help your child develop healthy attitudes towards sexuality

Although talking about sex and sexuality with your child is never easy, it is better that they hear about it from you so that you can help them develop a healthy attitude towards it. Kids these days are exposed to so many messages about sexuality on a daily basis, whether at school, on the television or even out in public when they see people kissing for example.

Check in with your child regularly to see what they have been hearing about sex and try to clear up any misunderstandings and warn them of the dangers of peer pressure.

7.  Live in a good neighbourhood

Kids are greatly affected by the environment they grow up in, and they will begin to emulate what they see on a daily basis. For this reason, the type of neighbourhood you choose to live in can make a big difference.

8.  Set reasonable goals and behaviour standards backed by appropriate discipline

Children need boundaries, without them, they dont know to behave and will simply set their own standards. Make sure your kids know where the boundaries lie and be consistent with your discipline when they do cross the line.

9.  Teach your child skills and competencies

While it is important to encourage your childs interests and hobbies, it is equally important to teach them the skills they will need in life regardless of what they go on to do. Things like cooking, driving, car maintenance and computer literacy are all skills they will be happy you taught them down the line.

10.  Foster autonomy and independence

Teaching children to be independent from an early age will help them to stand on their own two feet once they move away from home. A good rule to go by is to try not to do things for your children that they could do themselves. For example, once your child is old enough, they can start to do more on their own, like preparing their school lunch in advance, taking out the trash or picking out their own outfits.

11.  Encourage good communication

Good communication is the key to good relationships, and if you want to remain involved in your childs life long after they have moved out, you will encourage them to share their mind with you and communicate about their feelings, whether good or bad.

12.  Make home conducive to studying

Kids need their home to be a calm and secure environment, where they feel at ease when they need to study. Let them know that they can always come to you for help with their homework and set aside a quiet area of the home where they can be alone and concentrate.

Of course, it is not so that every undesirable trait your child displays or every bad choice they make reflects directly on your parenting skills; every child grows up to be an adult who makes their own choices and decides for themselves what they want out of life.

However, providing your child with a secure environment where they are given the chance to learn the skills they will need in life and are taught to uphold good morals and values will help them to make the right choices later on in life.

Ultimately, their attitude towards life is what will determine their success, and as a parent, you are in a position to help them develop a healthy outlook on life and place importance on the things that really matter.

Author Bio:

Jane Bongato is part of the team behind OpenColleges, Australias provider of childcare training and counselling courses. Jane is an early childhood educator with a background in Psychology, and closely works with children who have special needs for about 6 years now.  She enjoys reading, painting or meeting friends during her spare time.