Keep up the promise
Kids are very sensitive. When parents make a promise to them, it is very important that they keep it up. It goes without saying that before making a promise a parent should think twice. The promise could be anything from taking them to the park or reading a bedtime story. This will motivate the kids to keep up their promise to others. There will be an atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence. Of course life is full of unexpected turns and events and in case you are not in a position to fulfill your promise it is very important to explain the situation to the child and make it up a later date. Remember, what we learnt in school? A promise breaker is a shoemaker!!!!
Teach them values
Just as parents take time to teach children the three R's (reading, writing and arithmetic), they should also teach them some important values, which will go a long way in building their character. After all, character makes a man. They should be taught to differentiate the right from the wrong and fair from the unfair, Patriotism, empathy, sacrifice and much more. Now that the moral science classes have almost become extinct in schools it becomes the responsibility of the parents to teach kids these values. Our legends, folk tales, epics, puranas and even history abound in all these.
Build their self-image
We know that success goes to the man who thinks he can. Let them brag on themselves once in a while. Sit with them and prepare their "achievements" list. Even if it contains only a few items right now, it will motivate them to achieve more and more. Another way is to read to them biographies of Bill gates, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, etc. It's sure to motivate them.
Teach them to be cautious
Before children start school it is better to teach them the residence telephone number and the house address. They should also be instructed not to talk to strangers and never to accept gifts or candies from them. When in a crowd it is better to make them understand that in case they get lost, they have to stand near the cashier or near the police help counters.
Give them chores
Studies have shown time and again that children who do chores succeed in life. Age-appropriate chores should be allotted to each child. They should be made responsible for the completion of the job. For example, a seven-year old can take the dog for a walk, polish his shoes, make her bed, etc. a five-year old can feed the fish, fill her water-bottle, dust the computer and so on. Of course care should be taken to see that these are done as part of fun and not forced upon them.