Most parents speak in terms of 'raising children,' but there's a simple shift of focus that can help give your kids the best possible start: we're raising future adults.

But what separates high-achieving adults from those who fail? Just how does a parent go about raising good grown-ups?

It's not all genetics, talent or luck. It's something every parent (or grandparent or foster parent or coach or teacher or mentor) can provide. It's the Four Foundations.

Interviewing successful adults in search of common themes, the authors compared the life stories to those of well-known high-achievers. A pattern emerged.

Successful adults share a common background, acquiring important skills and attitudes early in life:

. work hard
. don't quit
. develop discipline
. be a giver

In an age of information overload and contradictory parenting advice, The Four Foundations can help you sift through it all and create a parenting plan that reflects your own values and definition of success.

Many parenting books seem to have pushed aside values, ethics, and habits in favor of giving children self-esteem. Unfortunately self-esteem can't be given; as parents it's our job to lay the groundwork that allows our kids to practice the attitudes and habits shared by successful adults, growing their own self-esteem as they go!

What Kids Need to Succeed: Four Foundations of Adult Achievement uses short, inspiring true stories to illustrate these principles, support parents and help prepare children for a bright future…. One in which they can look at life's challenges and say, "Bring it on… I'm READY!"