There’s a saying that children are the future. If you’re a parent or are considering becoming a parent sometime in the future, you should give some thought to how you would raise your offspring to become the most successful that they can.

With my 30’s creeping up, I’ve taken an interest in learning as much about raising happy and successful children as possible. How do you give a child the tools to succeed? If you’re an entrepreneur, you may want to pass on some of those leadership skills that you’ve found so useful in your own life.

Here are some things I’ve learned can influence children to become better leaders.

It takes a village to raise an intelligent child.

Be your child’s best example: The child’s first lessons are in the home. Set an example for who you want your child to be.

Give them goals to meet: This is something you can do early on in life. These are all skills that entrepreneurs need.

Teach your kids the importance of listening to others: Teach your children that one of the most important qualities of a leader is listening.

Teach your children never to give up: Teach your young person that perseverance is key when it comes to success and that as long as you learn from your mistakes and try not to make them again, it’s all worth it.

Raise your child to have his own definition of success: Let your child define what success is. Your job is to support your child’s definition of success and help him turn it into a goal.

Teach your child to find work she loves: Tell your child that work doesn’t really work when you feel passionate about your job. Help her figure out her options.

Raise a great communicator: All great leaders are also great communicators. Nurture their communication skills and help them express what they want and what they mean.

Teach them to be great team players: Teach your child the importance of working with others to make a business goal come true.

Teach the importance of good character: Again, this is something that you should be demonstrating daily in your home and in interactions with your child.

Give them the space to become who they want to be: Once you’ve laid the groundwork and give them the tools, and set the examples for them to follow, it’s time to step back and let them do their thing.

That can mean setting up their first lemonade stand or starting a grass cutting business. That’s right, no more parental interference. Of course, you can continue to support them and nurture them, but you will have to let go and let them fly or fall.