Parent to Parent: Motivation

WSVN -- Presley Louis: "I'm surrounded by people who are similar to me, the environment kind of motivated me to create my own business."

Motivation is the key to success for this group of high school students. Members of "Nifty," a program that teaches kids how to become a successful entrepreneur, and having role models that they can relate to gives them that needed incentive.

Smitty is a rapper, producer and, what many here call, an urban entrepreneur. No longer the suit-wearing, briefcase-carrying executive. This event was a way for him to connect with kids and try to inspire them to follow their dreams.

Smitty: "Just understand, don't let your beginnings become your endings, and that's what I would give to all the kids. That's the motto I live by actually to this day."

Seven's Parenting Expert Dr. Valerie Goode says joining programs like this one is a great first step in keeping teens motivated, but ultimately it's up to the child.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "What a parent can do is get out of their way so that the children can experience life."

Dr. Val says help kids stay motivated by inspiring them to exchange their thoughts and ideas, create self-confidence, and, the toughest part, allow them to experience failure.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "You have to be able to fall down sometimes because falling down is the best thing that can happen a lot of times."

She also says, don't take away their excitement, and, most importantly, don't give them everything they want.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "Motivation comes with hunger. Motivation does not come with being given everything; you are full."

That hunger is the driving force behind Presley's motivation.

Presley Louis: "It has taught me the ins and outs of the business world, how to conduct and create your own small business, and, hopefully, I'll be able to take it to the next level."

Lynn Martinez: "Another important tip Dr. Valerie stresses is to make sure your child is passionate about what they are doing. If it is something they truly believe in, then they have already achieved success."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Valerie Goode
www.drvaleriegoode.com