Most parents don't know if they are raising a child to be a successful adult until it is too late and the formative years have passed; however, there are signs along the way.

As a parent, you are your children's primary teacher. Their success depends largely on how well you do your job. By the time children enter sixth grade, they have spent only 5,000 hours at school and 90,000 hours at home. Bad habits acquired in childhood may persist into adulthood and can prevent adults from having productive, satisfying lives. (See "Adult Problem" in the quiz below.) Children must learn basic life skills and good habits when the clay of self-concept is soft or these seemingly simple tasks will hinder their ability to have satisfying lives as adults.

Check this list to see how you are doing in teaching your children these critical life skills:

Doesn't do chores

Potential Adult Problem: Lazy, does not understand the correlation between time, work and money.

Doesn't clean room

Potential Adult Problem: Unable to maintain a home and keep a clean and organized work environment.

Procrastinates / dawdles

Potential Adult Problem: Inefficient, undisciplined, overwhelmed. Unable to keep appointments and be punctual.

Trouble going to bed and/or getting up on time

Potential Adult Problem: Unable to stick to a routine and maintain high energy. Exhaustion can lead to moodiness and poor work performance.

Ignores what I say and/or talks back

Potential Adult Problem: Poor listener, trouble following directions and respecting authority, and difficulty working with others.

Doesn't tell the truth

Potential Adult Problem: Dishonest, Untrustworthy. Unhappy life.

Poor study habits

Potential Adult Problem: Lacks technical ability to learn a new skill in a rapidly changing world.

Saves all his money or spends all his money

Potential Adult Problem: Lacks the ability to allocate money wisely.

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