It doesn’t matter if your children are 5 years of age or 45 years of age, they will only occasionally take your advice.   However, they are very likely to pay close attention to how you show up in the world.

So how are you showing up in life?  Are you playing full-out or, do you spend most of your time bemoaning your past and wallowing in regret and self-pity?  Do you show your children that you are an independent, resourceful, self-motivated individual or are you waiting for someone to rescue you?

If you behave as if you are an unhappy, helpless victim around your children, you cause your children to feel responsible for you.  Your unhappiness is not your children’s problem.

Instead of complaining about how sad and unfair your life has been, show your children how much stronger and wiser you have become as a direct result of those difficult life experiences.  If you really want to have a positive impact on your children and help them to live a fulfilling life, show them how it’s done.  It’s a lot more effective than lecturing.