Building the Future: How Laying a Strong Foundation for Our Children Leads to Lifelong Success

The birth of a child has a profound way of shifting your perspective on life, but the arrival of a grandchild takes that experience to a whole new level. For me, the birth of my first grandchild, Elizabeth Enlow, has sparked deep reflection on the importance of parenting and the legacy we leave behind through our children. Watching my son, Eric, look at his daughter with the same awe, love, and sense of responsibility that I once felt when I first held him, has brought everything full circle. It’s a powerful reminder that children truly are our future, and the foundation we help build for them today will shape the course of their entire lives.

As I witness Eric embracing fatherhood, I’m reminded of the countless moments when I held him, wondering what kind of person he would grow into, what challenges he would face, and how I could best guide him. Now, I see Eric looking at his own daughter, filled with that same mixture of wonder, pride, and responsibility. It’s a humbling experience and one that makes me appreciate the enduring impact of parenting. We plant seeds in our children, hoping they will grow into strong, resilient individuals, and it’s a privilege to watch the next generation bloom.

This reflection has reignited my passion for ensuring that we, as parents, grandparents, and mentors, lay the right foundation for the children in our lives. After all, they are the ones who will carry forward the values, knowledge, and wisdom we pass down. As I think about Elizabeth’s future, I’m more convinced than ever that the foundation we provide for our children is what sets them up for success in life.

The values we champion—Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances—are not just business principles; they are guiding pillars that shape the way we parent, mentor, and support the next generation. These 4Fs are what I believe will give children the tools they need to navigate the complexities of life and achieve success in the future.

Faith: A Strong Moral Compass

Faith, in its many forms, provides children with a sense of direction and purpose. As I reflect on the lessons I tried to instill in my children, I realize how important faith was in shaping their character, just as it will be crucial for any child. Faith teaches children to look beyond themselves, instilling a belief in something greater and providing them with a moral compass to guide their decisions.

Faith fosters resilience, helping children navigate life’s inevitable challenges with grace and determination. In a world that can be unpredictable and, at times, overwhelming, having faith in oneself, others, and a higher purpose creates a foundation of hope and perseverance. Moreover, faith builds empathy. By understanding and respecting different belief systems and worldviews, children learn to care for others and approach life with kindness.?

Elizabeth, like all children, will face trials, but with faith, she’ll have the inner strength to overcome, and it is my hope, like her father before her, she will grow up seeing the good in others and striving to make the world a better place. And remember “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." – Martin Luther King Jr.

Family: A Support System of Love and Trust

Watching Eric become a father has made me even more grateful for the strength of family. The love, trust, and support that family provides are irreplaceable and as a child grows, their family will be their safe space. Family also teaches us our first lessons in communication, empathy, and how to build meaningful relationships. A strong family unit will make a child feel grounded, creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive. They learn that no matter what happens outside the home, they have a support system that believes in them and will stand by them.

Beyond love and emotional support, family teaches children important life skills. In our household, we emphasized responsibility, accountability, and teamwork. As Eric navigates the challenges of fatherhood, I’m sure he’ll recall some of these important lessons because family is where children first learn how to contribute to a community, solve problems, and offer help to others. A strong family foundation is critical for developing confident, independent, and compassionate individuals. These are the lessons I've passed down, and now, as I watch them being shared with the next generation, I'm hopeful they will continue to be passed on.

?Fitness: Building Strength for Life’s Challenges

Fitness, often associated with physical well-being, goes far beyond just staying healthy. It teaches discipline, focus, and the importance of taking care of oneself—qualities that are invaluable as children grow and face life’s challenges. Learning the importance of fitness will give the child strength, both physically and mentally, to overcome obstacles.

From an early age, I encouraged my children to stay active, not just to build physical strength, but because I knew the impact fitness has on mental and emotional health. Whether it was playing sports or simply being outdoors, I wanted them to understand that caring for their body was as important as caring for their mind. Developing healthy habits isn't always easy, but starting early helps establish routines that will last a lifetime.

Fitness also teaches children the value of hard work and perseverance. Whether it’s pushing through a challenging workout or committing to a long-term goal, children who prioritize fitness learn that success comes from dedication and effort. This mindset of persistence is something that will help all children tackle the many challenges life will throw their way.

Finances: Financial Literacy for a Secure Future

One of the most important lessons we can teach our children is how to manage finances responsibly. Financial literacy is a crucial life skill, yet it’s often overlooked in early education. As I reflect on what I taught my children about money, saving, budgeting and planning for the future, I realize how essential these teachings will be for the next generation as they grow up.

Teaching children about finances is not about encouraging materialism; it’s about helping them understand the value of hard work, planning, and being financially responsible. When children learn the basics of saving, budgeting, and investing, they gain a sense of independence and confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.

One piece of sound investment advice to share with your children is to start investing early. The power of compound interest allows even small, consistent contributions to grow significantly over time. By starting young, they can build long-term wealth and take advantage of opportunities that arise, all while learning the importance of patience and discipline in their financial journey.

Children understanding how to manage finances will mean having the freedom to pursue their dreams without being weighed down by financial stress. Whether they choose to travel the world, start their own business, or invest in their education, financial literacy will give them the tools to make informed and empowered decisions.

Building the Foundation for Future Generations

The birth of my granddaughter has made me reflect on how important it is to lay the right foundation for our children. Watching my child step into his role as a father brings back memories of my own journey through parenthood and the values I tried to instill in him. Now, as a grandfather, I’m filled with hope and excitement for what the future holds for Elizabeth and the generation she represents.

Children truly are our future. The foundation we build for them today—rooted in Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances—will shape who they become and how they navigate the world. By instilling these values in your children, I’m confident they’ll grow up to be strong, resilient, and capable of achieving their dreams.

As I continue to reflect on this new chapter in my life, I’m reminded of the incredible responsibility we all have to the next generation. Whether we are parents, grandparents, mentors, or educators, it’s up to us to provide the guidance, support, and foundation that will lead our children to success in the future. The legacy we leave behind isn’t just in our accomplishments—it’s in the lives we’ve touched and the values we’ve passed on to the ones we love.?

The future is bright, and it starts with the foundation we lay for our children today.