I want to take this chance to share something with you that is extremely close to my heart. See, a lot of people know me as Dani Johnson – businesswoman, best-selling author, speaker and nationally-syndicated TV/radio show host. But more than anything else, I am blessed to be the wife of an incredible man, who never fails to completely blow my mind… PLUS, I get to be the mom of 5 amazing kids and grandmother of 8 – soon to be 9 – precious babies!

As a parent, you know full-well what an honor, and huge responsibility, it is to have kids. And… you can probably identify with my worries and fears during those earlier years as a parent.

You know the ones I’m talking about: The fear your sweet babies, who draw you pictures and beg you to read them stories today, will turn into rebellious, disrespectful teenagers who want nothing to do with you. The fear of your children being influenced by the world around them and sucked into a life of drugs, illicit sex and addictions. Or even feeling completely insignificant as a mom – always cooking, cleaning, potty training, being a taxi driver and referee, yet still feeling like you’re not a significant part of “the big picture.”

It was always my dream to be a mother – a good mother. I didn’t want to be one of those who just gave birth and hoped for the best. I didn’t want to be the mom who sacrificed her family, for her own success. I didn’t want to be a “helicopter mom” hovering over her kids. As a mom, I wanted to give my kids the best shot at life. I wanted to set them up for success from a very young age.

I have a deep, burning desire to see my children grow and mature into honorable, responsible, God-fearing adults, who contribute to society and truly make the world a better place. I long to see my children far surpass my own level of success. I want to see them rise up as leaders of their generation… and generations to come.

I want you to think about that for a minute. What kind of parent do you want to be? What kind of life do you want to help your children create? How do you want your kids to remember you, as they tell their grandchildren about you? What kind of legacy do you want?

That can seem overwhelming for some. For others, it inspires you to dream of the success that lies ahead for your family.

But as Mother’s Day quickly approaches, I really wanted to take this opportunity to encourage you.

Moms – You ARE significant! Your job is so necessary and so important. You, as a mom, have a role no one else can fill! Do you realize that? This is not meant to put pressure on you or overwhelm you; it’s meant to encourage and edify you! You are irreplaceable. You are to be honored and cherished!

There is a line in my all-time favorite book, I want to share with you today. This book is packed with wisdom and insights I have used to groom my children. It’s actually the best success book ever written. (The Bible, in case you were wondering!) It says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Do you understand what that means?? It means your work WILL pay off! It means the countless hours you put in to raise honorable and responsible kids, are not in vain! It’s encouragement for you to keep pressing forward in this journey of parenthood. It is God’s promise, if you do your part, He will do His.

Being faithful with the little things in your parenting means taking the time to spend with your child every day, not just to be there, but to be present with them. Give him your full attention when he’s talking about sports. Give her your full attention when asking questions. Take the time to carefully explain how you WANT them to act.

You’ve probably said, “Oh my gosh! Is this ever going to get easier? Is this ever going to be fun? Is it ever going to be worth it? Am I doing the right thing? Is this even going to work, or am I just driving myself crazy for nothing?”

And now you’re probably thinking, “Dani, how do you know what I’m thinking?!” Because I’ve had the same thoughts! I’ve been there!

I told you some of the fears I faced throughout the years. But I have to tell you now – I am so grateful I have learned everything I have about parenting. Am I a perfect parent? NO WAY! Far from it. But I consistently improve myself. And, my entire family and I work together to move forward and set up our children for the best future possible.

I’ve also coached thousands of our clients, including entire families, who have taken the principles from “Grooming the Next Generation for Success” to create a dream life for their families. It has been such a joy to watch families be transformed, and lives literally be saved, by taking this step.

We have seen suicidally-depressed teenagers, addicted to drugs, become hard-working and respectful teenagers who are role-models for other kids. We have seen young teens on antidepressants or ADHD meds, improve so much they no longer need their medications! And, we have seen parents who were burned out, depressed, and terrified of screwing up their children’s futures, now become confident they are setting their kids up for a lifetime of success.

I told you what I desire for my own children – and I know that you, as a parent, have the same desires for your kids. You truly want them to succeed in life. And I honor you for that.

My friend, I don’t want to assume anything today. I’m sure you are fully confident your children will become successful entrepreneurs, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, world leaders, wise investors, great husbands or wives and good parents, someday. But if there is any doubt in your mind at all… If you can identify with any of the fears or concerns I mentioned today… If you have a deep desire to give your children the best life possible… I don’t want to just pump you full of encouragement, without giving you a next step.

In honor of all moms, I want to make sure you have the tools you need in order to equip your entire family for success in every area of life. It’s not enough to hope for the best, or even plan for the best. Get “Grooming The Next Generation For Success” in your hands today, and take action on these powerful strategies for the whole family. )

I hope you are encouraged today. If you are a mom, I hope you understand how significant you are. If you’re not a mom, be sure to take this chance to tell your mom (or any mother figure in your life) how much she means to you.

You can honor your mother today by forwarding this link to her! You can simply say, “Hey Mom, I read this and thought of you. Thanks for being a great mom!” In fact, go ahead and send this to everyone you know, and let’s honor ALL moms today! Post this on your mom’s Facebook wall, or even print it out and give it to her. Everyone – including every mom – needs encouragement! And that includes me… so please leave me your thoughts below!

And don’t forget to join me for The Dani Johnson Show weekly for more insights and inspiration right here on our website.

In great faith,

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