"Which side of the railway tracks you are born on has always, and will remain the single biggest factor in accuring wealth in monetry terms"

Life is 10% what happens, 90% how you deal with it. Those that are going to make it in life will make it no matter where they are from. they have extra motivation and often over achieve, rather than the above implication.

Its the vulnerable who suffer. Most choose the easy road, using the problems in their life as excuses.

It is a distinct advantage for many coming from the wrong side of the tracks. They know both the S&*Thouse and the penthouse, and that holds them in good stead to be able to succeed with unique insight. Use negatives as fuel on the fire, the reason you must succeed, dont let your children suffer in mediocrity, allow them to think big and encourage them to do it.

Parents are very important in the direction of their child. None at all can provide greater opportunities than many kids with well wishing parents who subconciously hold kids back, who dont believe they can escape their current place in society.

Give them a go, without money to begin with Education and surrounding yourself with the right people are the key. People will believe in your kids, and they will be provided with the pathway. Its amazing how many kids from the wrong side of the tracks are at the top, and kids like yours will have an advantage once they get to sitting in front of them.

Good luck

Realist,
I don't agree with your formula 10% what happens to you 90% how you deal with it, however I do take your opinion on board, and agree mostly.

Some of us will work hard all our lives and make what to others may seem very modest achievements, I am teaching my daughter to be her own woman, set her own goals, not to limit those goals, or allow her economic disadvantages to restrict her. She is bright and learns easily.

We all should give our children as much of two basic commodities as possible, encouragement, and ourselves.

Shonga you can give your child everything you can but eventually your child will leave you behind and all you can do is pray.
I know children from good families who have hit the skids, it is not up to the parents . The young people will stick with their peer group come hell or high water.
I am not sorry for Jamie Packer. By all accounts ,he had a good father .
The old adage that money doesn't buy happiness is true, but it sure allows you to be miserable in comfort.

Question A. Would you rather be poverty stricken miserable
or
Question b. Would you rather be miserable in total, scrumptious luxury.

Thank you for your article Nicholas.

Great posts from Suz T, SHONGA, Craig and Patty.

SHONGA your daughter will be very grateful to you. Good on you.

Patty, congratulations on your deserved success in ridding yourself of the demons of your lousy childhood.

Cheers all
Kay

Great Article.

I wonder if a child can have a bad parent but still be influenced by someone else's good parent, at say a sleepover?

It would also be interesting to find out whether childhood peer group also affects a person's success.

Thank you Kalweb. I accept your praise. I want to believe that by sharing my story, I can help someone else understand that blaming other people for our misfortune does not help anyone. The more people in this world that understand the power they have in their own lives through their choices, the better world we will have.