One of the worst fears parents have is that their child will end up in jail.  While many kids end up in jail with very bleak futures, this is a story of a man who turned things around and became a huge success.  To support your hope for happy endings, read multimillionaire Ryan Blair’s story.

Parents, the last thing I want you to do is to aspire to raise a felon.  What I am saying is that all parents have fears about what their child may do.  On occasion, those worst fears may come true.  My message to you is that when that happens, take heart and stay committed to being the best person and parent you can be.

Did you child tantrum at the worst possible time at your family reunion?

Did (s)he let out a bad word at church?

Did (s)he mercilessly pummel a younger sibling or friend?

Did (s)he break your computer?  Fail a class?  Join a gang? Get pregnant?

As the parent, you can prophesy their doom, or you can offer them understanding and a higher vision of themselves.  When certain behaviors are not acceptable socially, you can prompt your child to reflect and regulate their own behavior, even at very young ages.  The more opportunity you give your child to make decisions, the more experience they have and the better they get at making decisions.

You may feel like disowning your child.  But you are the best person to help them turn things around.  Stay connected with your child, keep optimistic, lay off the self-fulfilling negative prophesies, and set clear boundaries and expectations for your kids.  They want to excel as much as you want them to, and they need you involved to show that a happy ending is possible.