How to raise a superstar baby boy or girl.

Posted on 28 June 2012

The 2012 Olympic Games in London are sure to inspire all of us to play more sports, even if we don't have one athletic bone in our body. But, just because our time to train like an Olympic athlete may have passed doesn't mean it's too late for our kids.

What should we do, however, if we want to raise a little one who may not be athletically inclined? Can they still grow up to have the heart and determination of an Olympian? The answer is absolutely. And behind every great athlete in this year's games are parents who supported their children long before they started their quest for gold medals. Parenting.com recently compiled a list of parenting tips from Olympic moms that any parent would benefit from following:

Education should always come first

Debbie Phelps, mom of 14-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer, Michael Phelps, said education always came first in her family, even when her son was training. "In order for him to get up in the morning, go to practice, come into school late, or be able to leave early, he had to meet his responsibilities and get the credits that he needed to be able to graduate,'' Ms. Phelps told the website.

Be a good listener

It isn't always easy for kids to balance intense athletic training schedules with school commitments. That is why, Anna Liukin, mom to gold medalist gymnast, Nastia Liukin, told Parenting.com that it's important to ''Be your kid's biggest fan - but also their best listener. A lot of times it's more important to lend an ear than advise."

Involve everyone

Your child's sports commitments should be a family affair, according to Charlotte Kessy, mom to member of the USA beach volleyball team, Jennifer Kessy. "Parents must get involved in the sport too, helping when and where they can. In other words do not expect to drop off your child like it's babysitting."

It doesn't take a parenting champion to raise great kids. Raising your child in a loving and supporting home will turn any little one into a champion, regardless of their athletic ability.

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