Carolyn Anyano holds her newborn son, Barack Obama, at New Nyanza Hospital in Kisumu, Kenya, on November 5. Mothers in Kenya have marked Barack Obama's historic win in the US presidential elections by naming their newborns after him and his wife. More than half of the babies born in a Kisumu Hospital on the day after the election were named either Barack or Michelle Obama. - File

Many of us never believed that we would have lived to see a black American becoming president of the United States of America. Barack Obama's message of hope and 'yes, we can' be anything we want to be, has not only resonated in America but has transcended borders, touching every human being on this planet.

We view President-elect Obama with admiration and hope that one day our children will reach the highest of success in their endeavours. In reading his autobiography, Dreams from My Father, and observing his 21-month long campaign, there are several principles that have aided his success. These are principles that parents and caregivers can nurture in children.

Have a dream/vision - Encourage them to dream and support their commitment to achieving it. In teaching our children how to write a personal vision statement, they will think through their priorities carefully and deeply and align their behaviours to meet the goals in the statement. A vision statement keeps them focused and teaches them to begin with the end in mind. President-elect Obama has confessed that he habitually travels with a journal in which he writes down all his thoughts, experiences and vision.

Take initiative - Very early, Obama recognised that it was his responsibility to make things happen and to change the world around him. He single-handedly revolutionised America's mood of campaigning. Let's teach our children that they, too, can take that bold step and make changes around them.

Be persistent - Many detractors told Obama that he was too young and inexperienced to run against Hillary Clinton and for the presidency. As guardians, we should teach our children to be determined and take actions each and every day towards their dreams. They need to know that obstacles are lessons that take them farther along their journey, and the attitude of persistence will push them to move forward.

Attitude of gratitude - Being grateful for everything in their lives, no matter how small, is an attitude that will positively impact their behaviour, countenance and outlook in life. People are more willing to assist a cheerful and grateful child; this inevitably attracts opportunities to the child. Children can develop this attitude by having a gratitude journal in which they make daily entries.

Passion - Obama has a strong and enthusiastic devotion to making changes in America and it has now manifested in his life. For our children to find their passion we must assist them with identifying their own purpose in life. Teach them boldness and this will support the growth of their passion.

Thoughts - James Allen stated, "All that a man achieves or fails to achieve begins with his thoughts." President-elect Obama had the thoughts of being president for many years. He remained positive regardless of the situation and he nurtured and guarded those thoughts until they became a reality.

We must teach our children to guard their thoughts from frivolity and negativity, and to think purposefully, eliminating idle thoughts the moment they recognise them. Also, we should teach them to recognise the moment they realise that they have a negative thought so that they can replace it with a positive. It is only through this important practice that the above traits can come to fruition.

President-elect Obama epitomises success against all odds. If we can inculcate these principles in our children they, too, can achieve their dreams.

Taniesha Burke MSc Applied Psychology, is the CEO of Preston Childcare Services. She can be reached for comments and questions at www.prestonchildcare.com or via email at taniesha.burke@prestonchildcare.com. Preston Childcare Services for all your individual and group babysitting needs.