There is one part of family planning often forgotten when deciding to have a family. That is, what are the preparations you need to make NOW to produce a financially wealthy child?

Most of the road-blocks to wealth are developed as a baby. These are responses to two basic environmental factors. Most important is the baby's response to how he or she is treated. Also very important is the the child's response to the attitudes his or her parents have toward money and toward those who have a lot of it.

So, when planning your family, you need to decide what attitudes and beliefs you want to exhibit in order to raise your children to be rich.

Look at your beliefs at the moment about money. Do you see money as something which allows you to have fun and give nice things to yourself, your family, and others? Do you see it as an opportunity to do good in the world through donations and support of programs you believe in? Do you feel good when you think about money?

Or are your initial thoughts about the negative aspects of money? Is the first thought when the word "money" is mentioned, one of your own lack of it - how you wish you had more - how you never have enough of it, how much you dislike writing checks, etc.?

What are the thoughts you want your child to have about money? How do you think those thoughts or attitudes are going to be developed within your child? If you want your child to have the thoughts about money which attract income to your child, then you must develop those thoughts yourself. If you don't already have positive thoughts about money, then your family planning should include thought improvement long before your children are born.

Even if you are financially wealthy, you still may exhibit negative thoughts about money, such as resentment of paying money for taxes, resentment toward government programs, particularly in the area of social services, welfare, etc. You may also resent the salaries and benefits you feel you must pay in order to run your business and/or your home and family.

THE FIRST STEP

The first step in controlling your thoughts is in recognizing what you are presently thinking. Pay attention to your emotional response to words. You may feel you have the right to feel negative about money, which, of course, you do. But those thoughts will only hurt you while positive thoughts will help you to attract more money and help your children attract money.

You have a choice to make now. Do you want to continue to feel as you presently do about money and, perhaps, the people who make a great deal of money, or do you want to increase your child's chances of attracting money easily? If the latter is what you want, then you need to start constantly watching your thoughts.

At first it may be a bit difficult, though mind boggling. But, as time goes on, you will form new habits which will be constructive for you and your children.

THE SECOND STEP

Consciously think of all the ways that you love what money can do in your life and the lives of your children. Each time you catch yourself thinking negatively about money, change your thoughts to one of those positive thoughts about money. Think about what you DO have in the form of money and what money can buy. Even if all you have is the clothes on your body, at least you had the money at some time to buy those which are serving you well right now. Express those thoughts to your children, too.

THE THIRD STEP

This is closely related to the second step. Be grateful for the money that you have right now. Be grateful for the things money has helped you buy. Don't think about how much more money you may need. Concentrate on how happy you are to have the money you do have. Express those thoughts to your children, too.

THE FOURTH STEP

Notice the people whom you admire who have money. Of course there are many people you don't admire who have money. But concentrate on the ones you DO admire. There are plenty of people you don't admire who don't have money, too! It isn't the money which makes people good or bad - the money only magnifies a person's character. Point out those people you admire to your children, as well.

THE FIFTH STEP

Notice how money comes to you even when you aren't looking for it. It may only be a penny found on the street, or an unexpected rebate. But whatever it is, notice it and be grateful for it. As you work on your mind, those instances will happen more often. And you will notice them more often. Encourage your children to notice those gifts, as well.

THE FINAL STEP

Suddenly you will notice that you have acted in ways which have brought you more money in a non-stressful way. You will look back and see the work you have done with your mind. That work has helped you think creatively in attracting money. And with your new positive attitude about money and those who have it, you will instill those money attracting attitudes in your children.

What a wonderful inheritance!