Danny Huerta – counselor, Focus on the Family says, “It’s very rare that you get this child that just a phenomenal genius or an incredible athlete, it’s unusual.”

Although many parents like to think they’ve got a budding Einstein or the next Tiger Woods at home… the truth is most of us have what we might call average kids. And pushing them beyond their natural abilities just so we can brag about their amazing accomplishments – isn’t healthy. But we can encourage them.

Debra Burton – mother of 3 says, “Successful people are average people that have done tremendous things with the average that’s been given them… it’s the ones that go the extra mile.”

The Burtons feel they have three very successful children interested in wide variety of pursuits… that the children chose themselves.

Mike Burton says, “My dream for them is to find out what they’re really made to do, and then help them to get there.”

Debra says, “They were valued simply for who they were versus what they did, and the amazing thing was, they started coming to me with their dreams and their hopes.”

A good sign that parents are getting it right is when those dreams and hopes vary according to each individual child.

Mike says, “Kristi’s just amazing with people… I mean she can speak in a public arena and just look like she was born to be there. Josh is the kind of guy, just build something, fix something – he’s just a very talented physically gifted young man, then Danny’s the kind of guy – that you can see the wheels turning upstairs, and he’ll come up with something that’s just almost profound, and he’s a tremendous musician.”

Even if your children don’t become a US Senator, professional athlete or an Oscar winner – remember to encourage them to do what they love. When it’s their passion, the pursuit of excellence will come naturally… and success is measured in a variety of ways.

Mike says, “Whatever you do, there’s other people involved, and you’ve got to learn to care and to understand and to value other people, and if you do that, you will be successful in whatever you do.”