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To succeed in school and work, teenagers need to know they are capable of doing a good job. Teachers working daily with middle school and high school students report that the most important "school supply" a teenager can bring to school is a "Can Do" attitude. As a parent, you play a major role in building confidence in your children. Here are some ways to do that: Be generous with praise -- Try to make five positive comments for each negative one. Don't be insincere, but look carefully for things your teen does right. Comment on these first -- then approach the negative in a positive way. Encourage "personal best" -- Help by encouraging them to do their "personal best" in school and at home. Remember: "personal best" does not mean "Perfect;" learning is not the same as high grades; and children, like adults, must be free to make mistakes and learn from them. Let your priorities show --Your attitude toward school attendance, education and involvement in the school makes a strong and lasting impression Keep skeletons in the closet --If you want your youngster to succeed, don't provide such excuses as, "I was never any good at math either." Show interest in schoolwork --Talk about school each day. Ask to see classwork, encourage your teenager to discuss new ideas and defend his or her opinions. Express your pride in their expressed views and demonstrated skills. Show interest and appreciation. Don't pressure your teen --Pressure results from comparing one person with another. Inspire a young person to perform to his or her own "personal best." Have specific suggestions on how to do better: -Reading the assignment when it's given. -Keeping a list of new vocabulary. -Proofreading material to catch errors, before writing a final draft. -Outlining a chapter to prepare for a class. -Reviewing notes before a test. Help set goals --At the beginning of each quarter or semester of the school year ask your teenager to identify three or four goals. (You could settle for just one!) Put the goals where the teenager can refer to them often. (The refrigerator is a good spot.) Make sure goals are more specific than just "better grades. Top of page