Thanks guys....
My take is kids pay very close attention to how you act and what you do....not necessarily what you "say".
They are keen observers and judges of success....and respond well to those who show them a path to it.
He's my Godson and I always made time to take him golfing, to car shows, shared hobbies, and fruits of hard work.
There were ups and downs.
When 18 came...I leveled with him about what the real world will require and provide in terms of work and rewards; no candy-coating.
He is well on his way...