This online event is all about how to get into dream colleges -- even if you don’t have a 1600 and aren’t valedictorian. The Dream College Summit focuses on how to get into elite schools (taught by people who’ve done it).

Target Audience:
- The Parent Who Doesn’t Know What’s Important
- The High Achieving High School Student
- The College Coach Looking for New Tactics

Important Dates:
​September 26 - Event starts
September 30 - Event ends

 Neelam Sethi is a retired elementary school teacher. She emigrated from India after an arranged marriage and joined her husband in the USA forty years ago. Both of them together raised four motivated children – two daughters and two sons, who attended top universities with full or partial scholarships. All of Neelam’s children have distinguished jobs, such as a corporate consultant, doctor, New York Times bestselling author and successful entrepreneurs including developer of habit changing devices. Her daughters are now raising their own children in a similar motivated lifestyle.

Neelam and her husband were featured in the New York Times, “How to Raise a Financial Wizard”. She is a regular blogger for the Huffington Post, and has also participated in a popular podcast “So Money”.

To learn more about Neelam, visit her website raisetopkids.com. Here, she shares her best advice to raise motivated children.

​Please click on the following podcast (AVAILABLE ONLY SEPTEMBER 28 AND 29, 2016) 
​​Neelam Sethi - Raising Top Kids
http://www.dreamcollegesummit.com/sessions/neelam-sethi/
​

As appeared in the Huffington Post​









​Many parents feel baffled while raising kids, who are often stubborn or impulsive, and do not follow the norms of the rules and values. After raising four of my own children, each with a unique personality, I would like to share why stressing yourself about these issues is not worth the headache.
 1. Food Tantrums:
Introducing a variety of foods to young children is never an easy task. Kids love to repeatedly eat foods they are comfortable with. It is always a battle to expose them to new tastes and textures.
Relax. It is perfectly alright to let them eat the same cereal for breakfast every morning, the grilled cheese or peanut butter jelly sandwiches for lunch and dinner every day. Just mix a healthier item without being noticed. This is not a forever phenomenon. Make sure they watch you eat healthier foods. My children now guide me in my food options.
2. Clothing Choice:
Children like to pick what they want to wear. It makes them feel grown up and independent. Their outfits may be mismatched, their shoes and socks may not always complement their attires. Parents may feel embarrassed being seen in public with them, dressed like they are going to a “clown convention.” People may stare at them or make hushed comments.
Children are not concerned. Let them explore their imagination as long as it does not harm anybody. Believe me; this stage is not going to last forever. My grown up children sometimes advise me now on my clothing selections.
3. Sleep Time:
Many experts recommend a fixed sleep time for children. What is the appropriate time – 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, or 9:00 pm? Again, there is no set time that suits all parents and children. As long as they are getting enough sleep and not irritable the next day, any sleep time is fine. The topic of children sleeping with their parents at night is greatly opposed. This is another temporary phase and nothing to be concerned about.
Set a routine, read at bedtime, listen to them and talk about your expectations from them. Remember each child is unique and has different needs, desires and fears. Believe me, this too shall pass.
4. Social Skills: 
There are going to be many incidents when distraught parents are going to wish that the earth would open and swallow them because their kids are not acting “pleasant.” Yes, kids can be loud, disruptive and rude, and they love to argue. They throw tantrums in public places if the parent does not agree to meet their demand.
Be consistent, even if you have to remove them from that situation. You may not get your errands done due to this outburst. It is the price we must pay. Don’t worry about what people might think or say. Just stick to your way of disciplining. It may not be everyone’s way. That is perfectly alright. Talk and explain to your children about these incidents when they are calm. The use of three magic words - “Please”, “Thank you”, and “I’m sorry” should be taught repeatedly.

As appeared in the Huffington Post
- Neelam Sethi 

​Many parents feel limited with the opportunities available to them to raise successful children. Today I’m going to show you that there are many resources out there that can be accessed to break those myths.
 
Myth #1: The more I spend time with my kids and show them the way, the better they will turn out
 
Parents feel that the more time they spend with their children, the more they will be able to protect their children. However, there will be a time when you will not be around and they will find it harder to make decisions on their own.
 
I recommend giving children the space to think for themselves. Guide them to where they can find solutions on their own and let them make a choice. Failure is a learning process – ask them questions and let them explore.
 
Myth #2: If my children go to elite or private schools and colleges, only then they will be successful
 
Some parents may feel that if they do not have the resources to send their children to elite or private schools, their children’s future may not be as bright as it would have been. 
 
I’m here to tell you that your kids do not have to graduate from a prestigious school to succeed. Public schools can also offer rich resources and provide a strong foundation for a child’s future.
 
My four children attended public school from kindergarten through high school. They were able to get admission to world-renowned universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley. They became entrepreneurs, corporate professionals and doctors.
 
Myth #3: If I associate with the right people, my children will go to good colleges
 
People often think that wealthy people are more well-connected and get special access to prestigious colleges and careers.  If you’re not wealthy, you may wonder how and if your kids could get the same opportunities.
 
We researched all the requirements for our kids to get into top colleges. My son was admitted to Stanford; he applied to and won a full scholarship given by a local congressman. His entire college experience was funded, including room, board and books. We found creative ways to fund the education for all of my four children.
 
You don’t have to be wealthy for your child to attend a prestigious college Do research about what it takes to get admitted to your child’s dream college. Talk to counselors, attend seminars and meet with people in the colleges that your child wishes to attend to get direction. Also look for scholarships and other funding opportunities which will make this dream true true.
 
Unlimited scholarships are available from local and national organizations, like the local basketball team, religious organizations, local government and even department stores!
 
Myth #4: If I pay for my kids’ college, it will ease the burden on them for the future
 
We were often asked if we had a college fund set up for our children. But we did not.
 
Parents think they need to save a lot to educate their children. But actually, working toward earning their own funding helps children respect and value money and build their resourcefulness.
 
Our children learned discipline with finances and a work ethic that served them well for their lifetime.
 
Free money is often taken for granted, and paying for their own college teaches them life skills that will help them respect money.
 
Myth #5: You’re born with a pre-destined path and the smartest kids will be the most successful
 
Many parents believe that no matter what you do, life is pre-destined. Good luck and destiny
will only take you so far; it’s the hard work that counts.