Sandra, as often as I'm asked that question, I still haven't been able to come up with a definite age. My opinion, though, is that the belief system involved, based on the Mission Statement . . .

{The "Winning Without Intimidation" Mission Statement is as follows: "To raise the consciousness level of the world in the arena of human interactions. To show people how to get what they want while helping others to feel good about themselves."}

. . . can be taught from birth.

Remember that all parental belief systems are either intentionally or unintentionally taught to children right from the beginning anyway, and kids do seem to pick up on them early, don't they?

Regarding teaching them the actual principles and methods involved - well, probably about the same age as they can ask you twenty times to please buy them that newest toy they want. "Pleeeeeeze" :-)

With your question in mind, Sandra, I'd like to relate a story from my book, "Winning Without Intimidation, that was passed along to me by my sister, Robyn. This involved her daughter, Samantha (my niece and goddaughter :-)) - then eight years old.

Samantha had one of her girlfriends over to play. They were getting along fine when her friend began to get cranky, as eight year olds will. They'd agreed to go outside to play when all of a sudden the little friend yelled, "I'm not going outside to play with you!"

Sami kept her head, responding - not reacting - and nicely replied, "Okay, well I'm going outside anyway," and began to walk away. She took a couple more steps and just before she reached the door she stopped, turned around and said, "but it won't be as much fun without you."

According to Robyn, the little friend's eyes just lit up and she decided to join Samantha outside.

She was simply a miniature adult wanting to feel appreciated by another little human being. Robyn said she thought I'd be proud of Sami for that. Although I'm always proud of her - and my nephew, Mark - I was especially proud of the way she utilized the art of Winning Without Intimidation.

Hmm, seems like the "chillen" can teach us a thing or two.

Bob Burg http:www.burg.com is author of Endless Referrals: Network Your Everyday Contacts Into Sales, Winning Without Intimidation and The Success Formula.

He has a full line of books, ebooks and CDs from which everyone can grow and prosper. Check them out by going to http:www.burg.com , then click on the link to his online store. Bob also publishes a free weekly ezine to which you can subscribe going to http://www.burg.com/newsletter.html.