I recently had a conversation with my friend Michael Jr. for my Parenting Great Kids podcast. Michael Jr. is an actor, comedian, and father of four. While we were talking, he recalled a time he overheard his father say something about him that he believes helped direct his life’s path.

Michael Jr. grew up in a home that was not unfamiliar to drug use. He recalls coming home one day when he was young and seeing his father’s friend sitting on their front porch, smoking marijuana. Later, Michael overheard the friend apologize to his father for smoking in front of his son.

To that, Michael’s dad replied, “My son isn’t like you. He would never do drugs. He’s way too smart for that.”

Michael said that one sentence made him feel like a superhero, and because of what his dad said, he to this day has never done drugs—something so rampant in the entertainment culture in which he makes his living.

Parents, listen to this: Your child will become what you believe he is. If you tell him you love him, he will believe he is loved. If you fail to do this, he will wonder if he is. That’s just…