Praise them and listen to them. Tell them they can tell you anything and they can be anyone they want to be.
Let them make decisions: Don't ask your toddler what he wants for dinner, but offer cheesy pasta or chicken nuggets and chips. At the same time, let your child know certain choices are up to you.
Focus on the Glass Half Full: If your child is upset because they didn't the the lead in the school play, don't say, "Well, I think you're a star." Instead, say, "I can see how disappointed you are. Let's come up with a plan for how you can increase the chances of getting the part you want next time".
Nurture Special Interests: Try to expose your child to a wide variety of activities, and encourage them when they find something they really love. Kids who have a passion whether it's football or cooking, feel proud of their expertise and are more likely to be successful in other areas of their life.
Above all love them and tell them they are special to you and will always be there.