Okay, time to come clean. I used to stand in front of the mirror, sing into my hairbrush and pretend I was on Young Talent Time. I also dreamed of winning a gold medal for gymnastics and graciously accepting my Oscar.

Truth is, I didn't get to be a rock goddess, I still can't do a handstand and I don't think I am going to be hitting the red carpet at the Academy Awards any time soon. But that's all irrelevant now, as I've decided to live vicariously through my children.

Obviously, having the most talented, beautiful, successful children ever — which, of course, I do — is the aim of every parent. So, if you've just discovered you're pregnant, pay attention, because soon you'll enter a world where getting ahead starts with a top Apgar score (for those who don't know — c'mon, tick tock, that's the very first aptitude test your baby will face after they're born) and you'll need all the help you can to hothouse your budding genius.

On your marks...
It's no longer enough just to look after yourself once the pregnancy test has gone blue. If you really want to maximise your progeny's potential, you need to start training long before you throw out the contraception.

So, ditch the cigs, boycott that glass of sav blanc, join the gym and start a nutrition program, to make sure your body is the temple your baby deserves.

Once you get pregnant, there's no slacking off either. A strict routine of yoga, swimming, organic food and a daily dose of multivitamins should begin immediately. Don't worry that it costs a fortune — sacrifices now mean big pay-offs later.

Get set
Just because Junior hasn't actually been born yet doesn't mean you skimp on educational opportunities. Playing classical music and reading Jane Austen to your bump is recommended. Listening to Beyonce and curling up with Woman's Day just won't do.

If you want a future captain of industry, best-selling author or sporting hero you've got to put in some effort. Once your mini mover and shaker has arrived, things get serious. The important thing is to make sure they do everything earlier than their contemporaries.

If they can walk in the first six months, then they — and you — will surely be marked for greatness.

Go!
If there's one hurdle in the race to the top, it's knowing what your offspring will excel at. To cover all bases, enrol your child in as many activities as possible. Soccer, drama, ballet, swimming, computers, maths and music lessons — pack them all in.

If you kid seems exhausted and your bank balance drained, take note: Tiger Woods was holding a golf club at six months (okay so maybe that's not the best example of a role model) but just think how much better he would be if he'd started earlier!

If your children insist on time off, then make sure all games are educational. Throw out anything that doesn't claim to encourage hand-eye coordination, social interaction and a second language. Fun is fabulous, but not, of course, necessary.

All this will obviously count for nothing if your child doesn't get the right education. Put their name down for the best pre-school, prep, secondary and finishing school as soon as you fail the pregnancy test.

University applications can wait a couple of weeks. If school fees seem crippling and you hardly see your child for the next 16 years, don't worry it will be worth it when they win a Nobel Prize.

And the winner is?
Finally, if you're worried all this pushing could rob your offspring of a carefree childhood; if you suspect the greatest success is to love them and to make them happy; if you think winning is actually about being the best you can be and not the best, and losing well is the greatest victory of all — then good luck. Because not taking part in the race is the toughest choice of the lot, but, let's face it, the only one worth fighting for.

Julie Hamilton is currently reading War and Peace to her two sons while they play on their Wiis!

Your say: Do you think it is important for children to start education early? Do you feel children are being robbed of their childhood these days? Share you opinions on parenting below...

Read more from Julie Hamilton at omigoddess.com.au