Do These Every Day

1. Say the words everyday. Whether it's face-to-face, a text message, or a note on the fridge, say "I love you" or equivalent words your family finds special. Even when, or perhaps especially when, there is tension or strife in the house kids need to know your love is unconditional. You may not like a choice your child made, you may not even like the child very much at the moment, but your love for them supercedes all that. Say the words everyday.

2. Listen everyday. Give each child your undivided attention for at least 10 minutes a day. Listen without interrupting, without judging, and look for something to praise or encourage. If a topic comes up that worries you, ask gently for more information before going "parental." Share as well, after your child has his or her turn. Talk about your day, how you feel about something, about an upcoming family event. You are teaching them mature communication skills as well as maintaining a close relationship. If your child has reached the taciturn tween/teen years, when "good morning" becomes a grunt, grunt back! The questions you ask out of love can be perceived as pressure, so chill a bit. Try just spending regular time together.

3. Laugh everyday. Watch a funny TV show together, have a joke of the day box or joke competitions. Fill a bulletin board with pictures and memorabilia that reminds the family of fun times. "A merry heart does good like a medicine," from the book of Proverbs.

4. Pray everyday. Jesus loves you and your children dearly. Take a moment to pray with your child out loud at mealtime and bedtime. There are easy to memorize prayers available, or just talk out loud like you're talking to a friend. It helps your child build a relationship with Jesus, and praying for the need of others helps them grow into caring individuals.