Success in life must not be determined by the degrees obtained, institutions attended, awards won, career achievements, or wealth acquired. Real success in life should only be determined by who we become, the attributes we obtain, the kindness we show, the goodness we radiate, and the unselfish service we give. Likewise, our success in family life, marriage, parenthood, and the eventual outcome of our children should be determined by this same standard.

And while it is a sad reality that our current day media, literature, advertisements, education system, businesses, and entertainment industry certainly do not preach that same message, the ironic reality is that deep within the heart of man – throughout every age of human existence – people everywhere know that the principle described above is true! Not only is the family the most important institution to the development and progression and morality of our society, it is family relationships that are (more…)

Family traditions help provide to each family member a home, environment, and relationships of purpose in a world of confusion, disorganization, and decreasing morals and values. Traditions provide families the desired foundation of comfort, familiarity, and consistency, which certainly helps ensure that family disunity, dysfunction, and eventual separation does not occur. And yet, the most effective family traditions are not those that only occur annually on certain holidays – they are made evident in daily and weekly habits and actions that are simple, yet significant.

No, these traditions are not about large meals, big events, fancy decorations, or annual celebrations – these are the very traditions that help define who we are, determine our personal and family happiness, and even the eventual outcome of our children. As you will see below, there are (more…)

Family traditions help provide to each family member a home, environment, and relationships of purpose in a world of confusion, disorganization, and decreasing morals and values. Traditions provide families the desired foundation of comfort, familiarity, and consistency, which certainly helps ensure that family disunity, dysfunction, and eventual separation does not occur. And yet, the most effective family traditions are not those that only occur annually on certain holidays – they are made evident in daily and weekly habits and actions that are simple, yet significant.

No, these traditions are not about large meals, big events, fancy decorations, or annual celebrations – these are the very traditions that help define who we are, determine our personal and family happiness, and even the eventual outcome of our children. As you will see below, there are (more…)

I grew up in a home where birthdays were simple, yet extremely special, personal, and fun. Without fail, every year I would begin my birthday by being woken up by my entire family coming into my room and singing me happy birthday. They would sing happy birthday, jump on my bed to wake me up, and my mom always had a little gift for me. I then got to choose not only breakfast, but every meal – and I could have whatever I wanted! I didn’t have to do any chores, didn’t have to help with dishes, and I always got pumpkin pie and boysenberry pie – my favorites. And of course, my parents always got me a few gifts.

But, perhaps what was most memorable and significant about the birthdays in my home growing up was that Birthday’s were (more…)

There are certainly many wonderful programs, shows, things to learn, and inspiring messages to be found on the TV. However, one thing we all can agree on is that the overwhelming majority of images, programming, and information we are bombarded by on a daily basis from the TV are not helpful, wholesome, educational, or inspiring in any way.

The list below includes only 20 of literally hundreds of ways parents can be more proactive in ensuring their children and homes are not influenced by the often inappropriate and immoral messages and images the TV portrays. (more…)