
I have three key strengths that I believe are a direct result in our family being strong.
1) NEVER LIE!!! We all do things we shouldn't. Things we know we are not supposed to, things that others wouldn't approve of. We make mistakes. I think the best choice I made as a parent is not to discipline the kids if they did something they weren’t supposed to as long as they own up to it and tell the truth. We have my “hour long lectures’” as they call them, but they are void from “punishment.” It keeps our connection strong and they love to be trusted so much that they just kind of fall into it naturally.
2) NEVER SACRIFICE FAMILY TIME!!! Everyone wants to be “individual” and that they want to become who God created them and not who we want them to be. Connection, relationships and spending time together has become the only focus we have. I think it's crucial. If your kids are always in daycare or in their rooms playing video games, you are not investing in their lives at all. I know, I know...we have to have two jobs to support our families, but if your focus is on money, or everyone else's business, your family will suffer.
3) NEVER END A DAY WITHOUT INCLUDING GOD!!! Listen, you and your family are being influenced by every media source out there. Commercials, radio, billboards, religions, news reporters, friends, employers, politicians and anyone else. We are in a quick paced, highly opinionated world and everyone wants you to know theirs and loudly. If you dare disagree, you are pounced on, jumped at, singled out and shunned. It's hard to be individual because everyone wants you to be like them... so what's the answer? Be who you were created to be. Who were you created to be? I don't know, but if you get into God's word, you will know for yourself. Since our boys were 4 and 7 we have made it a point to read the Bible to them. Then we each share what our take away was from the scriptures. Most times I learn more from them than they from me...we learn from each other, which is amazing. I highly encourage it.
There you have it. My 3 biggest secrets to my successful family!!! Everyone has things that make their families strong...those are mine!
Have a great day!