| Those of us who invest our time, energy, and | | | | impressive. |
| money into raising a family know it better | | | | |
| than anyone: there is no substitute for | | | | 3. Create regular family traditions. |
| quality family time. | | | | Traditions add ritual and meaning. Family |
| | | | traditions could be a monthly pizza night, a |
| Here are ideas for fostering the closeness of | | | | weekly TV night, or a simple daily ritual of |
| your family: | | | | lighting candles at the dinner table. |
| | | | |
| 1. Refocus. It's easy to lose sight of the | | | | 4. Pay attention. Work on being truly present |
| greater picture. The pursuit of wealth can be | | | | with your family. Kids are particularly adept |
| so engrossing that we forget the real reason | | | | at knowing when parents are distracted. |
| for our pursuit. And often this involves | | | | Practice mindfulness and good listening in |
| being a nurturing and caring provider for our | | | | your home life. Here's a great book that |
| loved ones. | | | | teaches this philosophy and practice: |
| | | | Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful |
| Today, make a commitment to identify and to | | | | Parenting, by John Kabat-Zinn and Myla |
| live from your true values and priorities. | | | | Kabat-Zinn. |
| | | | |
| All children (and spouses) deserve to be | | | | 5. Involve the entire family in household |
| cherished and adored. In the end, that's | | | | chores. When a family works together toward a |
| really all they need from us. Make sure your | | | | certain end, each family member gets a better |
| children find that today. If you have this as | | | | understanding of responsibility - and what it |
| your only goal for any given day, you'll find | | | | means to be part of a team. Add some magic by |
| the goal easy to meet - and your | | | | making it fun to care for the house and lawn. |
| relationships with your spouse and children | | | | Crank up some music and dance - or play games |
| will strengthen and thrive. | | | | as you all get the work done. You do your |
| | | | children a tremendous service when you |
| 2. Commit yourself to doing something special | | | | demonstrate as a family that productive work |
| to nurture the family relationship each and | | | | is truly one of life's greatest pleasures. |
| every day. It doesn't have to be big or | | | | |
| expensive. A simple phone call, a special | | | | The best part of family life is having a |
| bedtime song, a note in your child's | | | | safe, nurturing environment to grow into a |
| lunchbox, an "I love you" post-it on the | | | | confident, happy adult. Enjoy creating that |
| dashboard of the family car... The simplest | | | | zone of happiness and health today. |
| sentiments are often the most lasting and | | | | |