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