Your Family Matters: In these trying times, making your family stronger is more important than ever.

I chose the title, “Family Matters” for this section because it does and I believe that with all my heart. At a time when parents feel like they’re losing their influence and grasp on their children, most of the answers are simple and can be found right at home.

I believe that if every family would strengthen its ties many, if not all of the problems in our society would, over time, be obliterated.

How can your family be better and stronger? It takes time, dedication and unselfishness from you, the parent. Your Family Matters.

Your family matters enough for you to listen to what your children have to say.

Your family matters enough for you to have family dinner together every night.

Your family matters enough for you to teach your children the value of work.

Your family matters enough for you have a family vacation once in awhile.

Your family matters enough for you to tell your children “no” at times.

I love the saying, “When a child is allowed to do absolutely as he pleases, it will not be long until nothing pleases him.” (Anon.).

Your family matters enough for you to teach them respect, selflessness, manners, service for others – that it is truly better to given than receive.

And guess where they need to learn all of this? From YOU. Your time spent with them and your example to them is the best ways to teach and strengthen your family.

“It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself.” (Joyce Maynard)

Eat together, play together, work together and give service to someone else together. This is the kind of “quality time” that will make a difference.

Our nation and world are full of selfishness, greed and meanness. Your children need a safe-haven, a sanctuary to escape to when these pressures are too much.

Let it be your home.

Make home a place where they know they are loved, listened to and valued. Show them that you have time for them.

If you don’t find time for your children, they will find someone or something else that has time for them. And it may not be someone or something you would approve of.

We can’t solve all of the world’s problems, but we can take control of our own families. It takes time, dedication and unselfishness from you, the parent.

Your Family Matters.

Another great site for parenting advice: