Not just you, but all of you. Cheer each other on. Have each family member say something good about every other family member, parents included. You will become a tighter team when you do.



Plan a family outing. Try to find something everyone will enjoy, and insist that everyone attend. Take pictures to put on the fridge. You're building relationships that will last a lifetime.


Be watchful of nicknames. Calling your child Fussy Britches or Neatnick might seem endearing to you, but they might see it differently. Kindness goes a long way.


Children need your touch. A quick hug, a hand offered, or a kiss on the forehead. They'll remember the touch even when you're gone for the day.


Make carpooling a connection time rather than a task time. Let one child tell a funny thing that happened, or keep a list of jokes in the glove box and have one ready to tell when the kids get in the car.