Here’s the important thing to remember with small children, and this is one of those things that you want to make sure is happening. Because if somehow this doesn’t get in there, there’s going to be a day that you will regret not having taken the time to do it… And that is “minding the first time.”

This is my opinion, but you have to listen to my opinion and determine if my opinion makes sense to you. And if it resonates with you, I would like you to think about it because your child’s future is hanging on this name.

One reason is because people want to be around them. I think there are very few things, more repelling than an ungrateful, selfish child. But don’t let me get off on that side road. I think that it is important to raise grateful children because you want to raise grateful adults.

Our boys are older now, but we have talked about our mission statement for years. That mission statement is framed—it’s in our front hallway and so it has been a part of our lives. And your family mission statement can be a part, not just of your family’s life, but of your family’s everyday awareness.