334 Days to Go - Advice for My Sons

If you or your wife feel like this, change something.  Love, Mom

Dads don't babysit,
they raise their children.

Our children crave our love and attention.
It is worth more than gold.

1. Any Dad can be a Good Dad when he wants to be.
2. Get educated about fathering and relationships.
3. Strive to do things one-step better than your Dad did.
4. Teach your children how to love, how to forgive, and how to say "I'm Sorry".
5. Play with your children, work with your children, and laugh with them.
6. Strive to love your children unconditionally - They are counting on you.
7. Strive to protect your children - You are their advocate. They need you.
8. Strive to listen to your children and honor them. Be honest with them.
9. Strive to tell your children "I love you" and then show them through touch and actions - The words are as important as the follow through.
10. Strive to be available for your children's trials and their triumphs whether they are young or old - Tell them and show them that you care about their life events by being there when possible and by communicating with them when you cannot.
11. Strive to encourage family members to support each other, happy or sad.
12. Teach your children about their Divine Heritage - They are Sons and Daughters of God and He has a special work for them to do. Help them find it.
13. Teach your children to be peacemakers by being one yourself.
14. Since they are watching everything you do, be who you want your child to be.
15. Teach your children the importance of continual education and continual change - Teach them how to become adaptable.
16. Create a home environment that your children and their friends feel safe in and enjoy. Love and accept their friends. You will influence them too.
17. Take care of yourself first so you have the strength and courage to take care of your children - They are not responsible for your welfare, but you, theirs.
18. On the days when Fatherhood is mere survival, remember that tomorrows always come and you get to have a fresh start every single day. Give yourself a "Time Out" and wait for it - Sunny days always come after rain!
19. When you need help, ask for it. You will all feel better afterward.
20. Fatherhood is the hardest but most rewarding work in the world - Don't be intimidated by it, find strength in it, embrace it, and don't give up. It pays off.
21. When it is time for your children to flap their wings, let them! They will always remember it and call you "Blessed".

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I was asked to write down a few things by another author entitled "Advice for My Daughters". Having raised seven children of my own and three teenagers with my second husband, five of whom are now married, I have learned many things. Most importantly, I have learned that the steps I have listed above also apply to my Sons and Sons-in-Law as Fathers. Each word referring to Mothers can be replaced by words referring to Fathers. (My Advice to My Daughters is printed below.)

Mothers and Fathers, the best things you can do for your children is to love each other and to communicate with each other. Be united by choice, not by obligation. Teach your children how to solve problems through your example and show them that your love for each other is genuine. Listen to each other's needs. Don't suppress emotions in your house; the cost is high. Women, let your men protect you, help you rear their families, and counsel with them as their companions. Men, let your wives feel their emotions and counsel with them so they can understand their emotions and use them to their advantage. Emotions are normal, don't feel weak if you show emotions of your own. Bring relief to each other, not competition or disgrace. Your children will mimic everything they see and hear, even through closed doors.

Rearing children is a privilege with high honors. To all my Daughters and Sons (no matter how you were brought to my family), you are all doing very well. The children being born today are strong, bold, inquisitive and loving. You and your children are among them. I stand in awe of you many times, and I am so humbled to be your Mom.

As I Challenge Myself, I Challenge You: What can each of you do better in your own families? 

There will always be room for improvement. Together we are an amazing resource for good. Pass it on.