Some positive family decisions you could try that will bring changes that are positive in 2009.
- Eat together
- Have regular family outings (doesn't have to cost much, keep it simple)
- Listen and talk to children - not at them
- Praise and reinforce good behavior - especially in public
- Let children make decisions so they learn how to make them - do not solve all their problems for them
- Take responsibility for teaching morality and spiritual training
- Let the children experience, cold, fatigue, adventure, injury, risk, challenge, failure, frustration, discouragement, and so on.
- Don't threaten them - but rather teach them about "consequences" for their actions
- Encourage them to talk about their feelings (anger, sadness, fear, etc.)
- Do not be overprotective
- Help them know that mistakes can be learning experiences and do not have to be repeated
- Answer their "Why?" questions. Discuss the "whys and wherefores"
- Be vulnerable, let them know you are not perfect
- Keep your home atmosphere from being a state of chaos. (Have rules, guide lines, expectations for everyone)
- Tell children how much you love them often
- Hug and display affection often
- Always expect the best, and give them the benefit of the doubt
- Trust them