Moral Compass Series: Part II

How do we get to the point where we are identified by how busy our schedules are? I find this especially true for moms. The very things that we are strive so desperately for is pulling our families apart. So, I offer you this: ten simple rules to live by.

1. Everyone at the table for dinner at least once a week.

Don't fret, moms, it doesn't have to be home cooked. Just do what you can. It's not about the food; it's about getting everyone together and sharing about your lives.

2. Cook dinner together.

Cooking is one of the best things that you can do with your children. What your children help make they are more likely to eat. It's a great way to teach nutrition, working together, sharing, life skills, and instills a sense of love and accomplishment.

3. Bake cookies together and give them to the neighbors.

There are so many lessons in just this small amount of time. And, who doesn't love cookies!

4. Be involved in your children's activities.

This is so important. It is more important to fully support one good activity, than to try to support many activities. Children want to do everything and as busy parents, we let them. In fact, we feel more successful when their schedules are the fullest. But, we have to think of how this is negatively affecting them. Help them pick one thing and put your all into it. You will be teaching them commitment, quality time, how to pace themselves, and more importantly, how dedication and passion bring joy and success.

5. Make time to take family walks.

Not only is this great family time. It will make your whole family healthier and can turn into a great learning experience for your kids. As you are walking you can tell them about trees, bugs, buildings and anything you walk past. Children's minds are like sponges; help them soak up the good stuff!

6. Read at least one bedtime story every night.

It goes without saying how important it is to read to your kids. Start at six months old, as they get older they can help turn pages, read-along and before you know it-they will be reading you a bedtime story.

7. Get involved in the community as a family.

There is a ton of ways to be involved in our local community. Some great examples are: Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity & W.O.E. Fair. One of the key things that must be instilled in children is the need to help others. If they have this base, then they will grow to be incredibly caring and giving individuals. Remember, the children are not our future, they are our present.

8. Take every chance you can to celebrate the little victories.

We are living in such a critical world, where standards are pushed higher every day. Remember, to stop and tell your kids how smart, special and beautiful they are every day.

9. Get away with your family a couple times a year.

This doesn't have to cost any money or time off from work. Most of us can't afford to take a family vacation. So, instead, take little jaunts. Pile everyone in the car and go build sand castles on the coast. Make some sandwiches and have a picnic in the park. The point is to get away from the video games, computer and phones and just enjoy each other.

10. Don't wait until the holidays to talk to family.

So often families only get together for the holidays and it's so important to stay in touch. Make it a goal to get out your dusty address book and call someone you haven't talked to since December.

The moral of the story is: Keep yourself firmly planted in the moment. Live for today, you can't change the past and tomorrow doesn't exist yet. And as my husband always say, "If you got one foot in yesterday and one foot in tomorrow, you're just pissin' on today".