Family

Maintaining a healthy family connection is one of the keys to a happy life. Family bonds are tested through life’s challenges, but a strong family bond can provide support and love to help make those challenging times easier to navigate. Nourish these connections and the benefits will come back tenfold.

Smile and kiss the first person you see as you walk into your house.

Know the difference between a house and a home, make sure you are instrumental in creating a home.

Learn from your father’s or mentor’s experiences, the conversation alone inspires you well.

Drive as if your grandma is in the passenger seat, with your mother seated behind you.

Spend time researching your last name and your family crest, if you have one.

Keep in touch with family members who are considered the “black sheep” or less driven.

Call your parents and kiss your kids. The way your children see you interact with your parents is the way they’ll treat you in your old age.

Teach your children respectful behavior, as well as how to spot disrespectful tendencies. You also should be aware of these behaviors.

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Try and visit that person who has been sentenced within your family. No matter how far it is. And bring the youngest member of your family with you as well.

The man who doesn’t care for nor explains why he’s not caring for his own kids, certainly will not care for you.

Never come between a man who’s spending time with his family. Let that man see what you’re doing, he’ll respect you more.

Call a family member for no reason just to hear their voice and let them know exactly that. Waiting until they pass does no one any good.

Visit the beach and just sit and observe positive family interactions, as well as negative behaviors.

If you’ve identified that your surroundings have become too dangerous, MOVE. Your loyalty is to your health and the people living under your roof.

Be kindest to the people who depend on you. Their opinion of you should influence you the most.

Those who talk negatively about their family will eventually talk negatively about you, rephrased later.

Make it a family tradition each year to watch It’s a Wonderful Life and The Ten Commandments; the family bonding moment will endure for all involved.

Do your part to promote your family values and people will respect you more.

We’re not all wired to go to college, but as men, we have a biblical responsibility to care for our children.

Keep your family photo updated and share it with friends and other family members.

Be concerned with someone who doesn’t have or is unwilling to share their family photo albums.

If your recently departed family member walked next to you all day, what would they say?

Send your mother a Hallmark card just because that says you love and miss her.

Know what it means to be a gentleman in the eyes of your mother... just ask her. If she’s not around, ask your grandmother or any other elder female mentor.

Keep miniature chocolates at home. A home with chocolate is a happy home.

Do your best with your Christmas décor. It makes for a happy home during the holidays. Play Christmas carols and sing together as a family.

Your Christmas tree décor should be for those inside the home, not outside the home.

At years’ end, reflect on what went right and what needs improvement.

Create an environment at home that makes your family love being home and want to stay home.

Question the home life of the ones who are never home or never want to leave you.

Help mend family conflicts only after hearing both sides of the story.

Identify what you love about your family or mentor and revert to that thought when a decision needs to be made. How will potential actions disappoint that person or will your decisions make them proud.

Choose family first. The mother of your baby is now your family.