It is not enough for parents, step parents and extended family to feel a deep glow of love for the children in your circle of influence. You must convey that feeling into a message that is heard, felt and integrated by the child. Children need to be told both verbally and non-verbally how much they are valued for just being them.

A child's life ought to be a happy one, without worry or hardship. Life in poor and underdeveloped countries is a continuing struggle for everyone and especially so for children. They grow up in a world where they lack the very basics in life, food, clean water, medicine and shelter.

Having been a parent educator and a PBS consultant for Ready to Learn for many years, I have had the unique opportunity to work with Head Start families, Child Care Providers, and parents as well as schools, organizations, and teachers all over the world just like you.

So often we do unconscious parenting, just getting through the day without really thinking or planning for what we want to teach our children. It is not that we don't love our family; it is just that the love sometimes gets lost in translation through poor communications or unskillful methods.

Traditions and rituals within the family make everyone feel more united
and a part of the group. Many participants in parenting classes say, "Oh, we don't really have any traditions." But when we start brainstorming, it is amazing how many simple acts and events have been repeated in the same way, and they are now anticipated by family members.