1.Train your child's palate for good nutrition. I have 8 children that all eat their salad (and some ask for more!) before they have the rest of their dinner! I have just simply required this of them from the time they could chew lettuce, avocados, etc., from age 1-18 months on. All my children would eat 3 apples a day, and sometimes more, if I have it. (I buy by the box, and let them have pretty much all they want). This will help your child to be healthy his whole life. Nutrition is so important!!

2. Make eye contact often with your child. I love Michael Pearl's analogy in his book To Train up a Child, of "tying strings" with your child every time you look at your child in the eyes, with approval beaming from you! It is amazing, but in our disconnected society, many parents don't look at their child in the eyes and give their approval. Parents, Mom's, FIND occasions to do this daily with your child!

3. Praise. Children blossom under praise, like flowers blossom under the sun! Avoid negative words. I know it is essential to correct and instruct children, but praise should be frequent. "Bless" your children! I speak blessings over mine:

"you are very smart"

"you are going to do great in swimming"

"you are an obedient child"( especially helpful spoken when they are young)

"you are such a good helper/hard worker!"

4. Read to your children. This has been said so many times, I won't say much here, except it's definitely a good habit. It develops a curiosity for what's in books, and a love of learning, and it's definitely "quality" time! We like true stories, adventure, animal, mysteries….

5. Teach your children to work, by having them work with you. Sometimes my daughter and I set the timer and work for 15 minutes together in each room. Sometimes it is necessary we work in separate rooms, but it's so much more enjoyable to whip through the rooms together. Have a chore chart, give them household responsibilities, teach them to cook (and clean as you go!). A child that knows these things has a sense that they are needed in the family, and a sense of security in knowing how to complete basic duties.

6. Play Bible CD's (we get ours from "Hosanna"), and classical music for your children at nap and night time. The Word of God "will not return void"…My children know a lot of scripture from these times. Classical music is also proven to increase a child's learning ability, unlike the irregular beat of contemporary/rock 'n roll music, and TV. I am not saying to omit these, but the more of the former, and the less of the latter, the better!

7. Time out for Mom. Mothers, do not neglect your selves--even fifteen minutes can be refreshing! It is healthful mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually for you to have a little time to yourselves. I of all people know this is hard to do, but I find that I get more done, and am better able to handle things, when I have these "little breaks". Here are a few ideas: Take a walk, even if only for 10-15 minutes

Read an article, or a few

Take a nap

Set aside time to read that book you've been wanting to read, even if only for 15-20 minutes

Just go out in the back yard, or over to the neighbors, and smell the flowers!

Call a friend

Have a cup of coffee or tea

Just go to Starbucks

Take the kids (or leave them if you can) and go to a friends

Join a club (yes, a fitness club! I finally have, and I love it!)

Arrange to have a date with your husband

Arrange to get together with one or more girls

My husband thought of something, but I can't print it here! Which brings me to my last "idea":

8. Love Their Father! Never argue with, or undermine their father. This is ideal. I realize there maybe exceptions in some extreme circumstances. And I realize there are disagreements, but work it out in private. Men are not perfect, and neither are women. A child will feel most secure when the parents show respect and affection for each other. If there is no father in the picture, I urge you to find a man to be your child's role model, especially if your child is a boy.

Lastly, I do practice all of these things, but not always 100% of the time. When I do, I see great results. When I don't, I wish I would have!! So be encouraged to be the mom most of us never had, and you will have the children others wish they had! Blessings to you.