Call out the best in your kids. Decide to teach your kids how to make smart decisions. Start by accepting them for who they truly are – not just who you want them to be. Let your kids know that you appreciate them for who they are instead of just what they do. Mention specific traits and passions you recognize in your kids that make them special people to you. Help them discover and articulate their vision and values, and focus on how they can contribute to the world right now instead of waiting until they’re grown up to contribute in significant ways. Be willing to let go of your kids more and more as they grow older; help them become independent. Respect and honor your kids. Look for God’s Spirit inside your kids and affirm God’s work in them.

Take care of yourself. Give yourself the foundation you need to make healthy choices by taking care of your health – spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Remember that God highly esteems you; let that knowledge motivate you to care about yourself. Ask God to help you make choices that will bring you energy (such as pursuing a creative project) and avoid choices that will drain your energy (such as gossiping about other people). Look at your daily routine and pay attention to how you could change it to incorporate more healthy choices (such as drinking water instead of soda or spending time in prayer instead of watching an extra television show).

Listen. Ask God to help you become a careful listener who gains the wisdom to make smart choices. Pray frequently, and listen to the Holy Spirit when you do. Listen to wise counsel from spiritually mature people you can trust. Listen to your kids by making time for them and focusing on what you most need to respond to in their lives. When you’re listening to people, make eye contact with them. State in your words what you think they’re saying. Express empathy and understanding. Ask questions to clarify or draw out more information. Don’t judge the people who are speaking, and don’t get distracted by thinking of your response while they’re still talking.

Laugh. Recognize that laughter will help you live in a state of grace that will enable you to make wise decisions. Allow humor to give you a clear perspective on stressful situations. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Learn from your mistakes and don’t be afraid to laugh at them. Laugh with your kids and enjoy the time you have together. Let laughter dispel your family’s fears and refresh you all.

Play. Realize that play will rejuvenate you and improve your perspective on situations so you can make smart choices. Give yourself permission to rest and relax. Trust that God is in ultimate control of your life, so you can let go of your concerns long enough to play with your kids on a regular basis. Find creative ways to integrate play into your daily routine, such as including your kids when you’re cooking and making a fun meal together, or singing songs or playing pranks on each other as you clean the house. Ask God to help you see the world through the eyes of your children and feel carefree. No matter what your circumstances, choose to be joyful instead of giving into stress.