One of the best pieces of advice I ever learned regarding child raising was, “No always means no.”

If you begin at about 18 months to two years, it sticks.

When you tell a child “no,” you cannot change your mind and so you must use it sparingly.

It may begin with something simple like telling him not to touch something hot. Simply say “no” and move him away from the danger.

You must be consistent and it takes energy and determination on the parent’s side.

During the grade school years, it may be a “no” to an activity, an online game or even a friend.

Always explain the why of the no and suggest a substitute.

By the time high school comes around, your child will have grown up with the fact that when mom or dad say “no” they mean it and there is no use contesting.

Use the word wisely. Sometimes you have to pretend not to see or to know an objectionable activity or friend so that your child learns to make good judgements on their own.

Growning up making good decisions with confidence is a very important gift you give your child and it takes a lifetime of work but your gift in return is a responsible young adult you can be proud of.

We don’t have children that young anymore.

And we don’t have grandchildren that young anymore.

But, we do have great grandchildren that young.

These are the GRATITUDE YEARS of our lives.

We are all familiar with the saying, “Count Your Blessings!”

Well, have you counted your blessings?

When you are done counting, you will be very GRATEFUL!

If not today, when?

(Thoreau)

Before you get out your bow and arrow, is the target realistic?

And as today’s title says, you must be willing and able to put out the necessary effort.

Do you dream of something you want or want to become?

Remember, this life is not a rehearsal.

Are you on the right track?

You only have a limited number of arrows. Use them wisely!

If not today, when!

ROOTS

This is the most crucial period for parents.

This is because you want your children to be able to fly as an adult.

During the very young stage, your children must know they are loved.

If they are convinced that they are loved, they will be more receptive to your teachings.

What system of values should they be taught?

Don’t be a hypocrite. You must practice what you preach!

You must also build their self-confidence so they can avoid bad influences.

WINGS

When your children go out into the world, they must know you have their back!

You must be available to them as they face new challenges.

You’ve got to be a good listener.

If you don’t have time for them and their problems, you will lose the rapport you once had!

A new study that examines how kissing evolved suggests that ape ancestors and early humans like Neanderthals probably locked lips with their friends and sexual partners.

Humanity’s earliest kisses were recorded 4,500 years ago in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. (CNN)

Kisses can make you go ape!

If you haven’t failed at anything, you haven’t taken enough risks.

Remember, the good fruit is at the end of the branch!

I have succeeded and failed.

Succeeding is much more fun!

Failure can be a bitter pill.

Don’t allow yourself to become bitter.

At least you tried it.

Most people regret that they never tried it.

You’re still alive.

Use the lessons learned and MOVE ON!

If not today, when?

When did we go off the tracks?

Is it too late to grow a generation of truth tellers?

Do you always tell the truth?

I believe there is a DIRECT linkage between truth and trust.

There is also a DIRECT linkage between telling the truth and a high sense of self-esteem.

A person with high self-esteem will also be self-confident.

So, you see, it all begins with telling the truth.

And that’s EVERYTHING!

Better to have tried and failed than to never try at all.

It’s an old saying, but all so true.

Many people don’t ever want to do something risky.

Think about it! Every day is risky.

We don’t know what will happen today.

Is there something you would love do or become?

Go for it!

If not today, when?

You can’t bring the best of you to each day if you’re in poor health!

These stressful times demand better.

Some people overdue it with too much exercise.

Most of us, however, don’t exercise at all.

Which category are you in?

If you don’t take care of your body, it can’t take care of you.

Isn’t it about time you make your health your #1 priority?

If not today, when?