In our small group last night we continued our journey through a study on parenting called "Effecting Parenting in a Defective World."
The main point was to focus on the importance of the relationships we have (or don't have) with our children. No matter what we do, or make sure our kids do, as a part of growing up, if we don't develop a relationship that bonds, our children are much more likely to make poor choices when they grow up.

Here are 8 keys for building relationships that bond. Which ones are you good at? Which ones need work?

1. Unconditional Love - Have you committed to love your kids no matter what?
   
2. Scheduled Time - Is time with your family as important as scheduled meetings at work?
   
3. Focused Attention - Do you listen with you full focused attention when you kids talk to you?
4. Eye Contact - Do you look at your kids when they are talking to you.
5. Ongoing Communication - Do you have dinner as a family? Do you put your kids in bed? Do you share experiences together?
6. Meaningful Touching - Do you hug (or wrestle with) your kids regularly?
7. Have Fun Together - Lighten up - no need to be so serious all the time.
8. Pray Together Often - Do you make it a point to pray for and with you kids...often?