A strong family bond is as important as a healthy diet for staving off future problems and pitfalls. When families spend time together, everyone benefits. The parents can feel good about their communication with their children and the children can turn to their parents when they are troubled.

Family values should be discussed very early, setting a rock solid foundation for the future.

In our family we use current events whether they are pro or con to discuss topics that will effect our children later in life. I don't think that my young children are at risk for taking drugs or the peer pressure associated with it, but that doesn't mean it won't come up years from now. By speaking to the children about such important issues it makes it easier for the children to bring it up to the parents when they do encounter the problem.

Strong family ties and values can make all of the difference in a child's life and future. By spending time together children learn that their home is their safety net. They can trust that their parents and siblings will be there to support them and help them achieve.

An example of this was a question put to me by my eldest son's best friend in third grade. His brother dropped out of school at age sixteen and my son was appalled by this turn of events. His friend asked me why my son could be so sure he wouldn't want to drop out of school. The answer was simple. I'd made it clear that none of my children had the option of dropping out. I'd spent countless hours discussing their future education, their college years and careers. The children knew what was expected of them and they accepted it.

Nurturing strong family bonds is one of the most important things a parent can do for their children.

Learn more about this author, Jacqueline Foster.
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