Veterans Day pays tribute to American veterans of all wars — especially those veterans still living. So spend some time this holiday honoring their service to our country. Fly the American flag in front of your home. Teach your children what the holiday means and why we celebrate it. Encourage them to send notes or cards to veterans you know, or those in hospitals and veterans' homes. Volunteer with your kids in...

Americans love to indulge on Thanksgiving. Can't you just taste that juicy turkey and dressing? Well, there are people who won't get to enjoy even the first bite of turkey. Maybe they're unmarried and don't have any family nearby. Maybe they're a single mom with three kids and can't afford all the fixings. Or maybe they're your elderly neighbor who's embarrassed to admit they don't have plans. Think about people...

The egg hunts, chocolate bunnies and marshmallow Peeps are iconic symbols of most American Easter celebrations. It's a time when families gather together and feast on the bounty of spring and revel in time spent together. There's fun and frivolity for kids and adults alike. It's a great time of celebration, to be sure. But that's not what Easter's all about. Easter celebrates a priceless gift given in an act...

Japan has faced more than its share of tragedy lately. They've suffered through a catastrophic tsunami, record flooding and even nuclear disaster. The country could have responded by just giving up. There could have been looting and violence in the aftermath of the disasters. Instead, the Japanese people have responded by showing each other honor and grace as they face an uncertain future. We can learn from that....

One mom I know asked her four-year-old to tell her his favorite things about their recent trip. She wrote down his answers and put them in their vacation scrapbook. A dad uses his smartphone to make short videos of his kids that he uploads to YouTube for friends and family to view. Another parent uses a digital camera to catch candid moments throughout the summer, then they take the pictures and make a slide show...

Sunday is Parent's Day…a day established by Congress for the purpose of "recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in bringing up their children." If you've had a good relationship with your mom and dad, use this day as an opportunity to thank them for one important thing they did to impact your life in a positive way. If your relationship with them has been more difficult, use it as an...

First, focus on the other person…open your posture, look them in the eyes, give them encouraging nods and acknowledging words. Second, summarize what they are saying. You might say something like, "So, what I hear you saying is such and such." Third, ask open-ended questions. Not questions that solicit just a yes or no answer. And don't use the word "why"... "why can't you…" "why didn't you…" "why aren't...