October 6, 2009 - CELEBRATE TOGETHER

This bit of advice may sound like it is borrowed from Chinese culture, but it is still sound. Every success, every accomplishment, for one person in a family brings honor to all of the family and should be celebrated by all of the family. Tammie was right on when she stated that "WE", meaning her and Rob, had graduated from law school. Once you are married, you are a family UNIT and unity is your goal - and this also includes children. When a child succeeds at something, it is a victory for the whole family - it brings honor to the whole family. Other children should not be made to feel that they are required to accomplish the same thing, but they do need to be made to feel that they share in the celebration and accomplishment with the sibling or parent. It is a delicate ballancing trick to celebrate a child's success without making siblings jealous, but it may help if the children know you are celebating the family and what one member has done to bring honor to everyone. It's all about the family and that member needs to be honored for bringing honor to the family. So, celebrate together, as a family! It's a wonderful way to build family unity.