Today our lives are so busy and each family receives so many messages that question whether or not they measure up to society’s yardstick of success, appearances, fitting in with the so-called in crowd.

We have the wonderful opportunity within the family unit to brush aside values and empty expectations that scream at us from different media. The family is a circle of love and confidence from which its’ members can develop their own set of standards, create their own measure of success and self confidence. The family can determine their success strategies for building confidence. This confidence that goes far beyond the accumulation of material possessions; that encompasses self-assurance; mutual respect, contentment, confidence in their place within the home and their circles in the community.

Gratitude and Appreciation: As our loved ones head out for work, school, their social relationships, their personhood is wonderfully grounded with the knowledge that someone at home is full of gratitude and appreciation for who they are. Take a moment to directly tell each member of your family how much you love them. Tell each member how grateful you are to have them in your life. We have three sons. Each one of them has traveled a very different path. The oldest has acquired a trade, a talent with computers that provides abundantly for his family. His dream though, is entrepreneurial in owning an Outfitting Business. We remind him of all the struggles he had in school. We are able to remind him of our thanksgiving that he worked through the hard times. Nathan knows how much we appreciate his hard work and dedication to fulfill his dream. This encourages him to persist.

Courage: Each family member faces challenges in their day. Together- remind each other of difficult tasks, problems they have overcome. These reminders bolster their confidence that they can work out a solution to any challenge put before them. Reassure them that the whole family is behind them to help. Our youngest son is working through health loss that has derailed him from establishing his independence. Today he is stepping out in first steps to live on his own, to continue regaining his ability to live and work in the community. Jonathan is reminded regularly of the growth steps he has made in overcoming pain and loss. He finds courage to carry on.

Faith: Psalm 91 clearly teaches us that as we put our faith in God and His Provision, that no matter what circumstances come our way, God our creator will be with us. Center your family on their faith knowing that they go out in God's care.

Lists: Together the family can prioritize important tasks requiring attention. Each person can make a list and cross things off as they are accomplished . This is a tool that both models and teaches children by experience the pleasure of being ready for the day. With lists, parents can model for the family a work ethic that achieves individual goals. Our middle son is processing what it will take for his young family to move across the country. He and his wife are taking inventory and creating a list of changes, priorities to make the move timely and successful. I find for myself that I accomplish much more when I take a few minutes daily to make a list of the tasks to be accomplished the next day. There is a sense of accomplishment to see the items crossed off and reassurance that nothing of importance has been overlooked.

It is a wonderful gift for families to understand the benefits it is to build each other’s confidence. Families celebrate together accomplishments achieved in daily tasks, in accomplishing life goals. The family unit is a unique place to be grounded in gratitude and appreciation. Success strategies for life are learned with confidence within the family.