First-thing-in-the-morning interactions tend to set a tone for the day. In our home we try to make sure each day's first interaction is filled with positive energy toward each child. This communicates, "I'm really glad to see you before you've had a chance to do anything to earn my affection." The importance of making this a routine is captured in Lynne's experience with Daniel:

When Daniel was a toddler, I developed the habit of greeting him when he first came down the stairs with a grin and an enthusiastic, "Oh, boy, IT'S MY BOY!!!" followed by a hug. There was excitement in his eyes as he would stand on the steps waiting for my greeting. One morning I was reading when he came down, and my response to him, if I made one at all, was bland at best. What I remember clearly is the sad look on his face and the little, disappointed voice, "You didn't say, 'Oh, boy, it's my boy.'"

We've had to work hard to resist the inclination to greet our children by revisiting last night's conflict or reminding them of an unfinished job. Because of our commitment to set a connective tone, we have actually sent kids back to their rooms and asked them if we could start over on a more positive note.

What a difference it would make if we really knew the significance of even our "small" interactions with our children.

This tip is an excerpt from the book "Parenting For Real Life!" click here to see the book at Amazon.com