This is good practice. I do it with my oldest the most. It does help half the time. The battle I find is how the digital world consumes and influences their young minds. And no matter what we do in our home for them to detox from it, we have zero control what happens outside the four walls of home. I have never grew up in an environment that promotes freedom of expressions. It was always “my way” and “earn your keep”. Seeing how other kids my age lived their lives so differently than mine made me think less of my own upbringing. But like the good boy I was, I kept my course as is till my father passed. So I had to learn it on my own in my late 20s when I got married. And when I became a father, the challenges grew more complex. I’ve lived many experiences since and slowly my eyes began opening as I navigated through all the ups and downs. It wasn’t till I left the island and began living in the US. I had to learn a whole new life all over again. Just when I thought I was figuring things out, I found love and still figuring it out. It isn’t perfect, but it is a beautiful life.

@Jace Kelly I appreciate that. They give me so much to live for.

Since I had my first child I have lived by this inspired and wise counsel by the late Thomas S Monson, “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.” I have heard of this before I became a father, but since that year I find myself hearing this more often in overwhelming loudness of the world today. Hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth and good will to men. So to beat the noise, I show love in my deeds and choice language. In reality behind the hate, is a brother/sister seeking their misplaced love.

@Randy Clemens facts

I was very young since my parents stopped gifting presents for my birthdays and Christmas sort of followed a few years later when I was in my early teens. So I never expected any gifts on my birthdays and for holidays, have some kind of expectation but it’s nothing really something uncommon like cash and clothes. My parents usually would offset by going on a full summer long vacation to the neighboring islands, Hawaii, California or Utah. Since I met my wife and started our little family, I don’t know how to react when I get gifts. My wife loves birthdays and Christmas, so she always strives to make sure we all get gifts, presents and stockings. I’m still learning that part of it and I don’t really look forward to getting anything beyond the common gifts of clothes, treats and money from anyone. My wife never gives up to make sure I get something I want, even though I don’t really know what I want when the occasion approaches. I’m a terrible gift giver to people close to me because I don’t know what they need beyond necessities, however I do make an effort in some way. Sometimes I think to myself that maybe I’m broken for feeling and thinking that way. But the joy I see on my kids faces as they open those is all the validation and appreciation I look forward to. This year, it has been stressful as we make changes and adaptations to navigate the holidays.

You too @Jace Kelly

I sort of forgotten what it’s like to have father/husband habits. I’m just slowly getting my life back together adjusting to life beyond work. And right now, things are still not quite there yet. I will say the 1 habit that has been consistent is having nightly prayers. Each of kids know that as part of going to bed, reading a book and saying prayers is a must. Although we haven’t been consistent in reading books before bed, saying prayers is never missed. They would even remind mom and I if we rush them because it’s past their bed time.

@Daddy Doula Dayne right now I work as TA for the college of southern Idaho in the culinary course. It’s been about 4 months now. The past 5 years I have worked as a Food Service Nutritionist within a healthcare system for the city of Twin Falls, Idaho. I worked 12 hours shift from 4pm to 4 am 18 - 20 days per month. Now that I work for the college I my work schedule is aligned with the school year schedule.

@Jace Kelly that would be awesome. I’d loved that.