Family is important. It takes commitment and hard work to improve family relationships. With all the negative influences around us, we struggle to keep our families together. But it is a battle well worth it.

Family must come first and foremost before anything else, even before our career. “No other success can compensate for failure at home. The poorest hut in which love prevails over a united family is of greater value to God and future humanity than any other rich man.” – David O. McKay

I believe that love, communication and respect are important. I know five rules that can improve relationships and make a family more united.

1. Parents and children should “show” love by helping each other. Giving service and sharing is what it’s all about.

2. Spend time with each other by hanging out with your spouse or hanging out with the family. It’s amazing what a picnic can do for a family.

3. Communicate with each other and take time to listen. Richard L. Evans said, “If only we could feel like we’ve been heard! If only we would listen when we should!”

4. Show respect for each member of the family. Never look down on another person.

5. Pray together. Abraham Lincoln said, “I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”

Money, wealth, and great careers shouldn’t come before family. Money will not buy your family’s love or happiness. Eugene Hansen said: “I learned that money and material possessions are not the key to happiness and success. Even with the constant financial challenge, we still had a good life. There was love in the home. Home was where we wanted to be. We did have two very important elements: we had a piano and we had a library. How important were those two somewhat simple possessions in the development of productive talents and such important interests in our early years. “

What our children need is love. Material objects will never replace affection or our absence. “We have been so eager to give our children what we did not have that we have neglected to give them what we did have.” -Unknown author.

The relationship between husband and wife is also important. It should not be neglected. Marriage is a sacred bond between man and woman. We must always work on our relationship. Never intentionally embarrass or hurt our spouse’s feelings. Strengthens the self-esteem of the other. Treat your partner with respect. Children observe, listen, imitate and follow our steps. They learn fast. When we show disrespect to our partner, they will too.

We have to work on the marriage. It is a lifetime commitment. Mary Stewart Cutting said, “A woman can endure anything unless they forget her, don’t need her.”

Richard L. Evans said, “You need to watch, work and take care of all things, and marriage is no exception. Marriage is not something that should be treated indifferently or mistreated, or something that just takes care of itself. All things need attention, care and concern, and especially in this, the most sensitive of all relationships in life. “

Everyone has to work on family relationships. Is not easy. It is something that takes a lot of work, but it is worth it. Thomas Jefferson said: “The happiest moments of my life have been the few that I have spent at home in the bosom of my family.”