Still on my leadership discourse, Lou Gerstner expounds “There’s a human side that leaders have to have; a sense of humor, intelligence, creativity, ethical standards and integrity. Rules for leadership are the same in business as in personal life. Be consistent, fair and firm.”

And I’m learning that even more important is for us parents to pass this down to our children. And judging from this picture, I have a big job ahead of me. Hey, they're just really creative kids.

I’m seeing too many parents that are allowing their TV set to teach morals and manners rather than sitting down with their kids and explaining it all. Many of us parents spend most of our times fighting the negative influences such as sit-com examples where the teens are considered cool because they sass their parents.

I spent hours yesterday with two different mental health workers, a psychiatrist and a psychologist, absorbing their thoughts and insights on family matters. My own family is such a microcosm of issues, challenges, examples and problems that we have many outside resources and helpers plus the usual: school teachers, Sunday School teachers, coaches and youth group workers.

I’m tough on my children, yet super loving. I’m affectionate and stern; I hold them accountable, yet I understand that their many emotional issues often prevent normal behavior. I explain it, but don’t excuse it. I understand, but the world won’t. This misbehavior won’t be tolerated when they are grown; it is up to me to teach them that kicking in a door is not polite behavior; nor is peeing everywhere in anger.

My boundless enthusiasm for life comes in handy. I didn’t used to be so traumatized myself; that came with the territory: the adoption of older children. I have to persevere, remain committed, to keep my eyes on the prize, to keep trying to inspire my children, and to know intuitively when to lighten up.

I’m mobilizing my organization so to speak. Our end result: normal children who can function in society, keeping out of jail by following society’s rules and standards…this is attainable. Because I deeply believe in them, I hope to be able to transfer this belief to them.

I hope that I am also showing them how to seek help. Everyone needs outside perspective; another opinion or counsel for the tough matters.