If You Do One Thing In 2016...

Every year, for reasons as yet unexplained, we all make shallow resolutions we know we'll never keep that tend to run along the same tired old lines:
"I vow to exercise every day."
"I'm going to watch less TV and get out more."
"I'm going to spend less time on the computer."
"I will lose those last 10 pounds."
"I will stop consuming my monthly sugar allowance every morning."
"I'm going to get a better job."
"I'm going to eat right."
"I'm going to party less."

Why not this year, make a resolution that matters? One that is easy to keep and will benefit society as a whole?

No, I'm not suggesting you sell everything you own and donate it to charity.

If you're a parent, though, you can make your resolution count. Resolve to teach your kids to love. (If you're not a parent, this still applies.)

What does this mean? Well, I've put together a list:

• Love your kids unconditionally and make sure they know it. The first thing kids need in this world is to know that, no matter who they are, how successful they become or how many tiny failures they suffer, that they are loved.
• Show kindness to others. Buy a stranger lunch. Keep essentials in your car to hand out to the homeless you encounter. Hold the door for others or let someone ahead of you in line. Help someone load their groceries in their car. (Ask first so they don't think you're there to rob them.)
• Compliment quickly, criticize slowly. Keep track of what you say. Are most of the things you say to your kids positive or negative? When your baby does something wrong, do you get angry or kindly show him or her the right thing to do? Little girls need to hear they're pretty, smart, and accomplished. Little boys need to hear that they're good at something they care about. Both need to hear that they are valuable more than they need to hear about areas they need to improve. Yes, you need to correct your kids, but do it out of love and in a positive manner.
• Avoid insulting others in front of your kids. Even if you think you're just making a joke about those "Dummycrats" or "crazy conservatives", those "wetbacks," "crackers" or "towelheads," those "fat girls" or "bald guys," you're teaching your kid to hate.  You're breeding a person who will grow to stereotype others and fail to function well in a melting pot society like most civilized countries have become. The same goes for exposing your kids to others who spew hate. I personally have no problem taking my child out of the room when a family member or friend decides to spout off about some stereotype or another, and I've come to the conclusion that watching political speeches and debates in general is just a bad idea nowadays. (Let's face it, politicians have become the biggest hate mongers around.)
• Reward acts of love and kindness. When your kid shares with others, point out how it makes you proud. If your little one makes a mess but does it creating a gift for you or someone else, express gratitude and joyfully help clean it up. Conversely, when your kid acts selfish or greedy, take the object away. Teach him or her that all things must be earned and that nothing in this world is more important than the people around us.
• Serve others. I take my tween daughter to serve the homeless several times a year. She helps hand out necessities, serves meals and sorts clothing that has been donated. I've taught her not to view those we serve as "the homeless," but as human beings who have been less fortunate but are still valuable nonetheless. She has learned to engage them in conversation and found enlightenment in doing so. She has also learned to appreciate what she has and covet less. For younger kids, just taking them to donate food or toys at an orphanage will have meaning. If you have little yourself, give of your time. Help a neighbor complete a needed repair or donate clothing your child has outgrown to a smaller child nearby. Invite a hungry neighbor to share dinner with your family. There are so many things we can do to serve each other without spending a dime.
• Protect your kids. Don't expose them to violent entertainment or hate speech.
• Give your time. Be there for them, even when it's hard. We all make difficult choices, and sometimes that means having less so we can be there more. I gave up a significantly higher salary to be home more for my little girl. While not everyone can do the same, you can, as a parent, make strategic sacrifices to be a good parent. (Just remember to take care of yourself in the process. You're no good to your children if you're gone.) If you're a single parent and don't have custody, KEEP YOUR VISITS. Make them about your kid, not your latest love interest or hobby. Even remote parents have a major influence on a child's self-worth and attitude towards others, sometimes more so than the parent at home.

You see, teaching your kids to love isn't about "teaching," but about showing. This year, let's all resolve to love others, and maybe, just maybe, we'll see our world change for the better.