For our son, that means discouraging sassy "know it all" attitude, and repeatedly reminding him how to talk with respect and kindness to all.

But it also means many games of chess accompanied by good conversation. It doesn't matter who wins or loses. Either way, we still win - it's time that we know our son is doing something that we approve of, while safe at home, spending quality time together as a family.

Peers will always teach our kids both good and bad. But ultimate responsibility lies with us at home, with parents helping children to recognize which habits are worth keeping, and those that should be put into a permanent "checkmate".

A parent-child relationship is quite like a game of Chess, actually. We are always watching each other to see what next move will be. Our children learn from moves that we choose. And when we see our children take a move, we are always looking ahead, trying to predict any possible outcomes before they occur. It's just hard to keep track of who's move it is!

I held her tight and hugged her, put ice on her forehead, gave her some medicine for pain, and finally tucked her into bed last night. It was a long and restless night, and I did not feel better until she woke up this morning with a smile on her face, with nothing more than a scratch to remind us of her fall.

She's constantly teaching me lessons. When life happens, and we take a tumble, we will get back up again and keep going. We will help each other, because that's what families are for. Today, I found myself being overprotective of her, like she is more fragile now than she was yesterday. Part of me wishes I can keep her hidden under my protective wing forever, but I know I must let her live and experience life, while reassuring her that I'm right here when she needs me.

As I helped her zip up her jacket and put on her mittens and hat to go play with her brother today in our backyard, I had to remind her that somersaults are only to be done in gymnastics class, not on stairways. This got a chuckle out of her, as she replied, "But mom, it WAS a good somersault!"

She's always optimist - sunshine of our lives.