A friend recently told me that he took his son out for a burger. While they were eating, his son said, "Dad, do you know why I am eating so slowly?" His dad said, "No. Why?" And his son replied, "So I can have more time with you."

Those are powerful, thought-provoking words. Kids need their parents. Kids desire their parents. They want our attention. They want our affection. And kids need our unconditional love and acceptance.

How are you doing in that area? Maybe its time for us as parents to get a report card. What type of grade would you give yourself in following areas? And perhaps more importantly, how would your children grade you? Take a moment to grade yourself and if you are up for it, ask your children to grade you as well.

-- I praise my kids when they make good choices. _A _B _C _D _F

-- I look for opportunities to encourage my children. I'm their best cheerleader. _A _B _C _D _F

-- I point out their strengths and build up their self-esteem any chance I can. _A _B _C _D _F

-- I comfort them in their disappointments. _A _B _C _D _F

-- I enter into my child's world by sharing time and talking with him or her daily. _A _B _C _D _F

-- I apologize to my kids if I respond in anger or make a mistake as a parent. _A _B _C _D _F

-- I ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions. _A _B _C _D _F