Dads2Dads: Make sure to cherish moments

Today, take a moment to listen to the unfolding of the day and the footsteps and voices of those you love. Sit quietly at some point and focus on a sentence, a phrase or a laugh and wonder about all the ways it impacts your life. Honor some silence so you can hear those who speak less often.

Today, reflect on those you love and the blessings they bring.

This holiday season may be a difficult one. We are certainly numbed by the losses, violence and hatred we hear about on the news. It can happen in any school or company or office or cafe -- any town. In our connected world, we hear any event, no matter the size of town or location. We watch, wonder and sometimes weep for those who suffer, those who die and those who endured their loss. We fear for our own children, and worry for our nation.

We often write about family and relationships and the importance of saying "I love you." Our kids need it and so do others in our lives.

While we cannot keep our children totally out of harm's way, we must create a society in which they have an opportunity to grow and succeed. We must find middle ground between defending our rights and promoting common sense. We must make every effort on all fronts to protect the most vulnerable among us. We can hardly defend our individual rights if we ignore everyone's right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Your child may be sad or worried, even though these events are far away. You can help by calmly discussing the stories in the news, maintaining normalcy in your home and, most of all, listening and being attuned to any change in mood.

As our country debates the issues that tragedy raises -- gun control, school safety and mental illness, you can conduct a civil dialogue with your children and offer the love and reassurance needed. Be there for your child more than ever, and teach that people can make a difference for a better life.

When we put our children on the school bus, allow them to go to a sleepover or hand them the car keys, we fret, we worry and we pray. As our children grow, they step further and further away from us. The time that we have with our children is just that ... the time we have. Every moment with our kids is a precious gift.

At this special time of year, let us remember what Rabbi Moshe Gurary said: "The idea of the holiday is the triumph of light over darkness and that we with our spirits can overcome all obstacles."

Hug your children. Hold them. Tell and show them that you love them. Spend time with them. Make this priority No. 1 every day.

Tom Tozer and Bill Black are authors of the book "Dads2Dads: Tools for Raising Teenagers." Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter at Dads2Dadsllc.com. Contact them at tomandbill@Dads2Dadsllc.com.

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