They think of others. It’s easy to be selfish and do what’s best for yourself. Yet, truly good people consider others in their decisions. They understand that what’s good for them may not always be the best for others. They…

And finally, consider seeking out local services and programs designed to build community. Parenting groups and/or community centers are wonderful (and affordable) places to start looking for other families who are seeking deeper connections and support systems. Consider volunteering with…

They remember their manners. Whether it’s waiting until everyone has their food to eat or opening the door when others walk through, proper manners are definitely not out of style. Truly good people understand the importance of their actions and…

That said, there are times when family and current friends just aren’t an option and you really must start from scratch. This can feel harder but also incredibly rewarding when you find “your people!” Make a list of where in…

They are generous with their belongings. While you don’t physically have to give the shirt off your back, a truly good person is willing to be generous. A good person understands that the things we collect and the money we…

Friends are another great place to begin, even if you think those friends already have everything all together. Many parents feel pressure to look “perfect” on the outside, so it can be hard to imagine that it’s a different story…

They are kind to everyone. A good person doesn’t have to like everyone, but they are at least kind. They look at people for the person they can be and can look past the present to see the person’s positives….

If you don’t have a community, put plans in place and start creating one? Don’t sugarcoat it – it’s not always easy and does take conscious planning. But it is possible, especially when you know there are so many other…

They are polite. Good people are polite. They show respect and mind their manners. It’s not to be a showoff or to seem better; they just truly respect individuals and want to treat them how they want to be treated….

The impact of this is apparent on parents and children. The adage “it takes a village to raise a child” is absolutely still true. But somewhere along the way, we’ve lost the “village” we need to raise kids in nurturing,…