My parenting philosophy boils down to three words: please, sorry, and thanks.

If I fail at everything else, I at least want my kids to be really good at these three words.  It will serve them well in whatever occupation they choose. It’ll make for a happy marriage.  And their relationship with God will continue to grow.  I don’t believe in magic, but if there are any magic words, those three are the abracadabra’s.

You’ve got to be really good at asking humbly and politely: please.

You’ve got to be really good at apologizing: sorry.

You’ve got to be really good at showing appreciation: thanks.

Please. Sorry. Thanks.

3 words. That’s it.