This book was written to help new parents develop a well thought out path for what they want their children to know when they send them out into the world to make their own way. Many people today are wandering around in a state of spiritual dissonance, having dismissed their religions of origin because they didn't quite fit, but not replacing them with any type of moral compass. Regardless of your spiritual beliefs or lack thereof, 18 Master Values will help you start the conversation with yourself and your partner to help you get a clear idea of what is most important to you. And once you've identified your core values, decisions are easier. These don't have to be your Master Values. They can be a conversation starter. You may have more or fewer, but once you've clearly identified what they are and choose to embrace them as a family, they will be your guide as you make choices about how you want to parent your children. Having a well thought out core set of values will also help you as you encounter other people's opinions. When you have a position you can confidently defend, you are less likely to feel pressured to make decisions based on someone else's suggestions. Parenting is the greatest responsibility we ever take on. While the joys are unlimited, the challenges can be, too. Armor yourself with a plan, honor it, and pay attention to who your children are showing you they are, and everything will be just fine. The fact that you're even reading this means you've made the conscious decision to be a great influence on your children's lives, and that puts you way ahead of the game. You got this.
