Newspaper headlines are discouraging. Yet, they reveal the reality of our society.

Today, every day violence, sex, child abuse, and substance abuse can be found gracing numerous pages of the newspaper. Entering rehab for alcohol before reaching the legal age to drink has become more common. Divorce is the norm, not the exception. Drugs have become an entrepreneurial endeavor for the white-collar worker. Now, the number of incarcerated adults topples 2.3 million nationwide.

There is no shortage of difficulty or depressing news around us. Thriving each day can be a struggle.

When things get difficult, we each respond differently. Withdraw and retreat. Pray. Get busy. Seek comfort. Avoid. Rage.

So much of being a parent flows from our example. Our children watch how we handle what life throws our way. They learn our coping skills and then carry them into adulthood.

We are raising the future leaders of our country. What is it we’d like to pass on?