Most families have house rules — words to live by — that prove invaluable to children long after they've left the nest.

        Sometimes the rules or mottos are passed down from father to son; sometimes they're born on the spur of a crisis. Some are common sense, some have a sense of wisdom. Nearly all them had a version of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Colleen Pyron and her sons Josh and William. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        We asked several members of our Family Advisory Panel: “Does your family have a motto?” Here are their answers.

        • Michelle and Anthony Wisbith of Lebanon started the ball rolling with mottos for their family, which includes Nicholas, 14; Kevin, 12; and Samantha, 9.

        Always use the Golden Rule when dealing with others.

        Take responsibility for your own actions.

        Look for, find and appreciate the humor in everyday situations.

        Do your best in every situation — try to surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.

        • From Bill and Tonya Donaldson of Landen, parents of Kayde, 10; Billy, 9; Tyler, 8; Kelsy, 6; and Savannah, 4:

        If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!!!!!!!!!

        L.L.P.: Learn from the past. Live for the present. Prepare for the future. “This has always been my husband's motto,” says Mrs. Donaldson. “He just believes in living in day-tight compartments — meaning only dealing with the things that absolutely matter and not worrying — accepting the worst and moving on.”

        Kids: They step on your feet when they're young and on your hearts when they're older.

        • From Karen Walker of Mount Auburn, mother of adult son Richard:

        Don't just complain; be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

CALLING ALL FAMILIES, SINGLES

Would you like to be a member of an Enquirer Internet advisory panel on families or single life?     The two advisory panels are composed of readers who serve as a sounding board, resource and sometimes sources for stories.     Family Advisory Panel: Please describe your family and ages of its members. We realize not all families are two parents with two kids — a boy and a girl. We're interested in all kinds of families.     Singles Advisory Panel: Please tell us your age and gender and daytime phone number.     Please note any areas of particular interest or experience you have and ideas for relationship stories you would like us to cover.

        Treat everyone the way you would want to be treated.

        The person cleaning the floor may be just as intelligent as you but maybe wasn't given the opportunity or the support.

        Everyone brings gifts to the table; it's up to you to see those talents and gifts.

        • From Colleen and Lindsey Pyron of Liberty Township, parents of William, 6; Josh, 4; and two-month-old Riley:

        Save your money (for an expensive item). Sometimes it's shortened to Save your . . . and they fill in the rest.

        We need to be a team here or Team Pyron. Watch out for each other.

        • From Sherry and Frederick Steinbeck of Anderson Township, parents of Sara, age 13, and Lindsey, 11.

        Always be nice and considerate to everyone because it is a very small world and that person or persons could end up living next door to you or become your co-worker or your roommate in college.

        • From Debi and Charlie Hertel of Reading, parents of Justin, 19; and Todd, 17:

        Always treat people the way they want to be treated.

        What goes around comes around.

        Never be afraid to talk to us about anything because we were kids once.

        • From Beth Orr, mother of adult children Sara and Doug.

        Put your shoulders back, hold your head up, smile and be proud of who you are. She says she still lives by this motto.
       

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