In honor of Mother's Day approaching, we wanted to get you thinking a bit about your family, and what you can do to make it even better. Here are two excerpts from "My Family" that can help you take steps to improve your family.

NOTICING OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS' NEEDS Picture this: You come flying in the door from a friend's house, and all you can think of doing is getting to the TV because your favorite show is just about to start. Homework's done, chores are done enough--there's nothing stopping you! You take the long way through the kitchen to grab a cold glass of milk. And there, sitting at the table, is your older brother (just substitute another family member if you don't have an older brother). He actually looks like he's been crying--and you've never seen him cry. He doesn't even respond to you entering the room. Do you: a. Say, "Hey, crybaby! Want your baby bottle?" b. Tiptoe through, hoping he won't say anything so you can get to your TV show? c. Stop and ask him, gently, what's going on? Well--we know you're not dumb, and you know the last answer is the "good" one. But, really, which is the one you would probably do? The reality is: We all have needs--all the time. Some people are better at hiding them (so, for example, it might be more of a challenge to figure out what your dad's needs are). And some people have a crazy idea that having other people help them means they're weak. But most people, most of the time, really love it when people notice their needs--you sure do! If your mom's had a long and tiring day and you still expect her to wait on you like a servant, you're not noticing her needs. If your dad has had to work around the house the last three weekends, and his need to clean out the garage for your mom's new storage plan is keeping him from the football game on TV he really wanted to watch, volunteer to help him get it done quickly! When you notice needs people have and do what you can to meet those needs, you can make such a huge positive difference in your family!

** NOT-SO-RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS Everyone loves nice surprises. They make us feel special, noticed, cared for, and valued. When you do unexpected things for your parents (or your siblings), you'll blow them away. This can totally change things in your family, making an okay family pretty great, or a great family even better. Here are some ideas: - Leave a note in your mom or dad's briefcase that they'll find at work--one that says something you appreciate about them. You could leave this note on their pillow if they don't go to work. - If you aren't very good at doing your chores without being asked, starting to do so can be a huge surprise gift to your parents. - Offer to wash the dishes even if it isn't your job or your turn. - Clean up a room that isn't your job to clean up. Or clean up the garage or the backyard (if you have one!). - If you have a little brother or sister, tell your parents you'd like them to have a night out, and you'll baby-sit (without getting paid). - Buy a small gift for a parent (or both of them, or a sibling), just to let them know you were thinking of them. Remember, it doesn't have to be expensive to be special. - Send your mom or dad an e-mail or text message, just saying, "I love you."

- Go to one of the many Web sites with free e-cards (e.g., www.hallmark.com or www.americangreetings.com) and send a free card. Again, just use this to tell them you love them, or to thank them for taking care of your lazy butt! - Leave little sticky notes saying, "I love you," and "You're a great mom (or dad)," all over the places in your house where they spend their time (on their bedside clock, on the mirror in their bathroom, on the steering wheel in their car, and so on).

- Make something as a gift--like a picture or a craft.

Giving something you took the time to think out and make for them is an extra-special surprise for most parents!

** Taken from "My Family" by Mark Oestreicher and Kurt Johnston, copyright 2006 Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.