[This episode originally aired 5.21.2016]

• In this episode, John describes a talk given recently by his good friend, nationally-syndicated radio talk show host Dennis Prager, in which Prager spoke on the topic of happiness.  Prager feels that you are responsible for your own happiness and says that if you don’t accept full responsibility for that state of being, you are going to be miserable. John relates this viewpoint to parenting: The more a parent tries to ensure a child’s happiness, the more the parent unwittingly and with the best of intentions robs the child of the personal right to pursue happiness on his or her own.

• Prager also says that when all is said and done, it doesn’t matter how you feel; all that matters is how you treat other people. John applies this advice to parenting and says that proper parenting is very simply an act of love for your neighbor. Train your child such that the child will treat other people properly and contribute toward making America a better place. In the final analysis, the only thing that matters is that the child grows up to be a good citizen - not your child’s grades, athletic achievements, or what college he/she gets into. It is simply his level of self-responsibility, level of compassion, and willingness to serve others unselfishly.

More about John Rosemond at www.rosemond.com andwww.parentguru.com.