Interdependence: the understanding that we all need one another. When families and community members reach out and pull together, they learn how to count on each other to accomplish a shared goal. Children who develop the cooperative spirit of interdependence are more likely to care about others and to have that caring returned. When they feel confident in their ability to care for and relate to others, they are more likely to stand up for what they believe in and, when needed, can take a stand against what they don't believe in. Working well with others aids in the development of leadership skills and social competency. This coming together and learning to depend on one another helps stave off selfishness, isolation, negative peer pressure, unhealthy self-importance, and feelings of low self-worth. When children work for the greater good, they become responsible. Their internal fortitude grows.

Connection: the ability to blend, belong, and bond. Sharing one's inner self comes more easily for some than others. When we can break down the barriers of pretense, the ability to connect with others will grow. Showing one's true self to others-and being accepted for it - enables us to form deep, rich, and rewarding relationships. Through bonding, we experience both giving and receiving with grace. Humans are hard-wired to connect, and when we do so in positive ways, we tap into our moral and spiritual selves, which develops internal sturdiness.

Children who reach out to others and build secure relationships will learn social skills, gain perspective, and develop greater empathy for others. Connection helps stave off feelings of rejection, alienation, isolation, and self-absorption. Children who connect will feel accepted, gain a sense of belonging, experience greater happiness, and have fewer behavioral problems.

Perspective: the ability to see things more clearly from different points of view. Experiencing life outside themselves makes children better able to develop understanding and compassion for others, and to have a greater tolerance for all. Perspective helps stave off insensitivity, pessimism, and feelings of entitlement and victimization. By helping children see things from other viewpoints, we help them gain tolerance and flexibility and make better decisions. They are better able to weather life's ups and downs, without magnifying them. They have a better chance for balance.

Gratitude: a deep feeling of appreciation for life's blessings. Gratitude plays a significant role in a child's sense of well-being and feeling loved. The spirit of gratitude helps children maintain a positive attitude toward themselves and others. It helps stave off misplaced priorities, hopelessness, entitlement, negativity, and jealousy. With gratitude, children feel a sense of wonder. Children with a grateful heart are more likely to experience inner joy and contentment in their lives and draw upon their soulful, spiritual nature. A child who is authentically grateful will more likely experience deep happiness and feel richly content, both of which can help them reap positive mental and physical health benefits.

Inspiration: an internal drive that ignites our desires, fires us up, and spurs us on. Inspiration helps kindle our children's curiosity and spirit of adventure, giving them a sense of excitement that may open doors to self-discovery. Inspiration staves off boredom, laziness, apathy, depression, and a false sense of self. Inspired children are spurred on by an internal passion to develop goals and create a purpose-filled, purpose-driven life.