This is a question we may find ourselves asking frequently. Or indeed, another way of approaching it is - am I an easy person to be around? Because let’s face it, upbeat and optimistic people are easier to be around.

How easy is it to parent calmly? If I had a penny for every time I lost the head with my children I would be filthy rich. Parenting is tough!

But when I talk about culture here, I’m referring to the beliefs and attitudes that permeate our homes - our own unique family culture that sets us apart and binds our family together. Here are 3 ways to begin building the culture in your family.

Although logistics and romance don’t seem at first glance to be a pleasant pairing, every married couple will inevitably have to try to accommodate both. Relationships at the outset tend to be all fun and flowers; however as time moves on and a couple get married, finances, shopping, house maintenance etc need to be considered. This becomes even more onerous when a couple have children, leaving little time for much needed shared fun and frolics.

I think there are only a small number of people who can embrace conflict and welcome it with open arms. Instead, most of us want to run at the first hint of a conflict. Conflict however is an integral part of everyday relations. It is endemic in every society and like everything else in life has a good and a bad side to it. However, conflict, when used wisely, can provide a huge opportunity for change and development.

Show up for the kids. Show up for one another. Show up for your friends. Show up because it’s worthwhile - even though you may not see the results of your ‘showing up’ right now. Sooner or later the outcome of all this will reveal itself in a life that is positive, inspiring and that will undoubtedly bear fruit in the lives of the people around you.