Anyone with kids knows there's a bit of competition and judgment between parents. It's such an emotional job that it's difficult for these things not to exist, even though in a perfect world, parents would support one another while they tackle the toughest (and most rewarding) endeavor of their lifetime.

So when a parent compliments another parent -- in a thoughtful and sincere way -- it's really awesome. Case in point: This weekend, some friends came over for dinner, and one of them, who is a father himself, asked my husband what our "key" to success is with our kids. He went on to compliment our oldest son and say how much he's improved over the past few years. (My oldest son was adopted from Guatemala and struggled with a few attachment as well as physical / behavioral issues.)

We didn't really have an answer for our friend as to what our key to success is -- I guess just good ol' consistency, patience and love. However, I felt inspired by this conversation and actually made a vow to observe other parents and acknowledge their true strengths as I see them. Parent-to-parent support is not always prevalent, but it's always appreciated.