I think they need so much more than ipods and xboxes. They need us to tell them we LOVE them every day and that they are worth every single effort from diapers to college. I hope my children know deep down that they are not duplicates of me or their father, but great individuals capable of anything they set their minds and souls to. I always say one thing. I am in the business of raising adults. The art of creating indepence in thought and action, self esteem and awareness of our amazing world. That they become people who add to life and not create burdens. These things seem easy enough, but it is a daily focus in our home of 4 kids from 18 down to 10. These are great years and I hope they feel it too.