Services, is a relationship specialist offering insight into family living.

She facilitates seminars mostly for businesses and schools.

Mrs. Kirkland is best described as a person who inspires change in people through her teachings of Dr. Stephen Covey's principals better known as "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People''.

We all know that a habit is something we do repeatedly, sometimes without even thinking. The tools for success in life could be found in the famous seven habits everyone is talking about. They are: Habit 1: Be proactive. Take responsibility for your life.

Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind. Get a vision about your life and that of your family.

Habit 3: Put first things first. Prioritise and do the most important things first.

Habit 4: Think win-win. Have an everyone-can-win attitude.

Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Listen to people sincerely.

Habit 6: Synergise. Work together to achieve more.

Habit 7: Sharpen the saw. Renew yourself regularly.

Putting first things first means family to most people. Mrs. Kirkland said: "Developing a family mission statement will be the most important and far-reaching leadership activity you can do.'' It is her belief that the most effective way to unite your family is to do this. This written statement focuses on the kind of family you want to be in the long term.

She advises that in order to begin this you want to encourage open and candid discussion in your family. Don't rush the process, it may take weeks, or even months to pull together.

Mrs. Kirkland recommends starting by identifying your family's strengths, things that are working, and build on those.

Have someone take notes in order to record everyone's ideas. Spell out what is truly important to you.

Discuss how you want to spend your time together and how you want to treat each other. Your family goal will be a timeless document and when you have finished, you will have something to celebrate and live by.

"These principals can significantly impact your family life. I believe that love is a verb. My actions must express love. It takes a lot of work to create and maintain family relationships.

"Habit 2, positive visualisation, is so very powerful. You must think about your future and set a plan in place on an individual basis and on a family basis. Set goals and aim to accomplish them. It has been said that either you control your own destiny or someone else will,'' reflected Ms. Kirkland.

Written especially for teenagers is a new book by Sean Covey entitled, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens''. It is an inspirational breakthrough book written by a teenager for teenagers. It offers many positives and motivational strategies and encourages teenagers to be the best they can be.'' As singer-actress Judy Garland said: "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.'' Mrs. Kirkland was a lecturer and the assistant director of Adult and Continuing Education at the Bermuda College for ten years.

She has a Bachelor of Science Degree from University of New Hampshire, an Associateship from the University of London Institute of Education, and a Masters of Social Work from Tulane University.

She may be contacted by phone at (441) 236-0383, or fax (441) 236-0192.

Effective parenting: Martha Kirkland MINI SUPPLEMENT SUP