Reality Check with Sue Gorman

Peek inside the life of local Leslie Nease and get a glimpse of everyday parenting — from the madness to the mess-ups!
Vital Stats: Leslie Nease, 40
National speaker/writer (www.leslienease.com), former Mrs. North Carolina (2001), contestant on CBS TV’s “Survivor China,” midday radio announcer for 106.9 The Light
Family Tree:
Married for 20 years to Rod Nease; four children, ages 8, 10, 17 and 19; family lives in Tega Cay, S.C.
Get Real:
Our home is what I call “lived in.” The main rooms usually are presentable, but I try to keep the doors of my kids’ rooms closed when folks come over.
“Don’t You Dare”:
My pet peeve is trying to drag my teenage son out of bed each day for school. I have no idea how he will ever get up after he moves out!
Parenting Rule #1:
If you want privileges in life, you must first live up to the responsibilities in life. I try to teach my kids this early, because nothing worth having comes easy — it takes working hard, being a person of your word and showing respect for others.
Fave Phrase:
“I love you!” I never let my kids leave the house without reminding them how much I love them and giving them a great big hug and kiss.
Top Tip:
Encourage your children’s passions! My husband and I are firm believers that God puts desires and dreams in kids hearts early on in life, and when they are encouraged to pursue those dreams at a young age, their confidence is built as they become young adults and are more willing to take strategic risks to obtain their goals and dreams. One of the biggest joys of parenting is seeing your children walk confidently in their gifts and passions.