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By Beth Pinsker

NEW YORK, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Most divorce decrees do not get down to the nitty gritty of how much is appropriate to spend on kids' soccer gear - and that can be a recipe for anger and resentment down the road even for the happiest of split couples. Just ask Christopher Jones, 44, a divorced dad of three from Sebastian, Florida.

Happy families have strong family bonds. Parents, as the leaders of the family unit, have to be responsible for strengthening and protecting these bonds. It doesn't happen naturally in our hectic day-to-day lives. You can create this firm foundation by committing to these ten essential practices that will strengthen your family’s relationships.