Five Strategies to Help Your Kids Hear You
Posted: October 24, 2011 Filed under: Parenting, Thoughts 1 Comment »
I think my parents would be amazed to hear me say I learned something from them. Oh sure, they taught me to make a bed, tie my shoes, and be polite – but what about the truly big things? I actually learned a few of them. Unfortunately, I was about 25 before they sunk in – and had already failed miserably.
My Dad always said, “Don’t wish your life away.” For instance, don’t wish you were 16 so you could drive; don’t wish you were 21 so you can drink; don’t wish you were 25 so your insurance will be cheaper; and so on…. After a lifetime of wishing I was 16, 18, 21, and 25 – I finally figured out what he meant. He was right!
Inventories
Posted: September 2, 2011 Filed under: EMS, Parenting, questions, Spirituality, Thoughts Leave a comment »
A few years back, as part of a leadership program I was involved in, I learned about two different communication styles. One was a “Grace-Giver” and the other is a “Truth-Teller.”
Not surprisingly, the majority of well liked leaders are Grace-Givers. I’m in the Truth-Teller category. That doesn’t mean I necessarily understand, or know the truth, but I’m not afraid to say what I see, feel, or hear – no matter how painful that may be for the receiver.
He Said, She Heard
Posted: September 1, 2011 Filed under: Parenting, questions, Thoughts 3 Comments »
The other day we went for a great bike ride around a beautiful lake. My Wonderful Wife was laughing out loud with joy. It was late evening on a warm Summer day, there was a light breeze, a cover band was playing to 100s of picnickers, and we all reveled in a perfect Northwest August night!
When we got home, I made an offhand comment that put a damper on the whole evening. I meant it as a compliment – but it wasn’t received that way.
