Communication 101 – 10 Crucial Practices
Posted: February 13, 2012 Filed under: Parenting, Thoughts Leave a comment »
I remember a long time ago and being in a conversation that just made me squirm. Oh it was painful. I kept interrupting, interjecting, and trying to explain what was happening. My friend, a close friend, grew annoyed at my interjections. It made her mad. I was confused. I thought she loved me, I thought she cared, I just couldn’t understand why she was beating me up with all these words of complaint.
A few years later I took a communications class sponsored by my employer. It wasn’t a required class, but it was offered as a service to help us be happier, healthier employees. I learned much, but because I wasn’t in a relationship at the time, I didn’t have a way to practice these new found skills. But I did try applying them in other situations – with my Mom, friends, coworkers, etc.
Dads Never Give Up – Always Be the Hero
Posted: January 7, 2012 Filed under: Parenting, Spirituality, Thoughts 2 Comments »
The cry of every kids heart...
Many parents underestimate their value. Because of their own fears, insecurities, and issues, they get wounded and hurt – then they pull away and retreat into their own little world. The problem is, kids need you. They absolutely need you to stand firm – no matter how hard it is, or how hurt you are.
Of course, parents are people too. As people, they have all the same issues as everyone else. But their role as a parent is so much bigger than themselves – all parents need to stay in the game – no matter the cost. It is no longer a choice.
“It is no longer a choice.”
The other day I was talking to a friend who was sharing some struggles regarding his adult children. I listened, I didn’t try to fix, but I did make sure I understood the struggle. While I don’t have adult kids, I was once an adult who needed his Dad very much. I had done virtually everything I could to run away from my parents. I was obnoxious. I was a punk. I turned my back on their morals and standards. I didn’t call them very much. But I still needed them – especially my Dad.
Our Kids Need Us
Posted: December 2, 2011 Filed under: Parenting 2 Comments »
We’ve all been sick this week, but it has given me an opportunity to witness something powerful in action. That is, our kids need AND want us.
When it was my Wonderful Wife’s turn to be sick, she was holed up in the bedroom trying to sleep, recover, and chill. The kid’s thoughts were never far from her – they are used to having her around 24/7 and it is disconcerting to be disconnected from her.
