I know there are times when I've said things I wish I hadn't. This can be especially true for a parent who, in stressful times, tells his kids to "shut up" or a spouse who says harsh things to his mate – things he later regrets. You can't rewind and erase your words, so choose your words wisely. Here's how. First, in a heated moment, remember that silence is golden. You will never regret a harsh word you never...
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I'm not talking about the kind of affair that includes physical infidelity. There's a more subtle form of unfaithfulness that is damaging to a marriage as well. Emotional affairs begin when a married person begins confiding in someone other than their spouse. Maybe it's a husband, talking with a female coworker, sharing some struggle he's having at home. Maybe it's a wife who runs into an old boyfriend and...
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Fall "sweeps" month begins tomorrow, and that means TV shows will resort to more sensational programming to boost their ratings and advertising dollars. So be prepared for even more sex, violence and vulgar language than usual for the next 30 days. While there isn't much you can do about what's on TV, there's a lot you can do about how much you'll allow into your home. Why not consider creating a family TV pledge,...
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I call it the 3 R's of discipline—remove, reflect and reconnect. First remove. When your child misbehaves, immediately remove him from the situation and send him to his room. When you feel like your child has a calm spirit, move onto the next "R," Reflect. When you and your child reflect, you discuss what happened. Ask your child three questions: "What did you do wrong?" "Why was it wrong?" And "What are you going...
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Business author Jim Collins says, "How you do when the storm comes depends on what you did before the storm comes." In the same way, how you and your spouse weather difficult times in your marriage depends on how well you prepared beforehand. So, how do you get ready for those dark, cloudy days? First, you and your spouse must decide together that you're committed to each other for life—for better or worse, no...
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The more the parent understands the teen, the more the teen will connect with the parent. One of the best ways to understand our children is to listen to them and to empathize with them. In those sometimes rare occasions when they open up, seize the moment. Really hear what they have to say by giving them your undivided attention and by paraphrasing back to them what they said. Identify with them in their...
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Maybe you've had a bad day at the office, or you're stressed about the bills. You're grouchy, you're ready to unload, and you let the words fly. You take out your frustration on your mate hoping they'll take the bait. Well, there's a better way to express frustration. When you see your spouse, just say, "I'm cranky." They'll ask why, and that's when you get to let it all out—but more like a report instead of an...
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