Let's face it—we live in a world of instant gratification. We want it all, and we want it now. We're a nation of express lanes, fast food, texts and tweets. But it's a problem when we impose those same expectations on people. We want instant acceptance from our peers, instant response from our colleagues, instant help from our spouse—regardless of the circumstances. And when we don't get the immediate response we...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
I'm not talking about the turkey and dressing sitting in your fridge—left over from Thanksgiving. I'm talking about your time. You do the math. Right now, think about all of the things that go into your day . . . rushing to get ready in the morning, going to work, cleaning the house, cooking dinner, chores in the evening, watching TV. Now, add up how much time you really spend interacting with your kids. What's...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Sure, technology can be tough on relationships. Just ask the wife whose husband's cell phone is glued to his ear. The husband who can't get his wife off the keyboard. Technology has downsides and upsides. With three daughters in college or working and two teen boys at home, I've tried to turn this relational foe into a relational friend. Here's how. First, I send a good-night text to my girls almost every...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
We've powered up our laptops, phones and video games. We've powered down family meals, drive-time conversations and date nights with our spouse. We've increased tech and decreased touch. What can we do about it? Just remember these four R's. First, Recognize that you can control technology. Second, Remember that your children will learn more from your online actions than your offline words. Third, Require...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Ninety million people will be glued to the television this Super Bowl Sunday. If you plan on watching the game, why not make it a family affair? Start with a game plan for the day. It might include firing up the grill, or letting each child choose something they want to eat. You can also have each family member rate the new Super Bowl commercials or predict the score at the end of each quarter. Give prizes to the...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
It's not something that's in your job description at work. It's not something that you think about as a husband, wife or parent. But it's critical in any position of leadership. It's establishing the climate… the right kind of climate. A mother or father establishes the climate when they walk through the door at night. A worker sets the temperature for co-workers at the office. A coach sets the climate out...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
This Sunday, Daylight Savings Time ends – which means the days will seem shorter. As if they're not short enough already! As they say, there's only so much time in a day. Everything we say "yes" to takes time away from something – or someone – else. Usually it's our spouse or our children. We've got to say "no" to more outside things – "no" to that dinner meeting, "no" to joining that committee, "no" to that golf...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
