What I Like About You...

When you really think about it, your spouse is among the most important persons in your life. This is the person with whom you have loved, laughed, cried, agonized, triumphed, giggled, cuddled, fought, futurized and fantasized. This is the person with whom you made those marriage vows, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do us part! This is the person who has been exposed to your vulnerabilities…, my goodness, this is the very person who has seen you naked…and still loves you!
What I find bizarre is that too often, this is therefore the person you end up showing the most indifference and contempt!

If you believe marriage needs care and maintenance, and people respond well to being reinforced, then make a commitment to regularly do the following:
TELL YOUR SPOUSE WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HIM/HER.

Write your spouse a letter, a long one, and tell him/her everything you like about him/her. Everything that you like about his/her body, looks, behavior, values, skills, habits, contributions, etc. Be specific and talk about why. Then do the same thing on the phone, in person, in video, on a billboard……Something!

Reinforce your spouse, honor, cherish, appreciate, and love him/her. It's so necessary and it works. ….And, who knows, you might even get the same in return!

http://wholefamily.com

Back to School-out the door on time

• Explain how life is going to change. A week prior to the first day, offer a precise description of the morning routine: "I'll wake you up at 7 o'clock, you need to be dressed by 7:30 for breakfast. I expect you ready with your backpack, lunch and coat to walk out the door at 8 o'clock." Young children need practice. For some, a pictorial chart including each step really helps.

• Start getting kids in bed early. Begin a week before school gets underway. You can't force them to sleep, but you can see they're snuggled in bed looking at books.

• Get yourself up and ready first. If you work outside the home, this step is crucial. All goes more smoothly those first days when you're available to guide your children each step of the way.

• Give reminders. Most kids learn to move through the morning routine in a timely fashion. Others need reminders until high school graduation: "Son, I think you forgot to brush your teeth."

• State the obvious. "Your coat is on, now put on your shoes." Later, give one-word directives. Just say "shoes," or ask, "What are you supposed to do next?"

• Avoid yelling and harsh treatment. Negative ingredients can quickly become embedded in the routine. No parent likes sending their child out the door after a screaming match.

• Tack on an additional task. Once the morning schedule becomes routine, you can add an element: throwing dirty clothes in the hamper, making beds, putting together lunches.

Most children adjust to the new school year after a week, but if after a month your child resists getting up and going to school, it's time to evaluate why. Start by talking to your child's teacher.

Remember your goal: You want your children up and out the door on time, and to move securely through the school day so each can reach her academic potential. Ask yourself how you wish the school year to go, then ask yourself how you can help it happen.

for more ideas visit family fun.com

One Mouth...Two Ears

“To be effective, family communication must be an exchange of feelings and information. Doors of communication will swing open in the home if members will realize time and participation on the part of all are necessary ingredients. In family discussions, differences should not be ignored, but should be weighed and evaluated calmly. One’s point or opinion usually is not as important as a healthy, continuing relationship. Courtesy and respect in listening and responding during discussions are basic in proper dialogue. As we learn to participate together in meaningful associations, we are able to convey our thoughts of love, dependence, and interest.”

Marvin J. Ashton, “Family Communications,” New Era, Oct. 1978, 7

It Takes Time...

“One day I asked my son to bring his toys inside the house. I was astonished when he said he was ‘too tired.’ … Then a scene flashed into mind of the previous day, when my son had asked me to wrestle with him. What was my answer? I was ‘too tired.’ Or the time he wanted me to play catch [ball]—again I was ‘too tired.’

“… Days later, I asked my son to pick up his clothes and put them away. This time he was ‘too busy.’ I remembered the time he wanted a bedtime story. … I had been ‘too busy.’

“… I vowed to spend more time with my sons. Only hugging them, kissing them, and telling them I loved them didn’t fool them. They needed to jump, wrestle, and play with me too.

“Now I participate in more of their activities. …

“I’ve built tunnels and castles in sand piles and played with trucks. Praying and playing with them have helped me develop a wonderful relationship with them.

“With anything that takes effort, a reward comes. My reward came after an especially good half hour with my son. He wrapped his arms around my neck, gave me an affectionate kiss on the cheek, and said, ‘I love you, Dad’” (Dan L. Johnston, “Daddy, I’m Talking to You,” Ensign, Sept. 1978, 71).