Courtesy: Heckel Family & Boots & Bombshells |
"I was always told that a man sets the atmosphere and mood of his house. "
1.) Ask for Transition Time: Most of us guys have been there. The second you walk in from work, your kids and your wife have 17 request that could keep you busy until midnight. Depending upon the type of day or the amount of traffic, determines your response. In my house, I've asked for about 5-10 minutes of transition time after I get home from work before any extra request can be made. Of course, life doesn't always make this a reality, but for most days it gives me a chance to get mentally prepared shift into hubby and daddy mode. I have to push the work world out of my brain so that I can fully devote myself to family time.
2.) Leave the Office Behind: In order for me to be ready for transition time, I have to leave the office behind. This means during drive time I might have to call my buddy to vent about the office craziness so that I'm not still stewing over it when I get home. If there are customers that I can call back during drive time then I take care of them in the car too. If they happen to call back when I'm at home, then they more than likely will have to wait until the next business day. As a career focused person, there will be times when work will follow you home, but it can't be that way everyday. Your family needs you to be actively engaged with them after business hours. They've been without you all day and they deserve to experience the fullness of your strength, gifts, and talents in the evenings. Obviously, there are certain situations that will require you to discuss with your wife, but your intimacy will be robbed if you're jabbering on for hours each day about work.
3.) Speak Well of the Family: It should go without saying, but you should say something positive at least once a day about your wife and kids to your coworkers. There's nothing that bugs me more than hearing someone at work constantly complaining about their spouse or kids. If they're really that bad, it could mean that there is some improvement that needs to happen on the part of the husband or father. Even if your woman is being a difficult, being positive will make coping easier until things get better. Every relationship has challenges, but steering clear of "verbal spouse bashing" is the best prescription during these times. Trust and believe, you will make your family feel great at the office party when they hear co-workers commenting about how much you brag on them. Speaking well of your family while you're apart will help you all feel connected and increase the chances of getting that hero's welcome a bit more frequently.
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