How Do Children Spell Love?

So, how do your kids spell love?

T.I.M.E.

You can buy them great presents, go on terrific holidays, give them all of the opportunities in the world, but in my opinion, the most effective way to show your kids that you love them is to spend time with them.

Children crave and need the attention of their parents.

Buying Time – A Story for all Busy Parents

This story is for all parents and is a great reminder of what our kids really value in us.

A man came home from work late again, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year-old son waiting for him at the door.

“Daddy, may I ask you a question?”

“Yeah, sure, what is it?” replied the man.

“Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?

“That’s none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing?” the man said angrily.

“I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?” pleaded the little boy.

What Should You Be Doing Now?

I was driving to work the other day when the classic BeeGees song “You Should Be Dancing” came on my iPod.

The song asks the question, “Watcha doing in your bed?”

Then answers, “You should be dancing!”

As I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel, I couldn’t help but think that we should be asking ourselves similar questions throughout the day.  You see, today you could be doing something to get you closer to your goal, something purposeful that you can look back on with pride.  Unfortunately, we often find ourselves distracted by the miscellaneous, mundane and easy thing right in front of us.

Here are a few ideas to get us started:

The Mexican Fisherman – A Story about Balance

I came across this great story a couple of years ago.  It has a terrific message about work/life balance and how we sometimes incorrectly measure success. 

An American businessman was on holiday in Mexico.

As he relaxed on the beach, he noticed a fisherman coming in on his boat.  The American complimented the fisherman on his catch and asked him how long it took him to catch that many fish. 

“Not long.” was the reply.

“Then why didn’t you stay out longer?” asked the tourist.

“Because this is enough for me and my family.” explained the fisherman.

“So what do you do with the rest of your time?”

“I sleep late, fish for a while, play with my children, take a siesta and spend time with my wife.  Then in the evening, I go into the village to visit my friends, I have a few drinks, play the guitar and sing a few songs.  I have a full life.”

The American was surprised.  “I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you.  You should spend more time on the water fishing, then you can sell the extra fish, make more money and buy a bigger boat.”

“And after that?”