All your wife and kids ask for is that you be faithfull and do what a father and husband are supposed to do. And honestly, while it's tough sometimes, keep in mind it's not supposed to be easy. You promised you would at some point, so keep your word. This link takes you to a great video that sums it up best (you will need to copy and paste the url in your browser...dang link tool is not working correctly): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5FxdCgD-qI

The Importance and Structure of a Proper Apology

I'm a father and a husband, and there is NOTHING I love more than my family! Since that is a fact, why is it then that I would ever have to apologize? If I love them like I say I do then why would I ever do or say anything that needs to be followed up with an apology? First, I'm human. Second, I'm dude human. While I'm not perfect, based on the two facts above, my family deserves my perfect attempts and the best of what and who I am, and the best of my time. They deserve perfect apologies when I have slipped into dude-human mode. The perfect, or sincere and appropriate, apology is not always easy to do, but it is simple to understand. Here is what a perfect apology includes and lacks: INCLUSIONS: 1) I am sorry. 2) No really, I am sorry that I hurt you, you did not deserve that. 3) Please forgive me for handling it that way. 4) Follow up...check in with them after a bit to be sure they are okay and know you're sincerely sorry. EXCLUSIONS: 1) The word, "but." In other words, you should not say, "I am sorry, but what you did was..." 2) Rationalization (you think it's a justifcation for being a jerk). In other words, it ties into saying, "but," and then expounds like this, "Like I said, I'm sorry, but I wouldn't get mad and say those things if you used more common sense and would just do what you know you are supposed to do." Again, you cannot rationalize nor justify being a jerk. There may be a time for that portion of a conversation, but it does NOT belong in the perfect apology. You have to teach your kids, and sometimes you have to discipline them, which if done right is simply teaching them while maintaining a loving perspective. You do NOT have to discipline your wife...and be VERY careful about trying to "teach" her. Instead, have a conversation with her...communicate gently whatever it is that may be bothering you. There is no room nor need for a neanderthal in apologies and conversations with anyone, but especially with your wife and kids.

Is there anything else needed to help persuade us to treat our children better than the events of today? Parents dropped their kids of at school today in Connecticut,and many of those kids got murdered. I was frustrated with my kids this morning getting them out the door, but fortunately I did not yell, but I for sure could have been nicer about it all. Treat your kids right! It could happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. The kids who got murdered are in a good place...they are being taken care of. Families and friends left behind are hurting like crazy no doubt. Those of us far removed from the situation are hurting. Let's not hurt in vain...let's treat our kids right! For the reason that you just never know, but also for the reason because they deserve it, in all situations, no matter what. Kindness, patience and creativity work...no need to get ugly with our kids. SNAPP

"There comes a point in life when fun no longer means clubbing, drinking or being out until 4am, or thinking about myself! Fun means Disney movies, family dinners, bedtime stories, long cuddles, a messy house, sleeping by 10pm and hearing little voices say, "I love you." Becoming a parent doesn't change you, it makes you realize that the little people that YOU created deserve the very best of your time." I don't know who originally wrote that, I just came across it on facebook not too long ago and really liked it. In my opinion, common sense suggests that when you become a parent, you really NEED to become a parent. Give the best of what and who you are to those who should matter most! SNAPP

My favorite Friday night activity? Coming home and hanging with the wife and kids. Maybe I'm slowing down in life, I don't know, but there is certainly nothing more enjoyable and rewarding. It's good to just get out sometimes with my wife at times, or with her and some friends, too. But still the best is hanging with the family!

"I can't man, I have to watch the kids tonight, my wife has class." I have a problem with that line that I heard today (and have heard many times over the years). You don't watch your kids. You don't babysit your kids. You don't tend your kids. They are your kids, and you love them. You're not hired help...you're the father. Now maybe I didn't have the whole story today, but other times I have. Change your way of thinking! And by the way, if you really have minimized yourself in this relationship to simply be one who watches your kids now, then turn your gaming system off and watch your kids. Oh yeah, that's what this guy was bummed out about today, he couldn't go to his pal's house on Friday night and play video games. Man up! Your greatest relationships need to be with your wife and kids...period. There's time for games and friends, but I don't imagine you just go and watch them...you're engaged somehow. Be so with your kids! SNAPP