Archive for December, 2008

December 7, 2008

Greetings in December….!

by Rod Smith

manners-0809smith08

Order it now... link on the right

Order it now... link on the right

December 7, 2008

A challenge to dads: read this to your sons and daughters….

by Rod Smith

dsc_06421. I am fully equipped for the task of being your dad. I have what it takes to love, encourage, discipline, and help you to find the most productive and fulfilling track for your life.
2. Quite apart from its significant impact upon you, I will continue to respect and speak well of your mother no matter what circumstances arise or already exist between us.
3. While it may not always appear as such to you, I have your highest interests at heart.
4. I want you to be more successful than I am; to out-pace me, to go higher, further than I have in every way and in every good and worthwhile endeavor that has ever captured my attention.
5. Where I have failed, I want you to succeed. Where I have shortcomings, I want you to be strong. Where I am ill tempered I hope you will be patient. I want you to be a better person than I am.
6. I will love without manipulating, I will guide you without dominating, and I will correct without intimidating.
7. I will love, accept and support you at every stage of your life and eagerly await the day that you will be fully adult, and we are capable of being close friends.

December 4, 2008

How to create a platform for a great weekend…

by Rod Smith

dsc_0642 1. Write a note, send an Email, or make a phone call – and express your love to your spouse, children, or significant other.
2. Clear your desk of unfinished tasks – the kinds of tasks you’d rather not meet yet again on Monday morning.
3. Wish others well. Look your “office enemy” in the eye and wish him or her a really good weekend. You’d be surprised how wanting the best for others has a “transfer effect” and helps kick in your own happiness.
4. Plan to do something unexpected, something unpredictable; something out of character that will have your friends wondering what has happened to you.
5. As always – you have read it here many times – forgive everyone everything.

December 3, 2008

For girls: how to go for a walk with your father…..

by Rod Smith

Girls, offer your dad your arm; link it with his. With your arm tucked in his, there’s nowhere you cannot go, there’s no place that is unsafe, there’s no destination too far, and no journey (no matter how short or long) that is not worth the effort. Walk with your father in this manner as often as is possible — it’s very good training for when you have to walk alone.

December 2, 2008

My husband wants to go out with ‘the boys’….

by Rod Smith

“My husband always wants to go out with ‘the boys.’ I believe married men don’t belong in nightclubs without their wives. This has been ignored. We have tried counseling and he lies at those sessions. I recently kicked him out as I found out that he had been in contact with two women he’d met. He keeps coming back, dsc_0642and I can’t prevent him from seeing our young son. His family is convinced that I am making too much of this as the relationships were not physical. He has no idea of how deeply he has hurt me. I was always the one to try to find a solution but he has pushed me too far this time.” (Shortened)

You have as much control over your husband as you do over the weather.
Give it up. Let him be the boy he apparently needs to be. You do, however, have some control over how you and your child will be treated. After a three of four months of living apart you might both be ready for a compromise of sorts. For now, hold your ground. He might grow up when he sees you are serious.

December 1, 2008

My time in Korea was wonderful…. thank you!

by Rod Smith

 

I got a wonderful welcome in Korea!

I got a wonderful welcome in Korea!

December 1, 2008

Reader writes after breakup….

by Rod Smith

“My partner and I split up after five years. We have a child (3) and were extremely happy. I always had my own life and we also shared quality time. Her flirtatious nature wasn’t obvious. After an illness, our son was 6 months old, things slowly changed. She became moodier and demanding. I set us up in new house and home, hoping that this would help her become more productive. She spent up to 5 hours online chatting while I was at work. Her fiery emotional attack-style defense appeared when I talked about it and my resentment grew. I ended up seeking some sort of fling online, which came to nothing. On day we discussed things and become closer again but it was very temporary. She became more and more venomous until I reacted and screamed at her to leave (I meant just go outside and cool down) but she moved out. I was very upset, hating both her and myself, while trying to be a strong dad for my son. My advice to anyone, if it doesn’t feel right, it most probably isn’t. Go with your gut instinct. Be honest. Always keep a part of yourself even within the tightest of relationships.” (Letter edited)