Miscellaneous Topics . . and Happy Father's Day!

This is really sad . . . I don't want this to be a diet blog . . . and I don't want this to be about special needs kids. But I keep reading really good things about both. So maybe I want to make two blogs. That seems like wayyyyyy too much work.

So, briefly: Sharon just gave me an article from Health magazine. http://www.health.com/health/article/0,23414,1625465,00.html She and her son used one simple 'trick,' and they both found that it worked marvelously: put your fork down between bites of food and chew. It gives your stomach time to figure out that it is full. See the article for more insight.

Eileen sent me a really timely newsletter about fathers and ADHD kids - here is the link: http://www.celebrate-adhd.com/ADHD-Blog.html The reality is that this can apply to every father (& mother) and child!! Here are "10 truths" but please check out the rest of the article.

A Personal Letter to Other Dads By Kirk Martin, Executive Director, Celebrate!ADHD

Here are 10 truths that will help you begin to change your family life.1. Your involvement with your child and family is more important than your job or anything else you do. 2. The acceptance and approval of a father will have a greater impact on your child's life than from anyone else. Anyone.3. It is relatively easy to be successful in the business world. I'm not all that bright and I did it. But being a successful Dad? Tough. I will tell you straight up. If you are successful at business, but are not involved with your child, then your life's work will amount to nothing. 4. Accept the fact that your child is different. Different than you. Different than your expectations. You can't fight nature.5. Your goal at work is to see projects through to completion, to make sure you get a good return on investment. Your goal as a father is to make sure your child develops into the person he is wired to be-not who you want him to be. Sow your time, energy, wisdom and encouragement into your child-you will like the ROI.6. Do you get good results from yelling at employees? Then why do you think it will work with your kids? Seriously. What about long lectures and snide comments? You've learned to influence customers in different ways, so maybe it's time to try a different way with your child.7. Teach your kids to be problem solvers. Don't bark orders or "make" them do things. Lead your kids, teach them how to solve problems, respect their choices.8. Calm down and you'll see your kids calm down. If you can't control your temper or yelling, don't expect your kids to control their emotions. Change starts with you, not everyone around you. You are the leader, so be one for your child. You'll like the results.9. Find a way to connect to your child. I am a sports nut, but my son isn't. He's a car freak and loves music. So now we test drive fast cars and go to concerts together. 10. Take father-son or father-daughter trips. Get away from the hassles and stress of home and work. Go somewhere, anywhere and have fun together. Turn off the cell phone and engage with your child.Dads, you know nothing is more satisfying than overcoming a really tough problem at work.

Now you are faced with finding a really tough solution. If you take on this challenge, I can make you two guarantees.First, there is nothing more satisfying and important than forging a close relationship with your child. Second, you will never regret spending more time with your child.Decide this Father's Day to make the tough choices it takes to connect and communicate with your child more effectively. It starts with you.