| Last year I attended a presentation from Parenting | | | | That's right. Everyone tells you how busy and how |
| Expert and well-known author, Stephen Biddulph on | | | | little time they have, yet most people do nothing to |
| "Raising Boys". As I have an 11 year old son, I was | | | | learn the skills that will have a dramatic impact on |
| interested to hear what Stephen had to say. In fact, | | | | their work and personal lives. |
| so were the other 800 other parents in the room! | | | | You have to plan time to get things done. Do you |
| The key point that I picked up on was that boys | | | | want to spend more time with your family? Do you |
| from the age of 6 -14 really need 'time' with their | | | | know how to plan for it? How much time do you |
| dads. That is the most influential period in their lives | | | | spend working? How much time do you invest in |
| when they bond with him. And the type of time they | | | | yourself to learn how to be more effective? Are you |
| need is not all thrown into a once a week or month | | | | hoping that one day, work will ease off and then you |
| block or some exotic holiday once a year, they need | | | | can spend more time with your family? Do you really |
| to spend time with their sons on a regular basis. | | | | need a bigger house, nicer car or overseas holiday? |
| Otherwise how can you build a strong and stable | | | | Will that improve your relationships? Do you think |
| relationship? | | | | that you'll (hopefully) stumble on the secrets to |
| For the single mums reading this, don't despair. If you | | | | getting more time back in your life? If that's the way |
| are estranged from your partner and bringing up your | | | | you live your life, your kids will probably be all grown |
| son is your responsibility, having a positive male role | | | | up and not really need you. |
| model in his life ie. uncle, brother, grandfather teacher, | | | | Cats in the Cradle |
| tennis coach etc. will work as well. | | | | For those of you old enough to remember, Cat |
| What's happening in our society in the chase for the | | | | Stevens recorded a song called "Cats in the Cradle". |
| almighty dollar and in many instances the big ego, our | | | | It was about a young boy whose Dad was always |
| relationships are breaking down. People are totally | | | | busy working. He never seemed to be available when |
| dominated by their work and have little energy to | | | | his son wanted to be with him. Over the years this |
| invest in themselves and their families. | | | | continued until the boy became an adult. By then his |
| Planning Personal Time | | | | Dad had retired and had time on his hands, however |
| It's very interesting to note that every client I have | | | | his son had now become too busy to see his Dad. |
| coached ... male or female, whether they are the | | | | He too was working and had kids. The tables had |
| business owner, director, executive or whatever title | | | | turned. All of a sudden the Dad realised what he had |
| they hold, all have the same common goal... they | | | | done. He was too busy caught up in his work and |
| want more time for their personal life. | | | | missed out on his son growing up. |
| They do not want to start work at 7.30 a.m. and | | | | The Final Word |
| return home at 7.00 p.m. They are committed and | | | | For those of you who have managed to maintain a |
| enjoy what they do, however they are not prepared | | | | good balance in your life, congratulations. No doubt |
| to sacrifice their own relationships and wellbeing | | | | you are happier, healthier and more fulfilled. For the |
| anymore. THE PRICE IS NOT WORTH IT! | | | | rest of you who are unhappy, unhealthy and |
| You Can Turn Your Life Around | | | | unfulfilled, then you need to take action if you are |
| And do you know what the three key things you | | | | serious about wanting to make changes. Do it, |
| need to do to turn your life around? Learn to say | | | | because nothing changes if nothing changes! |
| 'no', how to manage your time and then take action. | | | | |