Three Simple Keys to Raising the Happiest Kids on the Planet!
Picking up from where we left off last week…it’s Key #2
Love Your Spouse More than Your Kids!
Again most people believe they do love their spouse more than their kids. However, what would people see if they were a “fly on the wall” of your home? I know for most of us there are three specific areas we can improve.
First, Speak your love in front of your kids. We have yet to meet the woman who doesn’t want to hear the words “I love you” from her husband. While this may be very difficult for some men it gives your kids a sense of security about mom and dad’s relationship. Similarly we have yet to meet the man who doesn’t appreciate a compliment from his wife. “Thank you dear for being such a good provider”. “Thank you for helping in the kitchen”. These words show your kids the affection you have for each other.
Second, Show your love in front of your kids. Displays of affection are like cement in your relationship. Holding hands while watching a movie or television program. An appropriate kiss before leaving for work or after coming home. A big hug for a “job well done” on dinner or for an accomplishment at work tell your kids that mom and dad enjoy each others presence.
Finally Stop your kids from disrespecting your spouse. Couples have to communicate with each other when they feel they are losing respect from a child. On numerous occasions we have and still do, sit our kids down and let them know that their words or tone of voice is disrespectful to one or both of us. Further we explain that if that disrespectful action doesn’t change there will be consequences paid.
Here’s helping you Celebrate!
J&L
Commemorating Accomplishments
Jay and Laura talk about the importance of commemorating accomplishments and achievements in your marriage, and family as well!
Committing for Life
Jay and Laura take a look at Jay’s parent’s 54 year anniversary that just passed and tell you how they’ve kept the flame burning for so long. And how you can too.
Praise Your Wife!
I (Jay) tell men all over the country that they should praise their wife publicly. One way to hold your wife in high esteem is to publicly acknowledge her gifts and abilities. Not only is it the RIGHT thing to do but it screams to the world and more importantly HER that you love her.
This past weekend, I had the privilege of being Laura’s “roadie” as she spoke at a women’s conference at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC. I ran (albeit not well) her Keynote presentation (read slides) from the sound booth, made sure she had water on stage and generally took care of her “every” need… (read rubbed her feet after she wore high heels)…
Anyway, she gave her new presentation “It’s Gotta Be the Shoes” throughout the weekend, and frankly knocked the ball out of the park! Anyone who’s seen one of our date nights and/or one of our conferences is aware of Laura’s love of shoes (doesn’t EVERY woman love shoes?) Well, Laura has taken her love of shoes and created an entire weekend retreat (As well as upcoming book/Bible study) on the different “shoes” that a woman wears in her life. From “Dancing shoes” to “Comfortable Shoes” and many in between.
I was humbled to watch my wife as she wove a wonderful weekend together where the women laughed, cried, and hugged! I was so glad I was firmly planted in the sound booth!
My wife is a fabulous communicator! I have to admit, as I watched her “doing her thang!” that there were tears in my eyes too as I praised the Lord for the gift he’s given me in Laura.
So praise your wife publicly…in fact why not do it right here on this blog! Or…ladies why not share a time when your hubby praised you publicly and tell us how it made you feel.
Blessings~
Jay
Thinking about DIVORCE? Read this FIRST!
Rarely do we post other people’s writing, but this article is so good we thought it deserved attention.
CAUTION: The language is as rough as the divorce you’re contemplating!
Wasbands And Wives: Seven Reasons To Stay Married
Huffington Post
9-18-11 by Gigi Levangie
Helping you Celebrate Your Marriage!
Jay & Laura
