In my last post, I introduced the idea of making a small change in a behavior pattern in order to achieve a new, more positive outcome.

Here is an example: Let’s say you come home every day from a stressful day at work, and the kids are always clamoring for your immediate attention.

It is this part you want to impact. Of course you want to spend time with them, just not before you even set your laptop on the counter.

Spend some valuable time up front teaching them to give you 15 minutes to regroup, and reward them for this good choice with your full attention at the time of your choosing, say a special one-on-one outing with you during the weekend. Even if it is a ride with you to the dry cleaners, 1:1 time is very special for your children. They will learn the skill of delayed gratification (a skill that research shows bodes well for them in school and later in life at work) and you get the time to transition into your evening appropriately.

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