Selecting the Right Gifts for Dad Has Never Been Easier

Written by William Mathis


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Here's a critical point about interests. Never, ever project yours on to him. Doing so can lead to big problems. For example, if he hasn't directly expressed a desire for a pet, buying him one is a substantial risk. Again, if you're uncertain about what new interests he might have, get some help from others. If you have siblings, through a discussion about options you might decide to present dad with a joint gift this year -- a good way to extend buying power for something that he wouldn't otherwise get.

DAD'S TASTES

Even though you may think he should learn to appreciaterepparttar finer things in life like opera, or he should learn to cook deluxe desserts, gift buying for dad is not about "should." It's not about you, except as a way to show your love and respect. So stick with his tastes in music, books, clothing --whatever. If he has never worn purple, don't bother buying it just because it'srepparttar 111110 color flavor ofrepparttar 111111 year.

YOUR BUDGET

Finally, factor all these issues into how much you want to spend. In this case, tradition might be your best guide.

If you have been buying modest gifts, showing extravagance now might be unsettling and embarrassing for dad. However, if your financial situation has improved after years of pinching pennies, then he will likely accept that your more valuable gift simply reflects your desire to share your change in status with him.

In your price range you will find plenty of options, thoughrepparttar 111112 more flexibility you have financiallyrepparttar 111113 greaterrepparttar 111114 selection. Spending big bucks isn't necessarilyrepparttar 111115 answer, however.

Your gift should simply feel right. If it reflects needs, interests and taste,repparttar 111116 gift will tell him that you cared enough to consider who he really is. Most dads won't be concerned aboutrepparttar 111117 dollar value.

Most of all, your dad is likely to care whether you are able to spend time with him in person or, if you live at a distance, via phone. That's a need and an interest you should address first and foremost. The gift you buy is just a token in comparison to what you can give of yourself.

William Mathis is the owner of http://www.best-mens-gifts.com, a quick and handy guide to choosing gifts for men, whatever the occasion.


My Kids are Driving Me Crazy!

Written by Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC


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A better choice is to ask them what’s bothering them in a compassionate way. Kids will often take out their feelings on someone who they feel safe with—you! And remember that you can tell them in a calm and firm manner that it’s not OK to talk to you that way.

Arguing is a choice for parents. It still takes two to tango. Most parents who complain about their kids arguing are pretty good at it themselves. You may disagree often with your kids, but arguments can usually be avoided if parents can stay disciplined.

Problem #3: My kids aren’t achieving as well as they should

Whether its’ tying their shoes, getting better grades, or success at sports, parents will always be worried about how well their kids are doing compared to other kids. While there certainly are situations that require extra help and support, most ofrepparttar extreme concern about your child’s development is a problem in itself. When parents worry about their child’s capability, it sends a powerful message to this child. Remember that Einstein and Edison were poor students!

The responsibility of parents is to believe in their child’s ability to succeed and to set high expectations for them. The rest is to be patient and to be aware of your own insecurities. It is these insecurities that may be part ofrepparttar 111109 reason your child isn’t doing well.

While it’s easy to point fingers at your kids, rememberrepparttar 111110 old saying: “The apple doesn’t fall far fromrepparttar 111111 tree.”

Parents who attend to their own issues first will find far fewer “rotten apples” in their tree.



Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC, coaches men to be better fathers and husbands. He is the author of “25 Secrets of Emotionally Intelligent Fathers” http://www.markbrandenburg.com/father.htm For more great tips and action steps for fathers, sign up for his FREE bi-weekly newsletter, “Dads, Don’t Fix Your Kids,” at http://www.markbrandenburg.com.




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