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Appearances
As seen on the weekly Love & Marriage segment of Fox8
As heard co-hosting Relationship Thursdays on Q104
As seen as a guest relationship expert on iVillage.com
NEW! Listen to Kathy's 2-part interview with Trapper Jack and the Morning Show.
Part 1 Part 2Kathy Dawson is a member of the International Coach Federation
Children the New Spouses?
In her new book, Marriage Confidential, Pamela Haag says that in today’s world, “Children have become the new spouses.” She talks about how in semi-happy marriages, the children take center stage, putting the marriage lower on the priority list. I couldn’t agree more. Currently, in our culture, more and more parents make their kids the focal point by making their children’s activities the most important priority. I think that’s a mistake. Children need to know that Mommy and Daddy love them, no doubt. More importantly, though, kids need to know Mommy and Daddy love each other. For example, scheduling a date with each other and working the kids’ activities around the date, rather than the other way around is a good first step. To read Glamour Magazine’s interview with Pamela Haag, click here.
Drama – Free Vacations!
Is it possible to have a drama-free summer vacation? I answered that question during an appearance on Channel 3′s Good Company Show this morning. I made several suggestions to help you and your mate (with or without kids) reduce drama during your trip.
- Meet as a couple or as a family at least one week before your vacation to make sure you are on the same page in the following areas:
- Be clear on your vacation “theme.” Is the theme of your vacation relaxation or activity? If it’s a mix of both, be sure to understand how much relaxation and activity each person wants.
- Talk about your food expectations. How much fine dining do you want to do? Do you want to cook on vacation? Would you rather dine casually the entire time?
- Will this be a techno-free vacation or will you be bringing your laptop or Blackberry?
- Have an exit plan. Make sure you exit your home to leave for your vacation in as calm and orderly way as possible. How you leave your home sets the tone for traveling.
- If you are driving, avoid arguing while your motor vehicle is in motion! If you feel an argument coming on, pull over.
- Have had a discussion with your mate in advance as to what your budget is for the trip. What you agree to spend on the vacation may help determine the trip’s theme and dining decisions.
BON VOYAGE!
Long Distance Dining
Many, many couples maintain a long distance relationship and it’s tough. Although there are more ways to connect today with the advent of technology, it is still a challenge to keep an emotional tie when life doles out so many distractions. I know a young couple who has come up with a creative way to utilize a particular tie that binds.
Because one of them is in Cleveland and the other is in Boston, they obviously can’t dine together. They haven’t let the distance issue stop them, however. Every once in awhile this couple will pick a restaurant they know has locations in Boston and Cleveland and order in from that restaurant. It turns out to be a dinner by phone rather than by candlelight, but it works for them as they feel a special bond while eating from the same restaurant. This idea of long distance dining is but one of the tools they use to help them stay connected over several states.
In the Doghouse
Today in Cleveland’s Plain Dealer, Michael Heaton talks about how guys can avoid landing in the doghouse. He states two basic ways men can avoid getting into big, big trouble with their significant others. Way #1 is to initiate a call to their mate when they know they are going to be late or have to change plans. Immobilized in fear that they will get “yelled at,” guys often avoid being proactive. Wrong move! Heaton is right when he says that calling asap with a change in plans is the best choice a man can make.
Heaton says Way #2 for a guy to stay out of the doghouse is for him to admit when he’s made a mistake. Bingo! If a guy screws up and says, “I was wrong,” he automatically ratchets up his trustworthiness and integrity .
