How do you greet your husband when he comes home from work?
When he walks through the front door is it just business as usual? Or, do you celebrate his return with a hug or a kiss? Better yet, how do your children treat him?
My dad worked long hours as a truck driver. When he came home at night my sisters and brother and me made a beeline to the front door to greet him with arms open wide. As much as I’d love to tell you we were just an incredibly loving family and it came natural for us…that’s not entirely the case.
My mom trained us that way. When she heard dad’s old El Camino pull into the driveway she’d yell, “Dad’s home!” It was a joyful occasion. She taught us by leading the charge. Dinner was on the stove and no matter what happened in her day, she respected my father enough to welcome with a loving hug and a kiss.
We Live What We Learn
Last week my husband was on a business trip. He called me from the airport to surprise me—he had booked an earlier flight home. I hurried and cleaned the house (Which was an extreme mess while he was gone), popped pumpkin bread into the oven and shared the news with the kids. When their dad came home he was greeted well. We even had a little chalkboard sign to make the celebration official.
What about you? When was the last time your husband came home and you made a big deal out of it? If you struggle to be happy that he’s home—your kids will struggle with it, too. Don’t wait for him to be different, take the lead and show kindness first.
When your husband comes home tonight:
- Turn off the TV. Give him your full attention.
- Tell the kids their dad is home and send them off to greet him.
- Take the initiative and kiss him when he walks in. (Kids may protest but they love to see affection between their parents.)
- I’ll give you extra credit points if you have dinner ready.
Don’t wait for a special occasion. Teach your children to greet their father with love and respect. Better yet, race them to the front door and greet him first.
*Joanne Kraft is the author of Just Too Busy–Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical and The Mean Mom’s Guide to Raising Great Kids (Coming Spring 2015). Connect with her at JoanneKraft.com .
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