Consider The Price of Family Avoidance

We pursue a romantic relationship. In time, that relationship blossoms, a marriage happens, and children add to the beauty of the bond. The miracle of the family begins to take root. Excitement over offspring lasts relatively short, and then the hard work begins. Many parents begin to slowly lose sight of the importance of strong family bonds, and soon, things and activities outside of the family begin to take precedence. I still spend enough time with them, they tell themselves as they pull into a bar, a Starbucks, a gym. But children are much more perceptive than we think. A few minutes shaved from evening playtime, a day shaved from an otherwise weekend family outing. And before they know it, the kids seem less interested and nonchalant about things that once brought smiles. When they've reached the teenage years, a chance to spend a few extra minutes with Mom or Dad is replaced with a few extra minutes with a friend. "And the cat's in the cradle . . ." Now, what once was the blossoming of a miracle has become a tragedy.