What are your kids up to this summer?  Day Camp?  Beach trips? Carnivals? Long days at the pool?  For those of us still plugging away at the office while our kids are painting their toenails and sipping lemonade through a florecent twisty-straw, don't get discouraged.  You can still relate to your kids – and even teach them a thing or two this summer.  Ever think about how your experiences at work relate to your kids' summer vacation?    The two aren't as opposite as they seem. 

• Communication:  You're always encouraged to communicate effectively at work, and your kids should do the same this summer.  Have them communicate clearly to you where they will be, which friends they will be spending time with, and have them communicate about how they're going to communicate.  Cell phone?  House phone?  Walking home to check in?  A clear communication plan doesn't just happen at work.  It happens during long summer days when kids are playing and enjoying their free time and independence.  

• Time-Management:  You may feel swamped at the office and find yourself needing to prioritize tasks.  Kids may have this issue with summer plans.  Should I go to the beach with Hannah – or have a relaxing mall day with Zoe?  (if only we had those choices!  Our seem more alongs the lines of should I get this 75 page presentation completed ASAP or grab some lunch before I faint from exhaustion!)  This is an excellent opportunity to teach your children proper time management, choosing scenarios wisely, and prioritizing activities within their schedules.

• Creativity:  It may seem easy for kids to be creative in the summertime – but after a few weeks of little responsibilities and flexible schedules, kids may become bored or glued to the TV screen.  Just as we struggle to find creativity at work – kids may have the same struggles during the summer.  Have your kids create a list of creative games, places, or activities.  See how many fun ideas they can come up with on their own.  Are they facing an all-too-familiar mental block?  Have them get inspiration from others (without being too competitive or jealous), take a break and refresh their thoughts – then come back and ponder some more!

• Teamwork:  A family, just like an office – requires teamwork.  Children may have their own agendas; adults surely have their own as well.   How can a family mesh the two cohesively – especially when the lines of responsibilities and summer-time fun are blurred.  The answer is teamwork.  A family must view themselves a team – each member playing a different role with different expectations and abilities.  In order to gain fun or personal time – a child may need to pitch in with helping younger siblings, house   chores, or completing summer homework.  The same is true for adults.  Although we are busy with work and our pressing schedules – we should still remember to spend time with our kids, not resent their leisure summer schedules, and encourage them to manage their times wisely – and enjoy it too!

Men are from Mars – women are from Venus.  We've heard this line before.  Sure, men and women are different in many ways – we express ourselves differently, communicate differently, and react to situations differently.  But if we'd all be a little more honest, patient, and understanding (ahem, ladies) – I think we'd expose some secrets about gender roles we may not have recognized before.

Gentleman – you're about to be exposed.   Here are top 10 secrets guys wished you knew (according to a group of psychologists studying gender roles, of course.)

1.  Men Say “I Love You” with actions:  For the men of few words – actions speak louder than words.  Instead of actually verbalizing his love, your guy may take out the trash, fix the leaky sink, or set the table – just to show you he cares. 

2.  Contrary to popular belief – men take commitment seriously:  It may take them longer to build trust and feel comfortable, but once they are committed – most men are in it for the long run.  In fact, a recent study showed that 90% of married men claim they would marry the same woman again.

3.  He REALLY is listening:  Women often respond with “yes” or “I see” while listening to someone else talk.  Often times, men prefer to listen quietly – but don't worry, they're still listening - most of time ;)

4. Shared activities form bonds:  Men strengthen their relationship through activities rather than expressing or verbalizing their feelings.  Physical interaction like sports and intimacy make men feel closer to their loved one.

5.  Men need time to themselves:  Call it nurturing his individuality or blowing off steam.  Regardless, guys need time to themselves.  Encourage your man to pursue his hobbies – and give him the space he needs.

6.  Men learn from their fathers:  The good, the bad, and the ugly – guys learn a lot from their dads.  Whether they choose to follow in their footsteps or go the opposite direction – men are influenced by their father's relationships. 

7.  Men let go faster than women:  Women tend to dwell on negative experiences or arguments longer than men do.  If a woman wants to discuss last night's argument, the guy may have already put it behind him. On the positive side – here's to forgiving and forgetting!

8.  Men don't pick up on subtle hints:  When it comes to communicating with men – it's best to be direct.  Chances are, they won't pick up on cues like tone of voice or facial expressions.

9.  Men respond positively to appreciation:  Compliment him, validate him, and appreciate him.  Men are more responsive and more willing to help when they feel competent and needed.

10.  Men stray when their needs aren't met:  Although men are committed – they need to be appreciated and assured that their needs are met.  If not – they will seek satisfaction from other sources.  That's why it's important to communicate and make sure that both yours and his needs are met.

What do the guys think?  True?  Untrue?

Rebuttals welcome... (be nice)

Ladies…Opinions?  Speak now before YOUR relationship secrets are revealed:)