Families can improve, too

Parent Connection

By Bryan Greeson

(Updated: Wednesday, March 26, 2008, 5:15 PM)

With all the joys and excitement that March Madness brings to millions of basketball fans, folks can't help but be reminded of spring cleaning this time of year. The No. 1 task for many folks is to clean out the garage. Today, let's explore how you can do some family spring cleaning as well.

First, check out all of the clutter. Your garage barely has enough room to park your cars, and it's all you can do to keep from breaking your neck when you stumble toward the door. Why is it, then, that we don't just throw most of such junk out? It's because we're used to it, and it would require a proactive stance to make a change. Add to that the fear that maybe, just maybe during that one blue moon you will actually use whatever it is. It's the same with your family routine.

Maybe it's fighting over getting homework done, never sitting down to the table together to eat because of the five ballgames this week, or perhaps the lack of quality conversation because the flat screen is on 24/7. Whatever the clutter in your family, now is the time to proactively clean it out.

Second, check over your yard equipment. Your mower, string trimmer, and yes, even that half-ton, mega cc state-of-the-art leaf blower (that your neighbors loathe) all need to be serviced. Sure, it may take up your Saturday morning, but the time invested will promote a long lasting relationship between you and your power equipment.

The same goes with the relationship with your kids. If you don't take the time to do some routine "maintenance" with them, you will become greatly disappointed and perhaps saddened one day in the not-so-far-off future. Make family time that counts, and do it routinely. Your parent-child relationship will run much more smoothly and for many years to come.

Next are all the dirty leaves, cobwebs, mud, and other trash that has found its way into your garage and basically made a mess of things. So, once you backed out the cars and cleaned out all the junk, your garage is now wide open and totally exposed to the real dirt.

What about your family? I know this part is not pleasant, but it needs to be addressed. Perhaps you've been constantly arguing with your teen, been avoiding your spouse who is quite angry with you over something you both know is silly, or maybe embarrassed your 11-year-old daughter in front of her friends.

Whatever the conflict or problem, get a broom, sweep up all your pride, stubbornness, and sense of "but I'm the parent" and whisk it out the door. Go to your family member and deal with whatever has been going on before you find that summer is here and you will be spending a week of vacation together.

Whether it's the garage, attic, basement, or back porch -- think about your family and what cleaning may be needed this spring. It may take some sacrifice on your part, but you will be glad you took the time to do the job right.

Bryan Greeson, a nationally certified school psychologist residing in Gastonia, N.C., answers your questions. E-Mail him at parentconnection@hotmail.com.