210: How to have hard, family- and business-improving conversations

The bond a mother has for her children can sometimes make high-achieving men feel like deadbeat dads just because they can’t cultivate the same kind of connections. Men sometimes feel like losers when their kids don’t come to them with requests or to get advice and instead constantly run to Mom. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The Lions we work with are far from deadbeat dads, but can still learn some assertive parenting skills. And Mom? She’d prefer if the kids ran to you as often as they do to her. She doesn’t like bearing that burden alone. In this episode, Bill and I talk about what you, Lion, can do for the mother of your children to support her in her calling. It’s all about assertive parenting, especially if she’s the one the kids always run to for everything. This cooperative assertive parenting skill will serve you at home well, especially if your wife has a hard time taking feedback from you. It will also improve your ability to lead in your business if you understand it well. In supporting your wife more effectively through the assertive parenting advice we share this week, you’ll find that your kids love and respect you more because of the way your home life works.   If you have a wife with a generous soul who does a ton for your kids, listen to this episode. If you feel like you can never give your wife feedback and that’s hurting your relationships at home, this episode is for you. And if you’d like a happier mother and a happier family, click play in the player above to get started. Mothers never give up on their children; so never give up on your children’s mother. Listen to this episode to hear Bill and I talk about assertive parenting skills and more: The one thing that makes most high-achieving fathers feel like a deadbeat dad. The reasons you shouldn’t feel like a deadbeat dad. The story about why it still feels like my Momma is holding my hand through life. Why Bill’s mom still treats him like he’s 10 years old. How to get back in favor with kids who like mom more. How getting back in favor will make their mother happier. The accidental events that create “Mommy favortism.” The assertive parenting and leadership skill that will improve all your relationships. Books and resources mentioned in this episode: Some of the following links are affiliate links. If you click through and purchase Rusty Lion Academy may get a small commission. “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High,” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler “Crucial Confrontations: Tools for Resolving Broken Promises, Violated Expectations, and Bad Behavior,” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler Assert to lead: Assertive men lead best, but only 5 percent of men know how to be assertive. If you want freedom to lead better and still be more available at home, click here to apply for a free 30-minute video Freedom Breakthrough Session.