It’s tough to stay in touch with your kids when you spend most of your time at work… and they spend most of their time in the classroom.  One family handles it this way:  When the kids get home from school, the first thing they do—even before they head to the refrigerator—is call their father.  It’s not just a once-in-a-while thing.  Dad puts it on his calendar… and sets that time aside every day, so he’ll be free when the call comes in.  Even if there’s nothing major to report, those short calls will bring long-term benefits and keep the lines of communication open.  For more on this topic, go to my blog at MarkMerrill.com.