Hello Col_B, hey, very good of you to have these thoughts for your kids & am happy/proud of you!
I would think for starters: explain to your kids that just because your marriage failed or hicupped (depends upon status) - it does NOT mean they have to undergo the same lifestyle. We do not inherit sickness, bad habits, karma or anything from our parents nor do we pass on any of these qualities to our children. We're all masters of our own destiny & make our own choices in life (for better or worse). Teach them firstly, "Self respect" because that's where it all starts - if you love & respect yourself, you'll take proper care of your body, not smoke, do drugs nor partake in drinks! That's what today's (or years bygone) generation lack; RESPECT! Having written this I suddenly get a vision of Teens standing on a corner, with ill fitting clothes, caps/hats skewdly perched on the heads, couple fingers in the air - arms twistedly waved about in arthritic gestures, intoning chorus fashion "respect homey", (sic) That's not it!
As far as possible, involve them in genuine pleasurable family type activities & most important: "DO IT WITH THEM"! Fishing (catch & release if you/they squemish), walks in parks (identify, birds, trees, plants etc), fly kites, walks on the beach, early morning/late afternoon, dancing (I used to love dancing with mine & always take them for our golf clubs annual Xmas bash), play golf together or "Putt Putt" if its not your bag! Learn some music instrument together - lots of lesson for free from the www, go camping - anything that can strengthen the bonds amongst you!
Swamp them with books/magazines, things of their age group/hobbies, Nat Geo, Readers Digest, Garden & Home, or whatever floats your boat! Keep their minds occupied at all times is where I'm going - and don't let them watch TV soapies like, Loving, desperate housewives, days of our lives, etc; these shows most remind them of infidility, breaks ups, multiple lovers, divorces etc! IMHO, most bored couples watch these soapies & really sub consciously start to act out THOSE lives themselves; hence more break up & failed marriages now then before the advent of these programs! And hug them as much as you can!
Hell! You'll be like me! only difference will be, you'll be having a greater time! I'll get a similar custome to yours, stick some swords by our sides & a few feathers in our caps! I'll call you Athos & you can call me Porthos - we'll have to pick up Aramis from the village inn; he's rounding up the maidens!
Ok! Back to CS reality - we're all born with 2 unique qualities, character & free will and these determine "what we want to become in life"?. Do we want to further our education, standards in life or join some mindless mob? I'm sure you find the answer in your own hearth! One can always raise above the environment he is born in; some incredibily down trodden slums have produced some brilliant & noteworthy people! Look at all the Great people in our History books - not all of them were born in gold spoon environments. Anyways! That's my take on it!
Ali, best bet would be to speak to your ISP as charges & other factors vary from country to country. But as someone also said Skype is free (yet Microsoft paid a few milliion for it) & you could also try that!
Does this now mean, you be calling your favoutite CS posters, worldwide?
Hey Al, It's software you load on your PC, connect up a microphone (good quality) or a high quality headset, with both microphone + speakers that go into your ear. Connect up normally to internet ( you need good bandwidth + clear connection) & you then activat s/w, dial no & you are now using your internet connection to talk & receive msg!
RE: Describe urself in one word!
Apa masalah kau sebenar nyo?Sleeeeppppy!