We’ve all faked a sick day or two in order to get some extra sleep and recuperate after a night of celebration, to get some last minute shopping done, or to pamper ourselves at a local spa. Go ahead, admit it. The boss isn’t watching. And while these little discrepancies aren’t exactly worthy of major guilt or fear of job termination - everyone needs a break now and then, right? - they could cost you some money in the long run. But, sometimes that night out with your old college roommate you haven’t seen in a few years is worth it.

All secrets aside, there are times when you actually need to take a few days, weeks, or even months off from work. These are the times when you are actually sick, or even injured, to the degree that you can’t make it to work, or be very productive even if you could. To protect yourself against these times, you should consider purchasing disability insurance.
Many employees have family concerns, i.e., bills to pay and mouths to feed. Without a substantial supplemental income during the time they’re off work, it can be quite difficult to meet these family concerns.

Sure, there are programs such as workers’ compensation and Social Security that can lend a financial hand when you find yourself too sick, injured, or disabled to work for a certain amount of time. And some employers even offer disability insurance for a low cost, or no cost, to their employees. However, each of these kinds of programs are usually very limited in the financial assistance they dole out, and recipients of the financial assistance must meet certain qualifications before they are considered unable to work for a period of time.

Don’t rely solely on your employer or government programs to help you and your family in your time of need. Put your family concerns to rest by purchasing a disability insurance policy.

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Andy Rooney is the quintessential grandpa. He is also a rich and famous journalist who makes his living sitting in front of a desk and telling his adoring fans that there is not as much coffee in coffee cans these days. He is not without his detractors.

How would I most benefit if Andy Rooney were my grandfather; besides the possibility of a large inheritance? I would overlook his shortcomings and pay close attention and spend as much time as possible with him.

If I have learned anything in this life (the jury is still out on that question) it is that I, and from what I can tell from observation most of the rest of humanity, have failed to take advantage of whatever wisdom my grandfather might have imparted to me if I hadn’t been so busy learning how to avoid getting the 8-ball in the pocket at the wrong time.

I must beg for some compassion considering the fact that I didn’t know my paternal grandfather and my maternal grandfather was an inattentive slob who co-authored 10 children by his wife, my grandmother, and 5 more by his live-in mistress in another town. Somehow he managed to run two successful businesses despite all these responsibilities, considerable girth and a penchant for pickled pigs-feet, limburger cheese and mounds of sauerkraut. Not to mention an ever-present cigar.

As far as I know he had little culture to impart to me and I found him repellant. But I don’t know. What if I had cultivated his friendship in spite of the odor? Running two successful businesses and maintaining two productive households ain’t hay. Surely there was something to learn worth retaining.

Well, I blew that one; mostly because of the limburger I think. One must learn to overcome superficial obstacles.

As happenstance would have it I later married a woman of splendid quality who brought nothing but joy to the marriage. Would that I could say the same for myself but she seemed to like me in spite of my flaws.

Her grandmother had married a man 20 years her junior, at his insistence. He was the head of the math department at two different colleges and an ardent collector of art, especially ceramics of the modern persuasion. He was a real sponsor, feeding the hungry artists, introducing them to important people, promoting their careers selflessly. And I? I was so enamored of my loving wife I didn’t take time to be with him and gain his wisdom and try to be more like him.

So make an effort not to be overly distracted by limburger or love from getting the most from your grandfather. You’ll be a better person.

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It is very easy for a Mom to take on a large part of the responsibilities of raising a child even when she has a loyal and dedicated partner. There are several things you manage, nursing, cleaning, laundry, cooking, and caring and playing with your little ones. Not to mention any other miscellaneous tasks that may come up. Between naps may be the only private time a mother receives during a busy day. Allowing your partner to assist and asking for their help can really help alleviate any exhaustion.

A common misconception is assuming your partner knows that you need help. Often as long as the tasks and responsibilities are taken care of, your partner assumes that everything is under control. They may even assume that you are not experiencing any form of exhaustion at all. The key here is to communicate with your partner some of your daily tasks. This allows them to get a better idea of what your typical day is like.

Allow your partner to be more involved with the caretaking of your little ones. While they are together try to minimize jumping in to fix the situation when challenges between the two arise. Allowing your partner to problem solve when situations occur only increases your partner’s confidence in handling matters. It also allows them to strengthen their already loving bond with their child.

If you need help doing housework or any other chores, don’t be afraid to ask your partner for help. Make your needs known to your partner so that there is no miscommunication. You just may discover that your partner will actually appreciate being asked to be more involved with daily activities.

Being open about your needs prevents resentments from occurring and alleviates tension for both parties. Remember that your partner doesn’t know your thoughts unless you express them.

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