Stop trying to perfect your child, but keep trying to perfect your relationship with him. – Dr. Henker

After three days housebound by both the snowstorm and a mild flu, I emerged today to get in a terrific weight workout at the gym, run some errands and spend the afternoon/evening with Abigail. 

Like most parents of teenagers, I am constantly striving to improve communications with my daughter. 

One of my daily habits – created early on in my routine – was to tell Abbey every day how much I love her. 

After watching how she communicated with her friends – by constant phone texting – I made it a point to send her an “I love you” text every morning when she’s on the schoolbus. 

That one little gesture, though, seems to have opened up new doors in our relationship. 

I also make it a point to spend some one on one time with her every week.  

Today we took the train in to the city with one of her best friends to see the Philadelphia Flower Show. 

It was a fabulous day.  We started off at Philadelphia’s famous Reading Terminal Market – quite probably my favorite place in all of Philadelphia, not counting the Art Museum – where we browsed quite a bit and had dinner. 

Then it was on to the Philadelphia Convention Center. This year’s theme was Bella Italia and acres of gardens, plants and marvelous floral designs awaited us.  

Exhausting (don’t wear heels!) but a great bonding experience!