A middle-schooler waking up Monday morning wishing it was Saturday is one thing - asking to stay home Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday is another. Concerned, I asked mine what was up. With a teary-eyed reply, "Momma, I'm stressed," I quickly realized the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.

Early morning wake-ups and after school activities were leaving the kid with little down time and she was just keeping up with her homework. She was one study hall away from falling behind and worried about it all the time. So, we talked.

After gently pointing out that there was no reason for her to not have her homework done after a four-day weekend, we talked about non-negotiables (school and sleep). We talked about the sports and after-school activities she was in and we talked about choice. Did she want to discontinue an activity or sport? The choice was hers.

I then thought about how I move through my days and how I approach work, workload, and the daily grind. It's no wonder she wasn't handling school, homework and her flurry of activities well. She looked around her for guidance and didn't have a positive example to follow.

I'd like to say I'll change tomorrow and become less of whatever it is that keeps me wrapped so tight but that's not realistic.

What is realistic is that I pause more often, do whatever I need to do to unwind so I can be present at home and remember that my little girl needs me to always be aware of her, her life and all that happens in it.

There is nothing more sobering than seeing your choices reflected in the tears of your child.

Today is Tim Sackett Day, aka the day we recognize someone we heart in Human Resources who won't end up on some fancy influencer list.

This year, our Tim Sackett Day honoree is Paul Hebert. Paul is the incentive go-to-guy and a wonder of a human being. I first met Paul at an HR conference and although we don't cross paths often, he is my guy for anything incentive and reward related.

I have his incentive primer starred in my Google Reader. Because of a conversation I had with Paul after my daughter received her first report card, I know paying for grades (e.g., $1.00 for an A) isn't a great idea. Instead, I recognize the quality she work she does and the attention she pays to her school assignments..

If you don't know Paul Hebert, you are missing out. It's never too late to add another link to you reader, another connection to your LinkedIn profile or another face to your Twitter stream. You can find Paul here (hover to highlight and click to follow links):

We are using the hashtag #timsackettday on Twitter for Paul's recognition as a heroic HR person and human being. Keep an eye out for the tweets and RT a few of them!

Here's to Paul!

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The Daily Grind: A Day in the Life Sunday

Lisa Rosendahl