When Covey s children were growing up, he used to get a copy of their school s calendar of events. He never missed one. The trouble with workaholics is that, just like those addicted to alcohol and gambling, most won t face the fact they are addicted. After all, they are providing for their families. There s no outward trapping of Workaholism like empty bottles and empty bank accounts to show them the symptoms.
Workaholics believe they are taking care of their families.
They really believe that material things make up for lost family time. They won t believe that they get their kicks at work, not at home. The families of alcoholics and gaming addicts have Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous to turn to for help. There s no such organization for the families of workaholics. A more subtle approach may be the gift of a good book for an anniversary, a birthday or just in time for vacation reading.