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FEB 2025
Lead, Follow, Learn The Highs and Lows of Taking Charge
From Valentine’s Day to Black History Month, February encourages us to reflect on the relationships we value and the impact we want to make. It also hosts National Leadership Day on Feb. 20, which has me thinking about the responsibilities of leadership in my professional and home lives. Leadership, at its core, is about being accountable, trustworthy, and willing to grow. At the office, I strive to model those qualities every day. I believe great leadership starts with humility. Mistakes are inevitable, but the ability to admit them and learn from them defines how a leader sets the tone for their team. It’s not always easy to admit you don’t have all the answers, but when you do, it creates an environment where others feel safe to grow and innovate. Trust is equally important. As a leader, I’ve learned that micromanagement undermines
the people you rely on. Instead, I try to equip my team with the tools and guidance they need to succeed and then step back, trusting them to take ownership of their work. That trust strengthens our team and allows me to focus on the bigger picture. The strongest leaders surround themselves with capable people, admit their own limitations, and empower others to step up. That lesson has been easier for me to apply at work than at home. As the father of a 5-year- old son, Luke, and a 3-year-old daughter, Nora, I often find myself in situations where I don’t have all the answers. Parenting, much like leadership, requires humility, trust, and patience. But unlike work, it’s harder to admit when I’m out of my depth. For example, Luke has a knack for turning everyday items into tools for his imagination. One day he’s building a fort out of every blanket and pillow in the house; the next, he’s pulling things off my desk to play “office.” I could easily tell him to stick to his toys and avoid making a mess, but I remind myself that these moments are his creativity and problem-solving skills growing. Watching him and Nora explore the world around them teaches me to let go and let them figure things out. But not every parenting challenge is as simple as letting go. There are moments when I wonder if I’m making the right choices. Asking for help in those moments isn’t easy. As a parent, it’s personal — it feels like admitting you’re failing. If I really knew what I was doing,
would I need help? That internal doubt is something I’ve had to work through. As a leader, I’ve come to rely on the strengths of those around me. I don’t hesitate to seek input from my team or turn to experts when I know someone else can do a better job than me. As a parent, making that shift is harder, but I’ve realized that seeking help doesn’t make me less of a parent — it makes me a better one. The parallels between the two roles are striking. Both require humility, trust, and a willingness to admit when you’re out of your depth. But while leading at work often feels like a collaborative effort, leading at home feels deeply personal. That’s where the challenge — and the reward — lies. Whether we’re leading a team or a family, we’re bound to face moments of doubt. What matters is how we respond. By leaning into humility, trusting those around us, and being open to
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learning, we can lead with authenticity and purpose in every area of our lives.
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The Perks and Pitfalls of Caffeine Brew-tally Honest Perk up, coffee lovers. We’re about to spill the beans on how the beloved brew can be a friend and foe to our mental health. Caffeine can lift our spirits, energize us, sharpen our focus, and even counteract the effects of depression. But this popular stimulant can also lead to jitters, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms if we sip too much. Grab a cup of Joe, and let’s explore the perks and pitfalls of this flavorful fuel. BUZZ BEHIND THE BOOST Studies have found that moderate doses of caffeine can have perks. This naturally occurring stimulant can help with weight loss, alertness, brain function, memory, and physical performance. Caffeine can also guard against certain types of cancer, strokes, and Alzheimer’s disease. There’s even proof that coffee can reduce depression, thanks to the other acids in the drink that reduce inflamed nerve cells in the brains of people with depression. BUZZ KILL Caffeine can be a needed pick-me-up, but it can also feed the grind that keeps you up at night or gives you anxiety. Tea and coffee can interfere with essential
neurotransmitters like dopamine. This disruption can lead to a lack of motivation, irritability, and restlessness. Drinking too much of these fine brews can make you nervous, impact your sleep, and cause your body to go into flight or fight mode. For people who are already suffering from depression, the drink can cause your symptoms to worsen. So, as you drink your morning java, just remember to find the balance with the beans. Caffeine can be the ultimate mood booster, but too much will make you feel wired instead of wonderful!
Shattered Shelters
The Divorce Dilemma of Domestic Violence
Divorce can occur for many reasons, but domestic violence is one of the most common — and most devastating — reasons behind a marriage’s dissolution. In addition to severely affecting the abused partner, a domestic violence situation can dramatically impact the physical safety and mental health of children. It can also complicate divorce proceedings, influencing everything from asset division to access to the family home. Here is an overview of how domestic abuse plays into divorce proceedings in Illinois. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEFINED The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women classifies domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” This definition includes “physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions or threats of actions or other patterns of coercive behavior that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship.” BLAME AND BURDEN Because Illinois is a no-fault state, neither blame nor fault needs to be proven to obtain a divorce. As such, domestic violence is not considered grounds for divorce on its own; however, it can significantly impact how a case unfolds. For example, an abused spouse could request a protection order, which could prevent the aggressor from
accessing certain shared assets, including the home. If a child is also a victim of domestic violence, the court may order
supervised visitation or even deny the abusive spouse any parenting time. In some cases, the spouse who is awarded the more significant share of parenting time as a result of domestic violence may be entitled to receive child support to help cover the added responsibilities. THE POWER OF PROOF
Due to the serious nature of a domestic violence accusation and the potential consequences for the accused, it is essential to present tangible proof. Evidence could include police reports, medical reports, photographs, videos, texts, and emails. Preserving these items may be critical to demonstrating to the court that abuse occurred. For more information on your legal rights, please contact us at (312) 488-1938 . If you are the victim of domestic violence, help is available by calling the Chicago Domestic Violence Hotline at (877) 863-6338 (1-877-TO END DV) .
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Same Sex, Different Stress The Legal Labyrinths of LGBTQ+ Divorce
It has been 10 years since non-heterosexual marriage gained legal recognition in all 50 states, and the number of these marriages continues to grow. In the first five years of these legally sanctioned unions alone, more than 250,000 LGBTQ+ couples nationwide made their partnerships official. Unfortunately, the realities of life don’t always translate to long-lasting love, and not all of these marriages have endured. While divorces of any kind typically involve some level of negotiations concerning spousal support and the division of marital assets, separations between LGBTQ+ couples often have unique circumstances to consider. CUSTODY CHALLENGES Parenthood often goes hand-in-hand with marriage, but the legalities surrounding parental rights in LGBTQ+ divorces can differ from those in heterosexual unions. Custody decisions may be complicated by issues more common among same-sex partnerships,
including surrogacy agreements, adoption, and non-biological parentage. Sometimes, one spouse may not have legal parental rights despite developing a particularly strong emotional bond with the child or children in the household. Regardless of the parental arrangements made before the decision to divorce, an experienced attorney can help advocate for and defend your parental role. CIVIL UNION CONFUSION Of course, legal LGBTQ+ unions existed well before marriage became an option across the U.S. in 2015. Couples may have entered into a domestic partnership or civil union before officially walking down the aisle. Unfortunately, these past arrangements can add layers of conflict and confusion when it comes time to dissolve a marriage. For example, do the couple’s assets date back to their initial civil union/domestic partnership, or should they only be considered from the time they were legally married? This is one
of many questions unique to marriages preceded by alternative arrangements. Our firm is committed to representing all clients fairly in pursuit of what they’re entitled to in a divorce. Contact us today at (312) 488-1938 to discuss the specific laws and options relevant to LGBTQ+ cases.
TAKE A BREAK
Roast Pork With Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients • 3 tbsp brown sugar • 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 red onion, sliced • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided • Pinch of cayenne pepper • 1 cup chicken broth • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 2 cloves garlic, minced • Salt and black pepper • 1 1/2 lbs pork tenderloin • 1 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Directions 1.
Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, sage, garlic, salt, and black pepper, then rub mixture on pork. 3. On a baking sheet, toss sweet potatoes and red onion with 1 tbsp olive oil, cayenne, and salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes then set aside. 4. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add remaining olive oil. When hot, add pork and sear for 5 minutes. Transfer to baking sheet with vegetables and bake for 11–13 minutes, or until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 F. 5. Add broth to skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in Dijon, chives, and black pepper. Slice pork, drizzle with the pan sauce, and serve with sweet potatoes.
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161 N. Clark, Ste. 1700 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 488-1938 rbbfirm.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
1.
Leadership at Home and Work
2.
Is Your Coffee a Friend or Foe?
Avenues to Address Abuse
3.
Separation Struggles for Same-Sex Couples
Roast Pork With Sweet Potatoes
4.
Master the Art of Chore Scheduling for Kids at Every Age
Chore-Time Reinvented Turn Daily Chores Into Lessons in Responsibility and Teamwork
including laundry and babysitting younger siblings, preparing them for future independence.
TRACK CHORES CREATIVELY. Use chore charts, jars, or wheels to track tasks visually, helping kids stay organized. These tools make it easy to see what they’ve accomplished and what they still need to do, adding a layer of accountability and accomplishment to daily chores. Search online for templates and examples to spark your creativity! CONSISTENCY IS KEY. Make chores a non-negotiable part of the day to solidify the routine. Even when enthusiasm wanes, maintaining consistency ensures children understand the importance of daily contributions to family life. Regularly review and adjust chores to keep them age- appropriate and engaging. Integrating fun, structure, and discipline through chores helps keep your home orderly and instills lifelong values in your children, setting the foundation for responsible, well- rounded individuals.
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Toddlers (ages 2–3) can help with simple tasks like putting toys away and filling the pet’s food dish, which is great for developing early motor skills. Preschoolers (ages 4–5) can handle slightly more complex jobs, such as making their bed and helping clear the dinner table, which teaches them about daily routines and basic organizational skills. Elementary kids (ages 6–7) can start taking on responsibilities that affect the whole family, such as setting the table and sorting laundry, helping them understand teamwork and household dynamics. Older children (ages 8–9) are ready to contribute more significantly by loading the dishwasher and helping prepare simple meals, skills that teach planning and basic cooking. Preteens and teens (ages 10 and older) can manage most household chores,
Chores can be an incredible tool for teaching children structure, discipline, and responsibility, all while keeping the home tidy and organized. The real challenge is getting your kids to actually do them. Here’s how to make chore time a positive, structured part of your family’s daily routine. SET THE TONE WITH TIMED TASKS. Kick off chore time with a family-wide alarm each evening. This simple signal is a fun reminder that it’s time to tidy up together. This method helps eliminate having to nag and transforms chore time into a routine team effort, reinforcing the value of responsibility and teamwork. ASSIGN AGE-APPROPRIATE CHORES. Providing children with tasks that match their developmental stage is crucial in promoting independence. Here are some suggestions on how to align chores with age:
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