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Facebook : Family life tip: Let each of your children know what it is about him or her that the other sibling likes or admires.
(Thu May 12, 3:53 am).
By: Margaret Paul, Ph.D.
Summary: Are you having trouble finding time to be with your children and to be with each other? Discover how important this balance is, and what may be the underlying issue in the way of couple time.
A happy and harmonious marriage is a gift to your children
A reader emailed me the following question:
“Many dads and moms, especially those that work full-time, are torn by guilt when it comes to allocation. They have been away from the kids so long during the working week that the weekends MUST be spent with them. Result: There is simply NO couple-time. Any suggestions?
Should kids have to do chores to get allowance?
This is a tough one……
Everyone has their own philosophy about chores being linked to allowance. However, I personally don’t think there is a right or wrong answer. I think it depends on what works best for your family. Try them both! Take note of the results.
To pay or not to pay?
By Judy Arnall http://bit.ly/zAuNFN
Attitude is sarcastic anger. Sometimes, it’s a snarky I – statement or You – statement. If you look underneath, often, it’s a sign that your child is ready for more independence and feels thwarted in some way. Does she have reasonable choices? Can you give her more ability to make decisions? Or does she feel that she never has control over anything? Children want their needs and wants taken care of, just like adults do.
One issue that can be a serious concern for families is a lack of positive communication. Nowadays most of us live in “the fast lane”. We are constantly in a hurry and we struggle to find quality time to spend with one another. Between work commitments, running a household, time consuming technology and a child participating in extra curriculum activities, there seems little time left for the family and sometimes that puts everyone in a difficult position to function at their best. When time is tight, sometimes we communicate more about problems…annoyances and irritations that arise and are on our mind at that second in time. That means we tend to communicate in the heat of the moment when upset, frustrated and threatened.
Being a mother is about falling in love with a child whom you’ve never met. About falling more deeply in love the second you set eyes upon their tiny face. Realizing at that very moment their vulnerability and your lioness instinct to protect. It’s about the need to be with them every waking and sleeping moment. The desire to be part of every new experience, accomplishment and adventure. The yearning to protect them from every fall, hurt and unkind word. Being a mother is about unconditional love, knowing your child is not perfect, but loving them for who they are, who they want to be and who they turn out to be. It’s about guiding, nurturing and teaching. Celebrating the successes no matter how small or insignificant they may seem to others. Having expectations for your child to rise up to and encouraging the baby steps because that is what your child can do today. Being a mother is about giving a part of yourself like you’ve never given before. About the amazingly huge amount of love, fear, pride, hope, respect, anger, responsibility and so much more. It’s about always having room for more. For one more day, one more month, one more year…… one more child. Being a mother is about having enough room in your heart for the overwhelming love you have for one tiny person that has just been placed in your arms.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Thirty years ago Charles and Diana were married in St. Paul’s Cathedral. For those who don’t remember, it was truly a fairytale wedding. A beautiful, young Diana marrying the future King of England. Unfortunately, the fairytale fell apart all too quickly. What caused the destruction? Was it the twelve year age difference? The difference in interests or the fact that Charles had a great deal more life experience than “Shy Di”?
Today William, the future King of England, is marrying what appears to be his best friend, Catherine Middleton. It is the fairytale set amongst wars, political angst and natural disasters giving the world a positive focus. After all, who doesn’t love to sneak a peak of the radiant bride?
Monday can be a difficult day of the week. The first day after what was hopefully a fun, restful, rejuvenating weekend with your family. Monday bolts you out of bed to the startling sound of a buzzer or cranked up music station after two glorious days of getting up when you want. Ok, maybe your weekend wasn’t quite as amazing as you had hoped or planned, but Monday seems to always be the shove back into reality none of us ever want. How do you get your family back on track Monday mornings? Or do you stick with your routines right through the weekends? Tell us about your best attack on Mondays. How did your day go yesterday?
Let’s do brunch! How about starting a new tradition of weekend brunches with the family. You can find some great ideas and quick recipes to help you plan future brunches giving you a great opportunity to reconnect with everyone and have a few good belly laughs. Even one special day a week can make a big difference for the whole family. Bon appétit!
“Oh for goodness sake!” is my pat response to my children wanting to eat…….again! ” Can’t you just go without?” It seems like a simple request, but apparently for whatever reason they continue to require sustenance. Why can’t they be more like me? Go without food for several hours, even days! Ok, probably not the healthiest solution, but when I’m busy, I tend to forget about food. I know, it sounds insane. But I truly do forget about eating, at least until my stomach starts growling so loud it becomes embarrassing, but a quick drink of water can often solve that. For at least a few minutes anyway.