We are currently looking for an Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to "Family". If you have expertise in Family and your own website and/or product for this topic, please review this form for complete details. The Official Guide Position is part of our Premium Placement Package
Isn’t it grand being a grandparent? You probably don’t want to be called Grandma or Grandpa because that would make you seem older than you believe you are. You’ve probably come up with some clever name for yourself, which is great. But do you want to know how to be the cleverest grandparent of ... Views: 1603
A reader of my blog "Getting Along with Difficult People" (www.theawarenessinitiative.com/blog) asked how to get along with family members. I can't say that I've mastered the family conumdrum. In fact, I believe that family members are often our greatest and most difficult ongoing teachers. Here ... Views: 1435
Talking to teens and family communication is very important while raising your family. What's interesting is that your teen wants to communicate with you as much as you want to communicate with them. Make as much time as possible to do this so you know what is happening in your teens ... Views: 2406
When was the last time you had a family mealtime together? I don't mean sitting in the car munching on burgers from the drive-through. I mean sitting down at the table and sharing a home-cooked meal.
If you can't remember when you last enjoyed a family mealtime, make plans to have them more ... Views: 2942
Keeping an organized home can be a bit tricky if you have young ones around the house like I do. Some days it feels like you just cleaned up one room and a few minutes later it looks like the Terminator has been in there! But keeping your home clutter free can actually save you time because you ... Views: 2452
Ever have one of those weeks when there is palpable, anger-inciting tension between you and a family member? Or you have had a crushing misunderstanding with one of your dearest friends? Or there is an incident at work that has had you mumbling obscenities under your breath and double-checking ... Views: 8571
Last weekend I was one of 850 people in my local community that participated in the National Walk for Kids Help Phone, celebrating this amazing organization’s 20th year and raising, within just our small group, approximately 210,000 in pledges!
I was so grateful to be a part of this special ... Views: 5219
This month has certainly brought back memories for me as my daughter, Melissa, graduates from high school. It seems that the last 18 years have gone by in a flash as I can still remember, so vividly, my own experience of the prom and all the peripheral, but all too important details such as the ... Views: 2280
After a long week of my husband away on business—and me single handedly creating activities for three young children on Winter Break, shuffling two dogs back and forth to the vet to tend to their various ailments of aging, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, cooking and finally getting all ... Views: 860
Have you heard the expression, "helicopter parents?" Those are the (usually) young parents of small children who are obsessive about keeping in touch with those kids 24/7. They are the parents who buy 6 year olds cell phones so they can be connected at all times. They are the parents who won't ... Views: 1593
When I was about 10 years old, my mother handed me a can of comet and told me to clean the bathroom. Well, she never actually told me how to clean, but somehow she thought that I already knew just from watching her do it. So I went in the bathroom and sprinkled comet everywhere and then used my ... Views: 1515
He made me do it!
There’s a battle going on and by the time you get to the next room something is broken and two kids are angry. After a bit of detective work you figure out who did what. The problem is that the usual suspect is blaming bis brother for his own bad behavior. . .again!
He ... Views: 2202
School will open in weeks and now is the time that Booster Club organizations everywhere are planning for the kick off of their respective seasons. With these trying economic conditions, Booster Clubs will need to become more creative than ever in their fundraising efforts. Local businesses and ... Views: 2689
If you are caring for a loved one and holding down a job, you are not alone. There are over 30 million American workers now dealing with the caregiving/work balancing act. Yet, as a society, we have not accepted aging & caregiving as a natural, normal part of life. For example, every other ... Views: 1638
Being a step-parent is a daunting task, even when you get along with the kids. My stepdaughters live three hours away from me and visit every other weekend, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from being part of their lives! I sat down with them and we brainstormed 99 ways we could keep in ... Views: 1889
Medical procedures and surgery can be terrorizing to a child. The worry, anxiety, fear of pain, and feeling out of control can send kids over the edge - from hysterical crying to aggressive and acting-out behavior, to hiding and crawling up in a fetal position. As nurses and practitioners you ... Views: 948
How many of us have been negatively effected by bad family relationships- past or current?
There is no required school for parenting, and we don't choose our families. In my own case, family relationships had a huge impact on the negative feelings I had toward myself; and these started way ... Views: 1658
Six months ago turbulent financial markets gained national attention. From a journal entry I wrote last September…
"Every friend I have seen in town over the past days brings up the falling Dow and failing banks as a conversation topic. This was not supposed to happen. They are struck by how ... Views: 814
Question:
I seem to have father issues..I am sure its set some limits on my life.....my dad is 80 I am 56....I’ve asked my dad to "connect and relate" with me, to hear me correctly, to allow common ground and understanding and to join the vision..........he seems unwilling or unable to do ... Views: 1217
Part of my personal development regime is to read for at least 15 minutes per day and to meditate for an equal length of time. If that sounds like a discipline in any way – believe me it is! Can I just highlight that this is an intention and I’ve been practicing for years to get it to become a ... Views: 940
In the United States, there are signs of beginning awareness of an issue that policymakers in Australia and the U.K. have recognized for years: More and more children are providing care for elders and other adult relatives with disabilities.
Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, founder and president ... Views: 2169
Having trouble getting on with your in-laws? You are not alone! The impossibility of living in any kind of peace with your partner's family has been a source of woe forever. But knowing that everyone has trouble with their in-laws is not much help in dealing with your in-laws.
If your ... Views: 1408
When I look back at all the criticism and self inflicted guilt I put myself through when I had my first child at tender eighteen, all I could do is laugh and be grateful for those moments. Over the years of steep hills and unknown roads, I have discovered that one on my noblest missions in life ... Views: 1950
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is one of the most popular festivals in the Indian calendar. It is on Rakhi that the precious relationship shared between a brother and a sister is celebrated and strengthened. The name itself is a giveaway; 'Raksha' implying protection and 'Bandhan' signifying the bond. ... Views: 1442
Everywhere you look, things are moving at a fast pace. Hurry up is a common phrase. When I want something, I want it right now. “What? You mean I have to wait 45 seconds for the book I just bought to download? Where’d I put the number for my Internet provider, I need a faster connection!”
The ... Views: 1026
While the fourth of July may be the apex of summer entertaining, every Northerner knows that no matter when it starts, the season is short. Those planning on outdoor entertaining must seize the moment. Whether a big bash is in the works or a small intimate gathering, having the outdoor spaces ... Views: 1123
Vacationing with kids in a car is no vacation. Or another way of saying this is “being cooped up with the kids in the car is the pits”. If you don’t plan on popping in a DVD and letting the kids watch endless movies here are sanity saving ideas for your car trip.
Long trips can be boring for ... Views: 1073
On Saturday morning, my husband and I are taking our youngest two children to Los Angeles, even though we debated canceling the trip for some time. Stephen called our hotel and mentioned that we were considering cancellation because of the economy. They drastically lowered our hotel bill and ... Views: 1144
Now that the summer solstice has given us more time between sunrise and sunset, Americans are officially in summer mode - using the extra daylight hours to spend with the family. But unemployment rates are above 10% in many states and the recession isn't showing signs of an early end. A lot of ... Views: 1344
Once upon a time, there was a man and women who fell madly in love, married and lived happily ever after. A typical fairy tale, from beginning to end, correct? The part often left out is the part about raising a family. Think for a moment what would happen if this part were added to the story: ... Views: 1248
Is Your Elderly Parent Driving You Nuts?
By: Carolyn L. Rosenblatt, R. N., Attorney at Law
Care giving can be a beautiful, though difficult experience. We love our parents, and want to help as they grow frail and less able to do for themselves. It is our last chance, at this part of ... Views: 1903
Having the Difficult Conversation
By Carolyn L. Rosenblatt, RN., B.S.N., Attorney at Law
Why is it so hard to talk to our aging parent about difficult subjects, such as getting older, needing help, or planning for being dependent? Sometimes, the elder involved just can’t face it. ... Views: 1805
My Dad is 87 years old, although tells everybody, because he believes it to be true that he is 77! He talks about people who are “getting on” but doesn’t put himself in the same category.
He was christened Kenneth, however, his family call him Jack and my mum’s family and most of his friends ... Views: 1662
Fourth of July is just around the corner, so light up the onset of summer with a great gathering. Start your plans now so that you can insure your guests will be available as that is always a busy holiday. You can print or buy invitations or save your money for fun party favors and games and ... Views: 2017
One day while taking a visit to the grocery store, I heard a customer in front of me say, “????? (phonetic- yo may yo yo? Pinyin- you mei you you?)” As I waited in line, I watched as the cashier understood this complex logic of using the same words of pronunciation to form a question and also ... Views: 2247
“Ah-choo!” Springtime allergies begin to surface as the temperature becomes not just warm, but hot. We walk around for a period of time with itchy throats, red eyes, skin irritations and various other symptoms.
In our relationships with others, we also may find that there are certain ... Views: 2899
Most of us enjoy a good action movie. Watching the battle between good and evil is always entertaining. In the end one of the co-stars is killed. Sometimes it is the good character and sometimes it is the evil leader.
What we need to be careful of is transferring what we see in movies ... Views: 2123
Some of us love to see the world at the expense of our companies, while there are others of us who don’t enjoy the travel experience so much. When we come home from a long trip home we love to seek the things that provide the most comfort for us. It may be a nice hot beverage, or perhaps a ... Views: 2130
Here are Ten Principles of the Effective Parent:
1) Offer your children committed love. Let your children know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you love them and you will always love them no matter what. Make this a clear and consistent message.
2) Become the best educator of your ... Views: 1537
Got this great reading today from Hazelden, and boy did it hit home!
I only wish that I had “got it” as it relates to my mother by the time I was 35. Man, she, and a few select other very close to me, knew exactly what buttons to push. I’ve learned that it was I who allowed them to be pushed, ... Views: 1137
There are many simple steps to ensuring internet safety for children that use MySpace. MySpace is a very popular social networking website that links individual users on an international basis. There are many advantages to implementing the use of this particular website as an adult. This is ... Views: 1408
Summer is here and it is a wonderful time to plan an outdoor party with your friends and family. The ability to entertain outdoors offers a plethora of possibilities for great gatherings and parties. It gives you flexibility in your guest list and lots of options for fun themes, games and menus. ... Views: 1457
In the summer are you frazzled and tired of your kids at the end of every day? Are you counting the days until school starts? Summer can be a time to help spark your creativity and your child’s creativity as well.
Hold a family meeting where kids can choose an activity they are interested in. ... Views: 1747
Many of us have a hard time balancing taking care of ourselves with taking care of our family responsibilities. For people with young children, this can be especially challenging, but even people without children have obligations to care for extended family, partners, pets, and the home in which ... Views: 766
The women’s movement of the 1960’s brought about many great economic, educational and social improvements. While we all agree that this is a great accomplishment, our human biology unfortunately didn’t agree with this.
With these new societal gains, came delayed childbearing so that one can ... Views: 1070
Fear. It’s the four-letter word that infiltrates our families, our job market and even our economy.. And while few of us enjoy fear, it is actually a very powerful and beneficial emotion. Why? Fear shows us that we need protection, and it outlines a coming threat – be it real or imagined. The ... Views: 961
The fourth of July is significant for alcoholics and addicts in several ways. The Declaration of Independence was a statement of separation from a tyrannical ruler. With separating from the past they embarked on a new way of life. Many people come into treatment just after the Fourth of July, ... Views: 2863
Fathers and daughters have a very special relationship. We’ve all heard the expression “Daddy’s Little Girl” and we all know daughters who have their dads “wrapped around their fingers.” This special relationship deserves acknowledgment, particularly around the time of Father’s Day. If you’re ... Views: 16092
You see the small envelope sitting in your mailbox and you know it’s either a Thank You card or an invitation. You think to yourself, “Hmm, I haven’t done anything worth being thanked for lately, so it must be an invite!” Upon opening the invitation, you’re greeted with primary colors, festive ... Views: 4010
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a tween as “a child between middle childhood and adolescence, usually between 8 and 12 years old.” In other words, a tween is a person who is most likely suffering the angst that accompanies a very awkward period in his or her life! If you have a tween ... Views: 3368