Parenting Articles

"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live." –Flora Whittemore David Zinn, a wise man I know, once said, "If we don't change, we aren't growing, and if we aren't growing, we are dying." Isn't that so true? Some change is welcomed into your life: a new hairstyle, a promotion you've been wanting, or a remodeled kitchen. Sometimes change is handed to you without your consent...a layoff, a divorce, or even the death of a loved one. And there's always self-cre

When one of my newest coaching clients came to me a month ago, she was nearing her whit's end. Cody, her 7-year-old son, was talking back to the teacher at school and getting into arguments with friends. "It's been getting worse over the last year or so since my daughter, Kayla, was born. I love both of my kids but the baby takes up so much of my time and I know that Cody needs me too. I don't know what to do."

Teaching kids healthy eating is not a lecture, it is a parental practice through which children observe and learn. Further, although kids may whine and squirm and even outright reject what’s on the plate, parents must come to realize that being held hostage by childish control strategies only ...

While many products like food and cleaning materials have gone green, clothing products have yet to pick up on the trend. This is changing as people have started demanding fabric that should not only be Eco-friendly, but that the material itself should be free from potentially harmful chemicals and pesticides. The trend has taken off in baby and infant clothing as a lot of researches suggest that early exposure to even small amounts of toxins can have long term health consequ

If your child walks in the door with her shoulders drooping and her face forlo do you say something like “You look sad. Come in and tell me what happened.” Or if your child is stomping around do you say “You seem upset. Your feelings are important to me. Let’s talk.” Or do you tell your child ...

There were several instances over the past 18 or so years as I raised my 5 children as a single parent, where the reality of my kids moving on to their next necessary chapters of life, has suddenly hit me. I had such a moment last week, as I watched my middle daughter Rebecca get fingerprinted at a courthouse in New Jersey. She was being cleared for her first full-time job out of college. It was required as part of obtaining a security clearance to work for a defense contractor in Virginia – a four hour Amtrak ride away.

REASON 1: “The Most Important Learning State Is Often Absent.”nn"The teacher pretended that algebra was a perfectly natural affair, to be taken for granted, whereas I didn't even know what numbers were. Mathematics classes became sheer terror and torture to me.I was so intimidated by my incomprehension that I did not dare to ask any questions." nnCarl Gustav Jung: 26 July 1875 – 6 June 1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist, an influential thinker and the founder of Analytical

My daughter Ellah, and her friend Ella (both 9), danced with abandon at the Goddess Crafts Faire this weekend. The belly dancers and musicians on stage were an inspiration: each elaborately dressed and decorated, these women were of all sizes and shapes: ample, curvy, skinny, and a stunning pregnant belly-dancer! My daughter and her friend danced so freely, so un-self-consciously that it brought tears to rnmy eyes... What encouraged such freedom?

If you want to create a great house filled by means of your personal style and interior design flair, you can create amazing vinyl wall art to compliment your designing skills. Fairytale princesses like Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Snow White have all been brought to life by the Disney productions. If you don't follow these steps, the stickers could come off of the wall in a short time. They give a whole new twist to your wall. Painted walls are at the highest risk from da

Massaging for the baby is very important for the baby. Baby massage reliefs the baby from different problems that may cause the baby to be cry or being colic. Massaging the baby does not only you baby physically and emotionally growth and development but also creates a bond between the mother and the baby. Babies who need need massage always tend to cry when they are held up or touched at particular place. the babies tend to bend or fold themselves to the side they feel the p

Are you a “type-A” working mother who used to define yourself by your career? Now that you have kids, do you feel constantly pulled by conflicting priorities? Are you most comfortable and familiar with operating at 110% but juggling work and family has you running at 220%? One of my clients, whom we’ll call Sarah, is actively working to overcome these challenges. Forty-one years old and a vice president at a publishing house, she appears to have it all: two wonderful childre

In looking forward to 2016, I believe our intentions should have to do with altering the lens through which we view our life and ourselves. It is so important to experience and view life through the eyes of love and not fear. It is equally as important to see yourself through the lens of love and forgiveness. This will help us all become better people and, in turn, better parents.

Even though they may not realize it, parents can be the most influential persons in a child, young adult or teen’s life. This influence should be used to encourage kids to never start smoking or to stop if they do. nnAlthough parenting advice to kids and teems is difficult and many times ineffective, there are some tips in order to persuade them to stay away from tobacco. To increase the chances that your child does not start smoking, it is important that you begin to s

Remember what it was like to be in school, afraid of the big bully in the neighborhood? The documentary Bully reignited the national dialogue about this challenge for kids, following several students and their families over the course of one school year. Bullying is pervasive in our society today – research indicates that one in three children have been involved in an incident, either as perpetrator or victim. It's been estimated that 13 million children in the U.S. are bul

Bringing up children can be a double-edges sword. On the one hand there's little that gives more pleasure than watching a child develop. My 9mth old daughter is just learning to sit up alone and pull herself up on steps. I'd like to say that I taught her myself, but the truth is, given the opportunity, children develop along predictable paths. What's incredible to see is how they do this so seemingly independant.r

Some separated or divorced parents continue to find themselves in ongoing disputes, even in view of separation agreements and parenting plans. The high-conflict nature of those disputes interferes with the well-being of the children and continually brings these parents to Court for ...

Even though not all of us mamas wanted to search out the gender of our child while they were still in utero, I’m certain that we have a tendency to all have wondered what we tends to were having at one purpose or another.rnWhile these tales don’t always lend themselves true in any or all cases, it’s still a fun time to see if you’re following any of the gender indicators that have been handed down through the ages. Here are ten of the most common old wives’ tales to

Here are twelve mother quotes regarding parenting that fathers can certainly benefit from pondering: I understand that how I see my child in my mind is a form of self-fulfilling prophecy. I envision my child as a winner, as I feel confident in my child’s ability to successfully meet life’s challenges. To be the best mother I can be, I seek out, contemplate and strive to incorporate positive tips for parenting. I believe in my own ability to lead a successful life, understand

Times sure have changed since many of us were going through those tender pubescent years. Certain subjects were simply taboo! Nobody discussed them except at slumber parties or late night during Girl Scout camping trips, and not without a lot of giggling and embarrassment. In a day when information is available at every turn, it is becoming increasingly vital that parents take on a proactive approach in keeping open lines of communication between themselves and their childre

It is easy to get overwhelmed with parenting these days. There are societal pressures and ever-changing child-rearing theories that have created a lot of stress and anxiety for parents. It’s time to clear up some misguided notions about good and bad parenting so that parents can get back to feeling confident and being able to enjoy their kids again. Here are the top myths surrounding the topic of parenting: Parenting has to be stressful and chaotic.

In my work as a marriage and relationship coach I encounter many people who are dealing with parenting challenges. I also see the effects of the parenting they received on their current relationships. Therefore I wanted to share these thoughts on parenting.rn rnA parent’s primary job is to reveal self-worth to their children. Self-worth is not to be earned or granted. One cannot earn what is already yours. No one can give you what you already possess. Self-worth is a God-gi

Getting that first car or truck is a rite of passage of sorts for teenagers. It brings independence and freedom. The mere act itself indicates that adulthood is right around the corner, so the joy and excitement that it brings is almost priceless. At the same time, there are quite a few factors to consider when a teenager chooses that first vehicle. Here are four ways to help them make a wise decision. Make the Process a Teaching Point Look at this as an opportunity to educat

In today’s society, many people want to have the option of choosing the gender of their yet to be conceived child, while others want to know the gender of the child once they’ve become pregnant. And in our fast paced world, many professionals prefer to have children later in life and would like the option of choosing the particular gender of choice. Take for example a woman I recently met who is an executive with one of the major cosmetic companies in the world. At age 34

West Ridge Academy can help parents connect with their adopted children who need help. Establishing that connection with an adopted child can be one of the most difficult and sensitive things for parents to accomplish. West Ridge Academy says that a child can grow and become close to his or her adopted parents by following these simple guidelines. Physical Connection Same with any other normal kids, adopted children need hugs and encouragement on a regular basis. Don’t feel

"Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact." -William James Fear dominates. It stops you in your tracks. It will rob your joy if you let it. The NICU experience begins with fear. From the moment you are informed that something is not proceeding as planned fear creeps in. The doctor may tell you that you will deliver prematurely or that something is wrong with your baby. In a split second your pregnancy shifts from a pl

Kids are People Too!

Becoming a parent is one of the greatest feelings in the world, and not a lot of people actually get to enjoy the sensations and excitements related to it. For those who do, it is not just a fun ride, but also an extremely bumpy, and at times, quite a dangerous one. Being a parent is not jus t about being a father or a mother, it is a lot more. Parenthood is more about being a good parent and an effective parent. There is no right or wrong way of doing things, however, there

Gift-giving season has begun. If you’re like me, you fantasize about the moment your children open their gifts: their faces light up with surprise and excitement, they give you a hug and say, “Thanks, I love it!” To reach that moment, however, we often have to survive that ...

Vegetables are an important part of the Body Ecology lifestyle and every healthy family’s diet. Here are four easy ways to get your kids to eat more veggies! (Originally published under Conscious Parenting with Meg Brown for BodyEcology.com ) Do you know any children who actually enjoy eating vegetables? I am acquainted with a few. I have a niece who appears to love them – she eats almost any green leafy vegetable with a smile on her face.rn rnOne of my son’s best frien

“I’ll be happy when..”, An all too familiar phrase that rolled off my tongue over and over again, as I looked at the myriad of things that I wanted and didn’t have in my life. I was convinced that there was this destination called happiness that I would arrive at once I found my soul mate, ...

What do money and character have in common? More than we first think. If you could teach your children about money, how would you do it? Look inside to find out how to build character in your kids without making 10 mistakes about money. It’s been said money doesn’t buy happiness. If you teach ...

Just as we develop various behavioral habits, we institute certain thinking habits, as well. Some of our behavioral habits are healthy, like exercising regularly, and some are not, like consuming a bowl of ice cream before bed. By the same token, some of our thinking habits are positive and healthy, like “I can do this” or “I deserve to be treated respectfully,” and, again, some thinking patterns are negative and unhealthy, like “I can’t do this—I always fail” or “I deserve to be mistreated—I am unworthy.”

Every responsible human being has acquired certain virtues useful in getting along with others. Topping the list are kindness, being responsible, friendliness, charity, honesty, trustworthiness, compassion and respect for others. All are reasonable and desirable tools for successful living. Thinking that the acquisition of these traits can be left to chance would be a big mistake.

It's that time of year again. Time to 'help' your kids buy gifts (if you do gifts) for others. And by help, I mean help them literally and financially. There's so many options for this 'help', I could write a book on the subject but let me illustrate a few of the most common approaches to helping kids buy gifts with a few pointers to help reduce the stress around kids and holiday gift buying and giving. Scenario #1. Your kids don't get an allowance and they aren't earning m

It seems as though the more I connect to the passion of inspiring and empowering myself and others to be the best role models or for that matter human beings that we can be, the more experiences I seem to attract into my life to support it, and last month was one of the busiest yet most ...

In relation to surrogacy arrangements, Intended Parents and surrogates are normally focused on creating a match and beginning the fertility remedies; nevertheless the problem of suitable insurance coverage is maybe the single most significant element in making certain that parties have exercised correct care in ensuring that their position inside a surrogacy arrangement is protected whether or not they may be an Intended Parent or Surrogate. This situation, mainly because it

Kids get easily bored and it becomes worse if your kid is in a summer holiday break. You will get a doubt how kids will be bored with all the playthings and fun activities that are present around them. The games and kid toys that were enthusiastic and exciting before quickly lose charm after some days. Now, it is the time to keep your children busy and joyful during their holidays. Here are few boredom busters to keep your kids occupied. Boredom busters : Cooking for kids : I

Although backpacking with children may seem like a lot of effort, the benefits gained from taking them along can far outweigh the hassles. The benefits include not competing with technology for your children’s attention, teaching them self-sufficiency skills, and watching them connect with the peacefulness of nature. Here are six tips that allow for a more positive experience when backpacking with children.nn1. Involve Them In PackingnnMake a list of the items to bring

One of the most challenging aspects of being a parent is going throught the teen years. Your teens newly found lives and ideas probably conflict in ways with your own. It is often to know how to communicate with your teen especially when you have to lay down the law. If this is your goal, read on for tips to effectively deal with unruly teens. A major thing you as a parent must remember is that not every behavior is abnormal in the teen years. You aren't the only one having t

“It’s all fun and games until...” Because of the change in routine, excitement surrounding presents and the sheer number of people around, holiday parties can end abruptly with a breakdown. Enjoy your holiday party to the fullest by following these suggestions: Beforehand • Assess the Appropriateness of Bringing Your Child

When it comes to taking proper care of your new baby, there are certain baby products that will be at the top of your shopping list. The most useful products make your life simpler while allowing you to take the best possible care of your baby at the same time. Choosing the right products at the best price available will help you get everything on your list while still having a little left over for fun baby outfits and toys. Here is a look at some of the most important baby s

Starting College Tips It’s essential to be prepared for life at college . Unlike high school, getting ready for college requires more than just new school supplies and clothes. If your son or daughter is going to be living in the dorms here’s a checklist for what you need. Luggage: There’s never been a better time for a new suitcase than when your child goes off to college, whether it is by plane or car, a suitcase or luggage set is a smart investment for trips between

If you are trying to get pregnant and have tried every possible option that can help you to conceive without medical intervention, then it is time to contact a professional for help. Having a healthy and happy family is a dream of every couple and this is the first thing we plan about after marriage, but unfortunately, some of us are not lucky enough and medically fit to have a baby. For men, it is difficult to believe that they are infertile and won’t be able to have their

Show me any two people who have fun together frequently and I'll show you a good relationship. People who have regular fun together like each other and most often respect one another. This is a winning combination when it comes to the parent/child relationship. If both parties feel good around each other there will be less animosity, anger, resentment and discord and more ease, comfort, respect and happiness. To like your kids you must enjoy them regularly. And for them to respond positively to your discipline they must enjoy and like you.r

Parenting can be overwhelming and tedious at the same time. If you are wondering how to be an effective parent, then you have landed on the right page my friend. As such, there is no secret ingredient or formula for being an effective parent and it does not happen overnight. You need to be caring, loving, strict and committed to your parenthood at the same time. There are certain tips which remain constant around the globe and the top five are mentioned below: 1. It is time t

When locked in bitter conflict, sometimes people resort to court. This can result in poor outcomes as the court is more limited in terms of solutions that can be ordered. What is needed is a flexible approach to service and services that are actually structured to address specific issues. Here are four examples of specific issues and services that may be helpful: ———————

There is a dynamic that naturally evolves when parents only see lawyers to determine their ongoing relationship to children, post separation or divorce. Regardless of the disposition of the lawyer, on the mind of the parent, is winning or coming away with a particular outcome. The parent races ...