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Articles from Colleen Langenfeld | Selfgrowth.com
- Behavior Modification in Children - When Your Tween Lies - by Submitted on May 03, 2011 from Colleen LangenfeldBehavior modification strategies can be specifically customized to work with tweens who develop a lying habit. If your preteen has a problem with telling falsehoods, you need to use some detective work to help her get back on track. It's important to understand that if lying has become an ...
Views: 5482 - Help For Troubled Teenagers - Teaching Better Choices - by Submitted on Apr 10, 2011 from Colleen LangenfeldObtaining help for troubled teenagers can be a real challenge. First of all, teens in this category often don't want help. They are quite sure they have life all figured out, thank you very much. Moms, dads and the siblings of troubled teenagers know better. They understand they are living ...
Views: 2076 - Troubled Teenagers - Hanging On While Letting Go - by Submitted on Feb 01, 2011 from Colleen LangenfeldIf you are looking for help for troubled teenagers, you may be in a heartbroken state of mind. Losing a child is unbelievably painful, whether to death or to rebellion. Having your own teen reject you and all you've done for them is every bit as painful as being physically assaulted. There ...
Views: 4291 - Angry Children - Why Worry Doesn't Work - by Submitted on Feb 01, 2011 from Colleen LangenfeldYour son explodes. Your daughter snaps back. You react - then worry. Angry children generate some of the deepest worry in parents and understandably so. - No one likes hanging around an unpredictable powder keg. - No one likes wondering when the next outburst will occur. - ...
Views: 882 - Calorie Chart - Winning By Losing - by Submitted on Aug 13, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldWant to get into better physical shape? If your only focus is on losing weight, you might be setting yourself up for failure. For example, what are the habits in your life that are keeping you from getting healthier? I used a calorie chart (also known as a food log), to discover what I REALLY ...
Views: 997 - I Need Help Deciding What Career To Choose Since I've Never Worked A Day In My Life - by Submitted on Mar 07, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldWell, that is a problem, isn't it? Thankfully, however, it's not a showstopper. Here are 3 simple steps to crunch through when you are saying "I need help deciding what career to choose." 1. Get to know yourself. Talk to friends and family members. Make a list of your interests, strengths and ...
Views: 1126 - Household Chores Checklist - Use One To Save Your Marriage - by Submitted on Mar 06, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldAre you tired of fighting with your spouse over who-does-what chore every night after work? Or has it gone farther than that and you have stopped talking about household stuff altogether in your marriage? This is a hot issue in today's fast-paced culture. We've added a lot to our lives over ...
Views: 1965 - Grocery Shopping List -- How To Get Your Family To Use One - by Submitted on Mar 06, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldA grocery shopping list is one of the smartest and easiest tools you can use to lower your monthly grocery bill as well as significantly cut your household stresses. But let's face it. If you can't get your family to use the grocery list, you're still saddled with the work of pulling it ...
Views: 1042 - I Need Help Deciding What Career To Choose Because I Don't Want to Live With My Parents Forever! - by Submitted on Mar 05, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldAre you a high school senior who is staring graduation in the face and you still don't have a clue as to what you want to do with the rest of your life? Take a deep breath. This is not as hard as it seems. I am a mom who has helped her own seniors navigate the shark-infested career waters and ...
Views: 1226 - Household Chores Checklist - It's Not Magic! - by Submitted on Mar 05, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldIf you're like many people, you've used tools like a household chores checklist to try and improve the organization in your home, but have been disappointed in the results. There can be many reasons for this, but one of the most common is believing in the magical powers of charts and ...
Views: 2081 - Closet Organizing In 5 Minutes A Day - by Submitted on Jan 29, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldThe thought of closet organizing makes most people groan. But it doesn't need to be this way! Starting with a messy closet, you can get that closet organized and keep it organized in just 5 minutes a day. Set a timer and let's get started! -- Day 1. Your first 5 minutes will be devoted to ...
Views: 974 - Grocery Shopping List Power -- Step 1 In Saving Grocery Money - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldA grocery shopping list can be the front line tool you use in saving money on your grocery budget each month. There are several more sophisticated ways to save grocery money, but none is easier or faster to implement than the lowly grocery shopping list. Interestingly, this is a tool that ...
Views: 824 - Printable Grocery List Tips And Tricks For The Serious Shopper - by Submitted on Jan 25, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldUsing a printable grocery list is a smart way to save time and money. Here are my top tricks for getting the most out of any grocery list. -- Customize it. Most printable grocery lists are quite generic so as to be usable by a wide variety of shoppers. That's fine, however, for maximum ...
Views: 1000 - Closet Organizing On The Cheap - by Submitted on Jan 21, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldYou've probably seen those expensive closet organizing systems that make your closet better organized than your kitchen. These are wonderful products if you are looking for top-of-the-line, but if you want the same results...organizing your closet effectively...but don't want to spend a lot, ...
Views: 1122 - A Closet Organizing System - The Secrets To Getting Your Clothes Off Your Floor - by Submitted on Jan 18, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldYou've shelled out cold hard cash and have a beautiful new closet organizing system at your fingertips. Your newly organized closet is truly impressive; at-a-glance you can see EXACTLY what you have and where it is. No more morning frustrations. No more lost minutes digging for the perfect ...
Views: 1197 - 3 Parenting Tips To Calm Your Afterwork Routine - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldIs the after-school, after-work routine creating a crazy, chaotic homelife for your family? Will all the end-of-the-day pressures that descend on the typical family these days, it's no wonder parents feel frazzled and out-of-control. I've been parenting for over 2 decades and have 4 busy ...
Views: 1049 - Closet Organizing For Sports Nuts - by Submitted on Jan 16, 2008 from Colleen LangenfeldThe topic of closet organizing is not usually used in the same sentence as "sports nut", but if you have an active sports-minded family, you may find yourself needing some organizing ideas. Closets overflowing with sports equipment and the inability to get out the door on time because you are ...
Views: 1325 - Parenting A Teenager - Why A Teen Stops Listening To Her Parents - by Submitted on Nov 15, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldI have been mothering for many years and am currently parenting a teenager (my third). One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that if your teen has stopped listening to you, then you have lost the parenting game. Recently I sat down with a young woman (I'll call her Cindy) who is 17. I ...
Views: 2082 - Mothering The Hard Way - by Submitted on Nov 14, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldParenting does not come with guarantees. Sometimes it feels as though we are banging our heads against a wall while parenting. We work, we teach, we listen, but we wonder if we're getting through! Well, consider the alternative; there are some basic mothering guidelines that you can choose to ...
Views: 806 - A Parenting Tip - Make Memories The Easy Way - by Submitted on Nov 13, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldCan you use a parenting tip that will help you make easy memories with your family? No stress, fun-filled memories that your kids will remember for years? Well, here are some giggle-filled ideas from my family to yours. -- Funny hats. Well, actually, our funny hats were mostly funny ears. And ...
Views: 844 - Mothering With A Map - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldRemember the last vacation you took? You probably planned your trip for weeks, maybe months. You may have consulted guidebooks, planned travel routes, and booked transportation. When the day came to leave on your vacation, you may have experienced a sense of exhilaration, but you weren't worried ...
Views: 867 - Thumbsucking - A Book Review - by Submitted on Nov 09, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldAs a mom with four children, all of whom were thumbsuckers when small, and all of whom stopped the habit in different ways at different ages, I understand the frustration many parents feel when trying to help their young child overcome this habit. "David Decides About Thumbsucking" by Susan ...
Views: 2079 - Mothering - 3 Tips For Keeping It Fun! - by Submitted on Nov 08, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldMothering is a full-time and demanding occupation no matter what else fills your life. While most of us start out totally in love with our kids, the day comes for many of us when we are just plain tired of being on call 24/7. Some days the responsibilities can seem overwhelming. When that ...
Views: 910 - Conquer Clutter In Your Beautiful Holiday Home - by Submitted on Nov 07, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldThe holiday season can bring some special organizational challenges to the average home. Here are some simple tips to help you conquer clutter during the fast-approaching holidays. -- Don't overdo. Just as it's easier to enjoy the holidays when you don't over pack your schedule with too many ...
Views: 959 - A Parenting Tip - Enjoying Your Baby's First Holiday Season - by Submitted on Nov 06, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldHaving a new baby in the home at the holidays is always exciting. Here's a parenting tip that will help you and your baby truly enjoy this special time of year. * See everything through the eyes of a child. Honestly, that's the secret to the holiday season. Don't be fooled by the simplicity of ...
Views: 778 - Parenting Teenagers -- Who Does Your Teen Trust? - by Submitted on Nov 05, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldMom or Dad, this is an easy question. You want him to trust you! YOU want to be the person of influence in your teen's life. You want your teen to listen to you! You want her to respect you. You want him to come to you when he needs advice. Parenting teenagers effectively requires learning some ...
Views: 1200 - A Parenting Tip - Teaching Thankfulness - by Submitted on Nov 02, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldFor those of us parenting in the United States, this is the time of year we celebrate Thanksgiving. As a mother, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it gives me the opportunity to purposely teach about gratitude. I'll give you an honest parenting tip here; developing an attitude ...
Views: 1141 - Closet Organizing -- Out With The Old Season, In With The New - by Submitted on Nov 01, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldNo matter where you live in the world, you probably deal with the change of seasons. A few souls can get away with wearing the same clothing year-round, but not many. Closet organizing can be challenging if you are wearing shorts and tank-tops one season and need jeans and jackets for the next. ...
Views: 883 - Closet Organizing - Ouch! What Fell On My Head? - by Submitted on Oct 31, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldYikes! Does this article's title sound like your experience in domestic organizing? You need help! Don't panic! Let's start with a simple (yet messy) closet and I'll show you step-by-step how to put that whole things-falling-on-the-head problem behind you. One of the most important parts in ...
Views: 875 - Parenting Teenagers By Creating A Teen-Friendly Environment - by Submitted on Oct 30, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldTired of your teen being out of your home more than in it? You can make your home a magnet for your teenager and her friends by keeping in mind a few simple teen-friendly ideas. -- Fun is #1. Parenting teenagers effectively means getting inside their heads a bit and the first piece of ...
Views: 2494 - A Parenting Tip - Dealing With Feelings - by Submitted on Oct 29, 2007 from Colleen Langenfeld"I hate you!" screams the five year old to his mother. If you've been a parent for longer than say, five minutes, you've probably heard those same words directed at you from your sweet child. How did you react? In kind? With shock? Or did you ignore the whole thing and hope it wouldn't happen ...
Views: 769 - Parenting Teenagers - Getting Them To Talk - by Submitted on Oct 26, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldA sullen, non-communicative teenager. A frustrated parent. Is that the way it is in your home living with your teenager? Parenting teenagers is a demanding job, no doubt about it. Teens have the natural ability to challenge us on every level. Whereas once they simply accepted our authority as ...
Views: 2364 - A Parenting Tip - Holiday Manners That Will Help Your Kids Sparkle - by Submitted on Oct 25, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldIf you are like most moms and dads, you could use a parenting tip on how to improve the holiday manners of your children. Manners are important in any season, of course, but teaching our children to put their best foot forward during this activity-rich time of year would certainly lower most ...
Views: 882 - Parenting Teenagers - Getting Kids Ready To Leave the Nest - by Submitted on Oct 24, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldIn my home, I am currently enjoying a high school senior. My third child is preparing to leave the nest and build a life for herself. While parenting teenagers, I have come to realize there are some fundamentals that can help a parent ready their teen to move onto the next stage of their young ...
Views: 2011 - A Parenting Tip - Do You Crave Time Off? - by Submitted on Oct 23, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldParenting can be funny, exciting, boring, thrilling, challenging, confusing, satisfying, uplifting, maddening, frustrating, unreasonable, exhausting, silly, and more. Because of that fact, sometimes, as a parent, you just need a break. This parenting tip is not to be taken lightly. Parenting ...
Views: 870 - Parenting Teenagers - Playing The Freedom Game And Winning - by Submitted on Oct 22, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldDo you have a teenager who is begging for more freedom? Are you uncertain how much freedom is too much during the teen years? Parenting teenagers requires a parent to walk a fine line between boundaries and letting go. Out of four children, I am currently parenting my third teenager and I'd like ...
Views: 845 - Conquer Clutter Or Die Trying - by Submitted on Oct 19, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldIf you would like to conquer clutter once and for all in your home, there are only a few things you need to do. But you WILL need to do them faithfully each and every day. Are you interested? These aren't difficult suggestions, but they may require some new actions on your part for success. ...
Views: 802 - A Parenting Tip For Dealing With Those Pesky Brothers And Sisters - by Submitted on Oct 18, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldIf you have more than one child in your family, you are intimately acquainted with sibling rivalry and probably can use an extra parenting tip or two in that area. After more than 26 years of parenting and four terrific kids, here are my top five tips for dealing with those pesky brothers and ...
Views: 1401 - Thumbsucking, Hair-Twirling And Other Comfort Habits - by Submitted on Oct 17, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldDo you have a thumbsucking child? A hair-twirler? Or has your sweet little one picked up a different comfort habit altogether? Are you fine with this? Or is it driving you crazy? More importantly, should you ignore their habit or should you take action? All four of my children sucked their ...
Views: 2846 - A Parenting Tip For Halloween; How Old Is Too Old? - by Submitted on Oct 16, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldEvery year the same phenomenon occurs at my front door. Late on Halloween night, usually long after the trail of adorable preschoolers and costumed elementary-age children have come and gone, a group of teens or pre-teens knocks on my door and loudly regales me with "trick-or-treat". Sometimes ...
Views: 791 - Exercise During Pregnancy -- Make It A Family Affair - by Submitted on Oct 12, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldIf you have a little one (or ones) whizzing around your home...and you're pregnant...exercising may feel like the last thing you want to tackle. But if you've been down this road before you already know how important it is to exercise during your pregnancy. (Remember...ALWAYS check with your ...
Views: 922 - A Parenting Tip - Create A Sane Holiday Season Now - by Submitted on Oct 10, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldCould you benefit from a useful parenting tip with practical applications? Most parents can. As a mother and a business owner who has worked with hundreds of moms over the past few years, I often hear the same thing. "This year, it will be different," these overwhelmed moms sigh as the holiday ...
Views: 822 - Thumbsucking - Does Your Child Have a Problem? - by Submitted on Aug 28, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldI'm no dentist...or orthodontist...but I've paid several professionals throughout the years when it came time to straighten my kids' teeth. If you have a child who is a thumbsucker, you are probably worried about whether or not you will have to pay to correct your child's teeth, too. The truth ...
Views: 845 - Career Aptitude Tests - Using One to Make a Career Comeback - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldAre you a woman who has been out of the workforce for sometime and needs to re-enter the career world? Perhaps you have taken time off due to child-raising or caring for a sick or elderly family member. Maybe you are feeling some anxiety because you know your skill set is out-of-date or even ...
Views: 972 - Parenting a Teenager - What a Teen Wishes You Knew - by Submitted on Jun 28, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldAre you parenting a teenager? Would it help to know what he (or she) is thinking? Recently I sat down with a 17 year old young woman, Amy (not her real name), and asked her this question. (Colleen) "Amy, what frustrations do teenagers have with their parents? What do teenagers wish they could ...
Views: 1058(1 vote) - Chore Charts Don't Work - by Submitted on Jun 27, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldHave you ever tried to improve something around your home using a chore chart or similar device? For example, have you ever gotten exasperated at one (or all) of your children for not helping out around the house and decided to post a chore schedule to remedy the situation? And did that ...
Views: 2070 - Exercise During Pregnancy - the Good, the Bad and the Ugly - by Submitted on Jun 22, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldAre you pregnant? Has your doctor told you to get moving in some way, to do some sort of exercise? (By the way, ALWAYS check with a doctor before beginning an exercise program.) Exercise can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. Here is some food for thought if you are struggling with ...
Views: 5073 - Babysitter Checklist - Don't Leave Home Without One - by Submitted on Jun 20, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldWhen you leave your kids with a babysitter do you genuinely enjoy your time away? Maybe I should rephrase that question. When was the last time you actually took some time for your partner and yourself by utilizing the services of a paid babysitter whom you trusted and the kids loved? Or...are ...
Views: 875 - Parenting a Teenager - The Top 3 Mistakes a Parent Can Make - by Submitted on May 21, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldIf you are currently parenting a teenager you know how frustrating and even scary it can be. Let's face it, parenting a teenager can be confusing, too. Sometimes learning what NOT to do is easier than trying to figure out what new idea to add into your parenting style. I have been parenting ...
Views: 1659 - Parenting Teenager Strategies - What You MUST Do Today for a Happier Home - by Submitted on Apr 30, 2007 from Colleen LangenfeldIf you are parenting a teenager, it can get easy to get lost in the drama. For teenagers the world is a new, exciting, scary, wild, pleasurable and disturbing place...often all at the same time. This fact can make parenting a teenager a wild ride, at best. Especially if you are parenting your ...
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