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Q: What do men really want from their partners during the Super Bowl?
A: Here is a man’s dream recipe. Mix a heaping cup of enthusiasm, support and interest with a quarter of a cup of knowledge. Add a generous portion of no interruptions or extraneous conversations of any kind. (No chatty ... Views: 1308
Now that Michelle Obama's mother is living in the White House, will the cruel jokes and snide remarks about mothers-in-law finally stop? Will Marian Robinson, as first mother-in-law, be able to pave the way for acceptance, even respect, for this much-maligned branch of the family tree? Only ... Views: 1181
Communication is one of the most important aspects of our lives that, ironically, many of us pay the least attention to. Regretfully, the main reason is that many of us have never been taught how to communicate in a way that benefits us and the person we are communicating with.
From the moment ... Views: 2963
Letter to my children, just before the start of their college year
A father reflects upon his first 50 years in a letter to his college age children about how to wisely choose their friends. It started as private, family email. But the children realized the potential of this Life Lessons ... Views: 2250
I believe a parenting style that is consistent creates calm parents and well adjusted children, the perfect ingredients of a happy family.
As a parent educator and family counselor with many years experience in observing behavioral problems, it is apparent to me that many parents who struggle ... Views: 2839
Who is really in charge at your house?
It is so easy to feel like a failure as a parent and so hard to remember that the early years are unbelievably testing times for all parents. We will all fail over and over, especially if we have set impossible standards for ourselves. Sadly, it is ... Views: 1941
“Unconditional love is really just love without expectations.” - Louise Hay
As parents, we believe that the regard we hold for our children is the purest, most unconditional kind of love.
Looking into the face of a baby, we know that these tiny, beautiful souls are the surest proof that ... Views: 2634
An Inspirational Mother's Day Story by Kay Kopit
Road to Mariah
A Telephone Call That Changed Lives
As we are walking in the house my husband Bryan excitedly says, “The red light is blinking, pick it up, it might be someone important!” Underneath strewn clothes and luggage is an answering ... Views: 2355
My belief as a professional organizer is that it takes a lot less energy and saves a lot more time when things have a designated place to "live" and it is tons better when those things live in a container in their home.
I know everyone has containers in their home that won't cost them a single ... Views: 1396
In the past, families depended on their children to participate in household chores. Today, parents talk as if it’s a chore to require their children to participate in the maintaining of the household. Managing a house full of people is easier today with the addition of household ... Views: 1245
I recently had a phone coaching session with “Janice” whose child routinely refused to do whatever he was asked by his mom or dad. In school, “Jesse” was cooperative most of the time, but at home, he couldn’t have been more resistant and challenging.
“Jesse, time to turn off the TV and start ... Views: 1185
I love the quote I read in a bulletin once, “Blessed is the family who begins family devotions again.” I could relate to that comment. Before we discuss how to have a family devotion time, we need to ask the question, “Why should we have a family devotion?” In Proverbs 22:6 we read, “Train a ... Views: 3629
To most of us, the year-end holidays are a time of family, friends and a lot of food. While these times can be hectic with all of the running around that needs to be done, it is also the best time to start a family cookbook project, says one expert.
"Many of the family holiday traditions start ... Views: 725
So, there you are, curled up on the sofa, leisurely flipping through the pages of this magazine, cup of chamomile tea by your side. The most exciting thing to happen to you this week was when the bug-man clued you in on the new species of Mediterranean Engraver Beetle that’s been striking fear ... Views: 2159
We recently built a contemporary farmhouse style home. There was no lawn sod or sprinkler system for extra water. Deer are rampant in the neighborhood, so the landscaping choices are limited. We have dry periods too. Lady Bird Johnson once said - I like it when the land speaks its own ... Views: 1194
What’s on your family’s plate? Work, volunteering, sports, school, groups, clubs, social activities, household chores? Do you ever wonder how you will keep your family bonded? I have worked as a child and family counselor for over a decade and keeping families bonded has been a ... Views: 1130
Each year, tens of thousands of children are diagnosed with cancer. One of the best psychological and emotional treatments is to allow the child (if physically capable) to continue to attend school. Allowing the child to be with his or her peers, to continue on with a daily routine and ... Views: 1665
You may ask what being a grandparent has to do with Feng Shui. My answer is, ‘Feng Shui is our reaction to the environment.’ Family is a piece of the puzzle.
Reflect back to when you heard you were becoming a grandparent, or fantasize about what it will be like. Did you or will you think, “I’m ... Views: 1821
Childhood has been described as an ‘18 year hypnotic induction’ which is often not too far from the truth. Things that we see and experience in our formative years can still impact us hugely and we may not even realise it. A lot of what we experience is what has shaped us into ‘who we are’ but ... Views: 9701
When the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2011, the oldest of the baby boomers will turn sixty-five. This remarkable generation, the largest in American history will continue to have an enormous impact on the nation socially, economically and politically as later it ages, transforming old ... Views: 1209
In a recent letter to his girls, President Barack Obama wrote: "I want you to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach....." Now that's a strong message from a father to his daughters.
Some say that the Obamas are the kind of family they would like ... Views: 2197
Like schools of fish, teens who abuse drugs and alcohol tend to hang in the same crowd. They garner a kind of moral support or legitimacy from like-minded and behaving peers for their drug and alcohol consumption. Further, when drug and alcohol consumption reaches the abuse stage, they are seen ... Views: 843
I'm often asked what I think the Obama presidency will mean for fathers. I think there are some reasons to be optimistic and some reasons to be pessimistic. Below I list a bunch of them, not in any particular order.
Positive: Obama clearly understands the importance of fathers, and has often ... Views: 880
Having a first aid kit in any home or business is absolutely essential. From small cuts to larger medical issues, a first aid kit can solve a range of medical problems. Here are some tips on how to properly stock a kit for your home or facility.
• Utilize an information guide for ... Views: 1443
There is a dilemma in parenting right now regarding the concept of “core values.” How does a parent build core values in a child? Let’s begin by talking about the innate and natural abilites that exist within a child by making the assumption that there is, in most people, the ability to ... Views: 1425
So often, we are disgusted and frustrated with our home, the clutter and mess that is in it and the fact that we feel like we have lost control.
Part of the problem is because we don't have the cooperation of other family members that we would like to have. Plus the fact that we have our own ... Views: 1451
Home is truly our external heart and as such it needs a lot of care and attention in its decorating and development. Invite friends and family to contribute to the creation of your home. A house is merely a dwelling; it becomes a home when you use your heart to express your environment in a ... Views: 961
Holidays are meant to be happy, joyous and life-affirming times. Filled with joy and gratitude we return home to our families, fill our bellies with delicious food and our hearts with cheer. Right?
Well, truth be told that in most cases this just isn’t true. Instead of happiness, anger brews. ... Views: 3195
I have yet to meet anyone that wishes they spent more time in the office or on their career; instead everyone seems to miss time with their families and friends. Family is not limited in this discussion and context to those related only by blood. Many of us have our truest and best family by ... Views: 951
Changing your name by deed poll is really quite simple. People decide to change their name for many reasons but the process of actually changing it only requires the completion of a deed poll in the presence of a witness.
Most people have their name chosen or given to them by their parents. ... Views: 793
Are you planning a simpler, more meaningful Christmas this year? Many families are putting aside the trinkets and the toys, and rediscovering the peace that comes from spending quality time with family and friends.
Just because you're celebrating more simply this year, that doesn't mean you ... Views: 1058
Depression can be a temporary response to many different situations and stresses. In adolescents, depressed mood is common because of the normal maturation process, the stress associated with it, the influence of sex hormones, and independence conflicts with parents.
It may also be a reaction ... Views: 804
The particular therapeutic techniques vary according to the particular kind of client or issue, but commonly include keeping a diary of significant events and associated feelings, thoughts and behaviors; questioning and testing cognitions, assumptions, evaluations and beliefs that might be ... Views: 3330
I have yet to meet anyone that wishes they spent more time in the office or on their career; instead everyone seems to miss time with their families and friends. Family is not limited in this discussion and context to those related only by blood. Many of us have our truest and best family by ... Views: 936
Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men (well, everybody). It doesn’t matter what faith or denomination you espouse, Peace on Earth is the dominant theme of the season. Peace is a state of harmony among people, freedom from strife, a feeling of serenity and tranquility. Peace. How ... Views: 924
Trasylol, manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals was one of the most common drugs used during heart bypass surgeries for the last 14 years. However in 2007, the FDA recalled Trasylol because it was found that it is directly linked to causing kidney failure and complications in those who were ... Views: 750
The holidays are nearly here and many of us will be spending time with family. For many people this involves seeing relatives that they may only see at this time of the year. We do not always like or agree with all of our relatives and this can bring about stress and tension for days, weeks or ... Views: 1056
Finding the best Christmas candles for yourself can be pretty nerve wracking. After all, you not only want to find stylish candles which suit your home perfectly, but are also make sure that they are affordable for your pocket! So how do you locate such candles? In this article I am going to ... Views: 587
Christmas candles are an integral part of every family which celebrates Christmas, particularly those who value traditions. Sure, light bulbs seem to have taken over candles in a big way, but can anything really replace the warmth and fragrance that a candle oozes in Christmas? I don't think ... Views: 521
Feng Shui is the traditional Chinese method of arranging objects such as furniture to help people achieve their goals and to be successful. The word Feng means wind and Shui translates to water. As Feng Shui is applicable to other rooms of the house, so it is applicable to the dining room and ... Views: 1942
Have you recently and unexpectedly experienced kidney complications that have caused you severe pain and emotional distress? Kidney complications that have progressed to failure resulting in death have been linked to a certain drug that has been administered during heart surgery in the past ... Views: 945
Are the holidays filled with loneliness for you? Do you feel like it’s just a lot of work for you? Is the meaning of the holidays lost? Has this just happened now that your children are out of the house and maybe you have been on your own for awhile? Holidays are definitely one of the ... Views: 1130
The holiday season is tough for many people. Family events and holiday parties remind us of our unhappiness with love and our family history. You can’t go back, but you can certainly learn from the past and use your discomfort with this time of year to motivate you to examine yourself and set ... Views: 3337
Are you concerned about the foundation of your family in a rapidly changing world? Do you want to parent your children in a values-based environment? Do you want to get clear inside yourself about what your values are in order to share them with your children?
We wrote this article to help you ... Views: 881
When parents have a problem or concern, they need to keep their cool and use non-blameful ways to communicate their feelings. As soon as parents threaten or blame, children stop listening and start thinking about how to defend themselves. If you want others to listen to your feelings or ... Views: 1149
The last few times I’ve gotten together with my parents, my dad and I have gotten into an argument and hurt each other’s feelings about something or other. We’ve always easily triggered one another. We’ve gotten along pretty well over the last few years, but lately we ... Views: 520
Are you a dad or a father? A dad is someone who not only physically helped to create the life of a child, but also supports that child with the basic necessities (food, clothing and shelter) and provides guidance and advice to see his child through life.
A dad demonstrates that he loves his ... Views: 7311
Does it take a family or a village to raise a child? This question became the subject of great controversy during the 1996 presidential election with the publication of Hillary Clinton’s well-known book, It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us.
But somewhere between the two ... Views: 1187
Perhaps in Shakespeare's time, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet but that's not necessarily so in the twenty-first century. Today we know that words can inspire us to achieve goals we never thought possible, but they can also fuel ethnic, racial, or religious prejudice. Given the ... Views: 2104
Brave New Definitions
Let's talk about what the brave new definition of a stepparent must sound like to our kids and stepkids.
The one that must be most confusing to kids is the family whose co-parents have not had a traditional wedding with vows, honeymoon and name change for Mom. Mom ... Views: 813