There are many ways to show love besides the obvious. Here are some ways spouses show love in everyday situations: Cook’s an occasional dinner and does clean-up Takes care of the children in the morning so mom/dad can sleep Takes the children to a friend’s house to have a quiet dinner at home Does the food shopping and puts the groceries away Takes care of … Continue reading Keeping the Flame Alive!
Choose your fights. Ask yourself if the issue at hand is worth the argument. If not, drop the issue. Have family conferences where joint decisions can be made. Discuss with your teen what the consequences should be for breaking any family rules. A great opportunity to communicate with your teenager is when you are alone in the car. There isn’t any glaring eye contact; there are … Continue reading Tips from Moms on Teenagers
Avoid jumping to unnecessary conclusions Avoid teasing us about boyfriends or girlfriends Be open. Try to be more of a friend than a ruler. Realize that we are growing up. Let us be ourselves. Talk to us as if we are intelligent. Show that listening to us is really important to you. Find time to give 100% of your attention to us. Realize that we … Continue reading Teens Talk
Aside from daily survival, I think the greatest stressors for children and parents is sibling fighting. For the younger ones I will change the focus b stopping what I’m doing to cuddle up and read a few books to them. They calm down and then resume playing. Older children are given 5 minutes to work out a solution on their own. If they are unsuccessful, I … Continue reading Moms to Moms on Stress
When disciplining children because they’ve said something hurtful or mistreated their siblings or friends–tell them the next two things they do or say must be something NICE towards that person. Run out of BUBBLEBATH? Try baby shampoo Another bathtime idea–let children ear bathing suits and blow bubbles in the bathtubs for DAYTIME BATH FUN. To sort various family activities on the calendar, us a DIFFERENT COLOR PEN for … Continue reading This Works for Me!
The “cold” is actually caused by a virus. The virus is transmitted in two ways: contact with infected hands or objects particles floating in the air How can you reduce the number and severity of colds? Keep your stress level down. Increased stress has been associated with increased colds and symptoms. Always was hands throughly and frequently with soap and warm water. (It is important … Continue reading The Common Cold!
Some people have stated that adolescence is like “the two’s” all over again. Well, just like two years olds, preteens and teenagers are seeking ways to become independent from their parents and through this new emotions and feelings emerge. The decisions our teens make during these few years have a direct effect on the rest of their life. So, as parents the best thing we can do … Continue reading Adolescence
Freeze mini bagels for the teething baby to gnaw on. The coldness of the bagel feels good on their gums and it is soft enough that when melted they can eat it! (Jenn Rakowski) Put the pacifier in the freezer, so that it is cold when they want it. Your fingers Frozen bananas What did you do to help with teething babies? Continue reading This Works for Me: Teething
Some years it is great to sit back and relax at home with the children. Then you think to yourself, “What am I going to do until midnight?”. Well here is are some fun activities that you can do with the family. Play News Anchor: Set up the video camera and have each person give a report of what they did that year. Over the … Continue reading New Year’s Eve at Home
Thanks to Kaboose.com for the fun winter crafts for children! Craft Stick Sled By: Amanda Formaro Difficulty: Average Age: 8 and up Make this fun replica of an old wooden sled. The starburst design and beautiful colors make this little sled an adorable winter activity. What you’ll need: 5 jumbo craft sticks 2 craft sticks 2 miniature craft sticks White craft glue Yarn Light blue and … Continue reading Kids Korner: Winter Crafts
ART with Angela DiCicco, The Italian Grandmama's Guide 