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How an Illness or Death in the Family can Rekindle Kinship By : Tara L How to strenghen family ties during a family crisis instead of letting it break the family apart. How to Deal With the Pressure to Be the Perfect Hostess By : Susan Leigh Many women feel that the ultimate responsibility for providing a perfect family Christmas lies with them. The presents, meals, arrangements are all down to them, whilst still being expected to smile, look great and remain calm. Let's look at some ways to deal with the pressure. Wife or Mother : Priorities Kids before husband? By : Shannon Laackmann Wife or Mother : I am pondering the hot topic of putting your husband before kids in the priority list. is that a reasonable expectation for a mom? Morning Challenges During The School Year By : Josanne Anthony We’ve all see it in magazine ads, commercials, and even in our own homes-the morning rush that equals complete and utter chaos. Is there another way? How to Tap the Resources of an Extended Family By : Tara L Available resources of an extended family and how to tap them. Looking Back Can Help Others Look Within By : Mommy Magic Time flies, especially when our children are little. This story, about a stranger's important and timely advice to a mom who is feeling a bit frazzled, brings home how fast our kids grow up, and how precious and fleeting the special moments are when we can still hold them in our arms. Ways to Relax at Home By : Susan Leigh Home is meant to be our haven, the place where we look forward to returning at the end of a busy day or week. Let's look at some dos and some does to promote relaxing at home. The 5 Most Common Mistakes That Daughters-In-Law Make And How To Correct Them By : Sally Shields Ladies! There are a few simple things you can avoid that will save you from repeat D.I.L.Z. (Daughter-in-Law Zings) that we all experience from time to time (some of us more than others!). Seven Keys To A Happy Family By : Pastor Kimberly Lemler With all of the oodles of reality shows on television today, we can get a glimpse into the lives of different types of families. Some of the shows are relatively tame, and others are outrageous and downright sad to watch. Dysfunction seems to be the norm, and peaceful, harmonious, loving families are more of a rare commodity.... Work-Life Balance - the secret of secrets By : Mark Bunn Here you will learn how to balance your career and family to get the best out of both worlds. Who's In Charge in Your House ? By : Susan Leigh Home is meant to be a place of peace and harmony, but all too often it can become a battle ground, with different dynamics vying for control. Let's have a look at who's in control in your house. Ways to discipline your kids By : Austin John While this can take time, try not to get frustrated when your kid does not behave. In lieu, learn effective ways to discipline your kid. Tips for Helping Your Family to Start Eating Healthy By : Sherry Frewerd No idea how to eat healthy? Not to worry, there are a few tips that can help you start to eat healthy and to help your family do the same. How to Handle a Bullying Situation By : Corrie Petersen No matter how hard we try, there are certain situations that we can’t prevent from happening. One of those situations is bullying. There are kids out there that don’t care about others and it doesn’t seem to bother them when they hurt them. It’s unfortunate, but true. Be An Ambassador of Fun By : Kristi Bernard Expert in Tips For Mom Are you the parent that does all of the disciplining of the kids? Do they cringe when you approach them because they're afraid you're going to yell at them about something? Do you feel you don't know them anymore because everyone spends time doing their own thing? If you've answered yes, then it's time to make a change. Take time to be an ambassador of fun with your kids. The Women In Our Lives By : Larry Matthews Women and Men , so different yet so dependant on each other. I believe women are the heart and soul of our society. The voice of reason and compassion that bring us peace and comfort. The Important Role of Grandparents By : Susan Leigh In many families grandparents are providing crucial support in a myriad of ways. They are often uniquely placed to give valuable input to the whole family. Let's look at the evolving and important role of grandparents. Organizing - Ways to Get Your Family Involved By : Cynthia Charleen Do you feel like you are the only person in your family interested in being organized? Don't despair, you are not alone. For helpful tips on getting your family to help with some of the tasks, read on. Too Busy To Clean House, Or Have Company? By : Josanne Anthony Families today keep so busy, with after-school activities, errands and other things. You may think, when is there time to clean, and especially if company is coming over? Read on to find a few helpful tips that will help keep your home cleaner, and with less effort. Stop, Drop and Roll – Your Child's Need To Be Diaper Free By : Kristi Bernard Expert in Tips For Mom If your household is kid friendly then you have probably witnessed a streaker. Yes, that's right! That little one that just had their diaper taken off and their little buns cleaned up. You turn away for a split second and they're off running through the house shrieking and laughing. Moms, Get it off Your Plate: De-stress Your Life One Decision at a Time By : Sandy Fowler Let's face it, moms are the 'keeper of the keys'. We take responsibility for almost everything that happens in our homes. Keeping a family going and a household organized requires a huge amount of effort and energy; and sometimes it just feels like too much. Suddenly you feel stressed, worn-out, or just plain done. But you don't have to feel that way and you can turn the tide today with one simple step. This one step can reduce the burden on you - forever! Success, Stress, and Happiness By : Dionna Sanchez What good is it for me to have everything done; get it all accomplished – but be left a puddle of stress in the process? Baby Fever has Sprung Again! By : April Lisbon-Peoples When “baby fever” has sprung, sometimes you reminisce of the days of old when you first heard your little one’s heartbeat or when you first felt your baby move. You hear friends and colleagues talking about how much they cannot wait for the new behave to arrive. Unfortunately, it is not you this time. Your heart becomes sadden as you realize that you want another baby but your spouse or significant other says no. You find yourself at a crossroad—do you respect his wishes or should you create an “oops” baby? Six Simple Mistakes Moms Make By : Cynthia Helwig When you're a new mom it's truly hard to keep your sanity at times because of always juggling. Even seasoned moms are overwhelmed at times when you have a small brigade to chase after and keep up with (and that's not including keeping your significant other happy either). Here are just some common mistakes we all make at one time or another that might just help stop the craziness before it begins. SOS: My Super Power Tank is Running Close to E By : April Lisbon-Peoples It is the beginning of the week once again and you find yourself trying to remember what you have to do next. You are getting breakfast ready while at the same time trying to get the children washed and ready for the day. All of a sudden you remember that you have a meeting earlier than expected and you are running around trying to get everyone out the door. By the end of the day, you are hit with a “bang” as you finalize realize that you are just too tired to do anything else for the day. I have on many occasions felt this way and never realized that I was taking on more than I could handle. I was on mommy overload and was on the fast track to the land of mommy burnout. So moms, I want you to close your eyes and think about the last time you felt overwhelmed with your daily life as a mother and decide if you feel like your super power tank is running close to E. Choosing Great Outdoor Toys For Kids By : Julie-Anne Fountain Selecting quality outdoor toys for kids can allow you to catch up with work (or rest) while your child is safely playing and exploring in your own backyard or patio. Inexpensive Spring Break Activities for School Age Children By : Brenda McCreight Keeping your children busy during spring break doesn`t have to exhaust you or empty your wallet. Here are some inexpensive ways to keep you and your children active and happy while school is out. Exercise and Colds By : Dr. S. Don Kim Keep colds away with simple exercise! Empty Calories for Children By : Dr. S. Don Kim Are your kids eating empty calories? Repelling Insects Naturally By : Wendy Mackay Using natural ways of repelling annoying or biting insects focuses on keeping the insects away rather than killing them. So natural repellents can be less harsh to you and the environment. The Best $50 A Working Woman Will Spend By : Josanne Anthony You may think that the best money a working woman can spend is on a good manicure, or a new hairdo. I've got something even better than those to offer you to think about! Plan Ahead to Survive Christmas By : Susan Leigh Investing a little time in planning ahead can make all the difference to a family holiday being either a stressful or a pleasant time together. Christmas is no exception. Here are a few thoughts to help. SCARE THE PANTS OFF YOURSELF THIS CHRISTMAS! By : Sue Kendrick Scary parties are not just for Halloween, they go down well at any time of the year, but particularly Christmas when everyone is expected to suspend disbelief by believing in strange men in red with weird levitation skills and animals with wingless aviation abilities! A Lesson In Worth By : Dionna Sanchez A lesson on teaching your children character. Breastfeeding Tips For New Mothers By : Angela M. Linton Time and time again, we have been told that breastfeeding is the best source of food for our babies and indeed, it is also every economical. Stepfamilies fit together like a quilt instead of blending By : Judy Graybill Societal norms and the term "blended" family implies that two families merge/blend together to form a new family. That can be scary to young people who either already struggle with forming an identity or who think they have just figured it out. Blending is forced upon them. This article illustrates how a stepfamily is more like a quilt. Each family member maintains their unique personality while also fulfilling an important role within the healthy functional step family. Use a Vacation to Bond as a Stepfamily By : Judy Graybill In these economic times, more families are saving money by traveling by car to their vacation spot. Spending days together on end can be stressful for all family members, but especially so for members of stepfamilies. This article suggests ways to transform the stressful moments into bonding moments. A vacation as a stepfamily will create a lasting memory. Let's make it a good one. Don't Let Worms Crash Your Party By : josephsmum Threadworms are more common than you think, and can be easily picked up, especially amongst children. So what do you do if you suspect your child has been infected? Thinking About Downsizing? The Perils of Living in a Tiny Modern House By : josephsmum So you are thinking of downsizing to a smaller home? Maybe your children have grown up and left home, and managing a smaller house is an attractive idea. Or maybe its for financial reasons. Running a smaller home is more cost-effective. But have you considered this move from every angle? More Than "Lost and Found": Cherished By : Buck Johnson Putting name tags or labels on your kids' stuff may not only make the lives of you and your children's teachers simpler, but you never know when those tags will perform a big miracle for an important small person. Bedtime Routine For Children of School Age By : Angela M. Linton The summer holiday is whining down and students will once more be back at school. Yes, the roads will once more be busy and therefore motorize and pedestrians will need to be a little more careful Moving By : Sheryl Paul Have you ever read the statistic that says that moving is the third most stressful event you can endure, following death and divorce? I’m always stunned by this statement. Let’s take a moment to digest this: Death, divorce, moving… Wow. Clearly, for it to rank so high on the list, the stress cannot possibly be solely due to the practical aspects; it doesn’t equate that packing up one house and moving to another location would trigger this level of emotional response. Learn what's really going on Aromatherapy in the Laundry By : Wendy Mackay Doing the washing can seem like a thankless, never ending task. No sooner have you washed, dried, ironed and folded that mountain of clothes, then someone has refilled the laundry hamper and it all starts over again! Aromatherapy can’t make that mountain of washing go away (sorry!) but it can make the whole process of dealing with it so much more pleasant. Fall Spring Cleaning By : Kristi Bernard Expert in Tips For Mom Have you accumulated a lot of unused items over the years? Are you wondering if you should throw them all out? Here are a few tips to get you cleaning green and earning extra cash too. Can Incontinence Undies be Stylish and Contemporary? By : DryDiapersPlus You have incontinence issues. You are an adult. You don't want to use adult diapers - but what other options do you have? Aromatherapy First Aid By : Wendy Mackay Every home and workplace should have a first aid kit. But have you considered also having an aromatherapy first aid kit? Essential oils are perfect for dealing with many of the minor illnesses, injuries and other conditions we encounter everyday, and in a natural, gentle and holistic way. Natural Cleaning With Essential Oils By : Wendy Mackay Cleaning and maintaining your home using natural ingredients including essential oils rather than using toxic chemicals is a cheaper, more environmentally friendly way and it smells SO much better! Mom’s Nest, or How to Discuss Menstruation with your Child By : DeAnna Lam Discover how to talk with your child with comfort and ease about menstruation. The purpose with young children, both girls and boys, is to introduce, and talk about, this natural bodily function in the same neutral way as you do when talking about eating. Gradually, as the child matures, it is good to tie the flow to its purpose, which is a woman's ability to give life. Do you live with a fussy eater? By : josephsmum Living with a fussy eater can be a miserable experience for both child and parent. Mealtimes can become a battleground of wills, and often there are no winners with everyone becoming frustrated. Here are some suggestions that may help you in your search to find a better balance to family mealtimes. KIDS WHO SEE GHOSTS: Family Support for a Child Who Sees Ghosts By : Dr. Caron She unknowingly started the book when she began to write about her adventures with her first-born biological grandson as he began exhibiting the ability to see in the spirit realm. The next thing Yvonne knew, she had a collection of stories to help parents and grandparents support kids who see ghosts and have other paranormal experiences. You Can Live Without Aerosol Sprays In Your Home By : josephsmum They say that if you do something reguarly for two weeks it becomes a habit. I wonder if the same can be said of doing without something for two weeks? Can you cut out aerosols from your home to save some money and improve your family health? Neighborhood Security to Help Keep Your Family Safe By : Su Ericksen Neighborhood security begins by getting to know your neighbors. Once acquainted you watch out for each other, whether by a formal neighborhood watch or a casual observance. Frugal Family Living Can Be Fun - It's True By : josephsmum Having fun on a tight budget can be difficult, especially with a family and their never ending demands to be entertained. But having family fun does not mean buying the latest video game, or an expensive visit to a theme park. Look a bit closer to home to find some low cost family fun. How To Be A Frugal But Fun Family By : josephsmum It is a tough time financially for families, so saving the pennies and cutting corners here and there has become the norm for everyday life, and not just when you are saving for a holiday or new car. Here are a few useful and fun tips that are frugal, but can be enjoyable too. What do you use your exercise bike for? By : josephsmum When the designers of the very first home exercise bike were drawing out their design on paper, I cannot believe they would have included extra-long handlebars to accommodate the hanging of shirts, blouses and skirts. However, I bet more home exercise bikes are being used as clothes horses today than for the purpose they were designed. How I lost a Stone, and How My Son Found It Again By : josephsmum Parents often find that their weight increases over the years due to lack of time to exercise regularly, or eating more substantial family comfort foods, or even finishing off their kids left-overs! The creep of the scales can seem hardly noticeable over the course of a year, but what can you do to stop that creep without it seeming like punishment. Fitting Exercise Into Your Busy Family Life Can Be done By : josephsmum Trying to balance a busy family and work life if difficult enough, but trying to fit in some form of regular exercise on top of everything else may seem like an impossible task. The solution may be to work out at home. Help! My Life Disappeared Since Dad Moved In. By : Frena Gray-Davidson It's a big struggle for adult children to make the right decisions on the part of elderly parents. They want to do the right thing by the ones who raised them. Yet what exactly is the right thing? And supposing things don't seem to be working out -- what then? Parents Share Their Personal and Family Goals By : Mr. Wisdom This article focuses on personal and family goals discussed by parents involved in a life skills workshop. Most of the parents spoke often about spending more time with family, understanding, listening and improving communication with their family which are the keys to successful relationships. The Rhinoceros Is Eating S'ghetti By : Jack McDaniel This is how it begins. We are driving to San Diego from Colorado. The trip has taken two and a half days, leisurely and fun. Surprisingly, our twenty-month-old daughter has spent most of her back seat time singing ("Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "Ring Around the Rosy"), looking out the window, and asking for her coloring books. Or rather, book--she has her favorite and the others don't pass the test. Her speech has grown exponentially over the past fortnight. Her vocabulary, it seems, double Family Time in the Kitchen: Priceless! By : Fern Weis, Parent Coach There is a magical room in your home. It is your kitchen and it is a space where people and relationships can blossom and thrive. How can you enjoy the magic that occurs here? Programs Learning: A Free On-Line Resource that Motivates Kids to Study By : Alan Jordan "Mom, I don't know what to study." Have you ever heard that excuse? How about "Mom, studying is boring." There's a site based out of the United Kingdom that just might offer the solution that your children need to do their best. The Importance of Forgiving Your Parents By : Vanaja Ghose Most parents love their children desperately. There is not much that a mother or father is not willing to do in an effort to love, nurture and protect their children. However, because parents are human beings and, thus, are subject to human frailties, parents do sometimes emotionally scar their children. Gratitude—More Than an Attitude Teaching our Children the Joy of Being Grateful By : Dr. Caron Gratitude is more than an attitude. Recent studies show that grateful people are happier, more resilient, and less depressed. They also have higher self-esteem and better relationships. These results prove that gratitude is more than polite manners and positive thinking. It is a way of life, and a wonderful legacy to leave our children. Spare the Rod-- Ten Reasons to Not Spank Your Child By : Dr. Caron Parents wear many hats. Among them are role model, doctor, and chauffeur. Often their most difficult role is that of disciplinarian. Disciplining children is complex. It requires patience and understanding. For centuries, spanking was the primary discipline tool. Unfortunately, it is ineffective and can be harmful. Countless studies have shown that spanking does little more than perpetuate aggression and violence. This is only one reason to not spank your child. Here are ten more. Everyday Simple Rituals By : Wendy Haynes, Ceremony & Family Rituals Expert A lot of people say that just don’t have enough time. Well, these few simple rituals can bring an enormous amount of joy into your life. Whether you are single, a couple or a family, these take very little time, and yet can bring a sense of peace and happiness into daily living. Thanks, Mom! By : Annie Fox For the first 18 years of our lives, chances are we spent a lot of time with Mom. She told us plenty of things she wanted us to remember. Plenty more we picked up simply from observing. In honor of Mother’s Day, how about taking a look back on the legacy you got from your mother? You might be surprised at what you internalized and how that’s informed the person and the parent you are today. Uh Oh, Mom and Dad Got Old -- What Next? By : Frena Gray-Davidson If you aren't already looking after your aged parents, chances are you will be. Maybe your aged grandparents too. This is about to be the century swept away by elders. More old people alive than ever before in human history. Are you ready? Of course not. None of us is. But this would be a good place to start facing the possibility. It's time to think about it. Start some plans maybe. Consider options. Figure out how the new communications are going to be. Let's walk the walk together. I Can't Do It All By : Dionna Sanchez It's okay that we can't do it all. We weren't meant to. Do you put your children before your spouse? By : Hyneman “If you leave (their spouse) my kids will still be here with me” I heard a woman tell me before. Why think like that? Isn’t marriage supposed to be till death do you apart? In my household we don’t bring the word “divorce” out of our mouths. Why do people put their children before their spouse in the first place? Let’s take a look: Motherhood and Your Mother-in-Law! By : Sally Shields Often after a baby arrives, there can be tensions between the new mother and her more experienced mother in law, who would love to impart her loving wisdom. However, if stubbornness gets in the way, there are a few things to keep in mind to make things go more smoothly. Here are a few questions and answers that might prove helpful to ease the dissension between the new mother and her baby's new grandma! Scrapbooking Ideas: As Endless as They Are Enjoyable (and Weird!) By : Grant Brad Gerver Reading about how scrapbooking is one of America's very most popular hobbies has given me pause to reflect on how many things you could create a scrapbook about. Scrapbooking is All the Rage: Take Your Scraps and Book 'Em! By : Grant Brad Gerver I read where scrapbooking is all the rage these days. Maybe it's always been there, but below my radar. Hey, I'm a guy. But, so many of our friends, almost exclusively women, are into scrapbooking, it's pretty amazing. Even though my wife is not, she sure loves watching PBS shows and the like all about preserving memories, especially through scrapbooking. She would be heavily into this type of memory preservation were it not that she's already into so many other things.