Search Results for: blog what if you dont like your childs friend

Sunday Mornings

Sunday mornings are my favorite time. Ever since getting divorced is seems like Sunday morning is really the only time Hailey and I can slow down and just enjoy each other’s company. When she was younger there was always so much to do, the weeks were packed and Saturday was super busy with all the household stuff that was neglected all week, but Sunday was our day. Sunday has always been the day we get to slow down, we have a huge breakfast and spend most of the day in our pajamas. We don’t always “do” things together, although sometimes … Continue reading →

She’s Just Not That Into Me

She loves me She loves me not She really loves me She really wishes I would move to another country, so she wouldn’t have to endure my constant nagging about picking up her toys… or they all go to charity. OH.YES.THEY.WILL. She is my five going on 15-year-old daughter. My precious piece of sunshine, who as a baby would squish her marshmallow cheek against my chest, as we swayed to the angelic sounds of Libera singing a haunting rendition of “Sanctus.” (I challenge you to listen to their version without tearing up.) Now she prefers the not so heavenly strains … Continue reading →

Home Week in Review: March 3 – 9

Where has the time gone? Another week has come and gone and we’re well on our way to spring. Until the weather becomes a bit more predictable, maybe you’d like to catch up on some reading: Kids Rooms: Your Child’s Dream Room Beyond dreamy décor, you can create a room for your child that helps nurture his or her dreams and encourages your child to be anything he or she wants to be… *Dale commented about murals following this article, and here is a link to more information on murals: Home Decor Tips: Creating a Mural The Neighbors Are Moving: … Continue reading →

Can We Get on the Same Time Clock, Please?

The more actual bodies that a household and family has, the tougher it is to get everyone on the same page–not to mention the same time clock! You might have thought it was hard enough when you were dating or first settling in with a partner or spouse (if you’ve got one)–adjusting to the other person’s style, mood, energy level, housekeeping standards, etc. Fast forward a few years and throw in a few children–and you’ve likely got individuals who are all headed in different directions and operating on very different time clocks. Now, while I don’t have a spouse or … Continue reading →

Joiners and Loners

We all want what’s very best for our kids—we want them to grow and develop and experience life to the fullest. BUT, sometimes our own values about what that means might clash with our child’s temperament. We may think that an active social life is best while our child prefers to be alone or in one-on-one relationships. We might actually worry that if our child is too much of a loner, there are (or will be) big problems. It can go the other way too and a shyer, quiet parent might have a real hard time with a child who … Continue reading →

Frugal Living Week In Review for April 9th to April 15th

Another busy week in Frugal Living has come to an end, and it is time once again to show you what has been going on this past week. With three bloggers, there is a never ending supply of terrific ideas, tips and advice for living a more frugal lifestyle. Visit the previous Week In Review, to get more great ideas. Monday April 9th We started off our week with several terrific articles. Traci offered advice in Saving Money by Cutting The Phone Cord. If you follow this advice, you can really cut back your phone expenses. We did this a … Continue reading →

What Are You Teaching Your Kids About Gossip?

Ah…we try so hard as parents and watch our Ps and Qs—we strive to set a good example and be good role models for our children…but what about when it comes to gossip? Do our children hear us chatting away on the phone or on the sidelines at the soccer games—talking about neighbors, teachers, other parents, or anyone else? What are we teaching our children about gossip when they hear the things that we talk about with our grown-up friends? Of course we’re not perfect! And I have a very good friend who admits that gossip is really her biggest … Continue reading →

Getting to Know People You Don’t Like

Embracing differences doesn’t necessarily come easily for most kids (or most parents either, for that matter). Our kids just naturally want to stick with people who they like and who seem the most like them. But we can help our children grow and develop and learn how to interact with a variety of people in different situations if we encourage them to get to know people they don’t necessarily like. I’m thinking of that classic parent’s ploy of having our child take “one bite” of a food they think they don’t like. The goal being, of course, to get them … Continue reading →

“It’s Time for a Family Chill-Out.”

Children with special needs, and especially those with behavior problems, can get easily overwhelmed. As your child becomes more verbal and enters pre-adolescence, you’ll likely face numerous meltdowns and family fights. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself swept into the battle and getting as frenzied as your child. Soon everybody is yelling, crying, or complaining. Before things escalate out of control, step in and call for a family “chill out.” Here’s how it works: Mom or Dad calls a “chill-out.” Everybody has to stop talking, or making any vocalizations, for ten minutes. Whatever the current problem is, put … Continue reading →

Making Good Friends

Friends can have an enormous influence in our children’s lives. These friendships can be for the good or have a detrimental effect upon our child. So as parents it is important that we help our children cultivate and maintain good friends. Good friends are invaluable, especially for teenagers. You might wonder how can you help your child choose good friends. Read on for some ideas. Talk about good friends. Help your child make a list of characteristics that a good friend has. Encourage them to be a good friend as well. This way they are more likely to attract good … Continue reading →