As parents, we sometimes get so caught up in our children’s lives and our need to please them that we tend to create more havoc for the entire family. Case in point: I have always wanted my children to pursue all of their dreams, join any activity their little hearts desired and stay busy in hopes that they are fulfilling their passions. I wanted them to have the perfect childhood.
Tag: parenting
Navigating the Teen Years: Pressure, Patience and Prayer
I really thought my toughest years of parenting were when I had two in diapers at the same time. I was exhausted chasing two toddlers, but those smiles and kisses made it worthwhile. My son and daughter thought I hung the moon and they didn’t seem to mind when I danced around the living room and sang silly songs.
How to Reduce Stress in Your Life
It’s common to feel stress at times in your life, but when chronic stress takes over, it can lead to physical ailments and reduce the quality of your mental health. “Chronic stress is the base of the pyramid for so many physical illnesses, especially coronary artery disease,” says Dr. Andrew Shatte, Arizona-based psychologist and author of “The Resilience Factor.” “Un-stressed people are better able to dispel their negative feelings and find themselves feeling happier and more optimistic, which in turn has physical health benefits.” Safeguard your emotional and physical well-being with strategies to reduce stress in your life.
Don’t Get Stuck Inside Just Because the Weather is Cold
Although it may seem as if you are confined to the indoors when freezing temps force you to bundle up, cold weather can offer your family opportunities to get creative during winter. In fact, just because the temperature drops, it doesn’t mean your family activities have to stop. From sledding and snowball fights to nature walks and science experiments, cold weather can offer your family much more than red noses and chilly feet. Bundle up with coats, hats and gloves and set out on a family adventure that promotes bonding, activity and memories that will keep you warm.
From Presents to Philanthropy: Teaching the True Meaning of the Holidays
If it seems like the holidays are taken over by presents, wish lists and decorating, it’s time to get back to the basics: teaching your children the true meaning of the holidays. “While parents are focusing on this year round, the holidays are a major built-in opportunity for parents to help children develop character and values,” says Rachel Robertson, director of education and development at Bright Horizons Family Solutions. “Receiving gifts has no long-term impact on a child’s development, but contributing to others and learning about giving and selflessness does.”
10 Places to Look/Ask for Support
You have a new baby and there are plenty of things to do: caring for the baby, caring for yourself, trying to get back in shape. The trick is not going it alone. Many new moms are so overwhelmed with balancing the baby’s routine and family life that exercise and time to make healthy meals seems to fall to the bottom of the to-do list. It is possible to move post-baby body workouts and healthy meals to your can-do list with the right support. Check out these 10 suggestions from moms, fitness experts and nutritionists to get you back in those skinny jeans.
Quick Snacks That Pack a Healthy Punch
When hunger attacks, it's tempting to pick up a sugary or fat-filled snack to get you through the day. Instead, opt for a quick snack that will give you energy, satisfy your taste buds and provide nutrients you need. "It may seem simple to stop at the drive-thru window on your way to or from work, but it's just as easy to grab something more health-supportive, too," says Diane Hoch, founder of the Food Evolution, a nutrition and cooking center in Nanuet, N.Y.
10 Superfoods for Supermoms
Keeping up your energy to host a tea party with your toddler after tossing around a football with your teenager, all while maintaining household tasks, requires superfoods for the supermom in you. Although the hustle and bustle of mommyhood may leave you desperate for a snack, hold off on salty chips or high-fat candy bars. Recharge your batteries with superfoods designed to energize and boost your immune system.
What to Delegate to Friends and Family as a New Mom
As a new mom, it’s likely you won’t be able to accomplish as much as you would like to between feeding, changing and cuddling with your tiny addition to the family. Although it’s sometimes difficult to ask for help, this is the time you need it the most. “A new mom’s ability to delegate or ask for help will increase her coping skill, reduce overwhelming feelings [and] anxiety and soften the transition to motherhood,” says Marva Caldwell, mother of two and licensed mental health counselor in Maitland, Fla.
Divide and Conquer
Maintaining household duties works best when the entire family contributes. Determining who washes the dishes or takes the trash out can often be a source of conflict, though. Playing on each other’s strengths with duties can help make the tasks less of a chore, says Karla Helbert, Virginia-based psychotherapist and mother of a 5-year-old daughter. Divide and conquer to keep your house in shape and the family satisfied with their contributions.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 