LadyPens » Family and Parenting

Smart Women Have Rituals for Success

Joy Chudacoff — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:14:19 +0000

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to multiple women’s conferences and speak to scores of women entrepreneurs about their Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals. Questions come up on a range of topics including how to start a business to taking an existing business to the next level of success. One question that seems to have a recurring theme right now is “How do I create a successful business while maintaining work/life balance?” Great question! And one that deserves an answer with some solid tips and solutions. Full Article

Smart Women And The 4 Entrepreneurial Phases

Joy Chudacoff — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:45:32 +0000

When you start a new business or take action on a big idea that you’ve had brewing for a while, it can be a very exciting time. You begin to get a taste of what entrepreneurship can feel like; you’re in control of your own schedule, maybe you worked for someone else and you’ve escaped the rigid 9-5 routine and you’ve become your own boss – life feels good. Full Article

Smart Women, Niche Marketing and Yoga Johnny

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:29:16 +0000

In my work with women, a frequent question is, “How important is it for me to finely niche my marketing message?” My answer is always, “Extremely important.” The reason is 3-fold: Full Article

A Mom’s Struggle With Anxiety Finally Leads To Peace

Jill Green — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:18:53 +0000

In the spring of 1996 at age 30, I had my first beautiful daughter. It was love at first sight. I could not believe how much my heart grew when I looked at that precious little baby. But I was scared too. I was diagnosed with panic disorder in my early 20′s and so I wondered, “What kind of mother will I be? Will I be good enough? Strong enough? What will she think of me when she gets older?” Full Article

When Loved Ones Hit the Road: How to Handle it When Someone You Love Can’t Handle Your Child’s Illness

Kimberly Ehlers — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:17:35 +0000

My 12 year old son, Seth, was born with multiple congenital heart defects. His second (and, hopefully, last!) open-heart surgery took place almost 2 years ago. During the whole process of getting Seth through his surgery and recovery, I was deeply hurt by a person I love. This person hadn’t called or visited during his hospital stay even though they lived near by. I felt abandoned and shocked that they of all people would hit the road when they were needed most. It was around 2 weeks after surgery before they finally called to see how Seth was, and it was a strange call – something had come between us. Full Article

Smart Women And The Tug of Transition

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:28:52 +0000

Recently, I attended a surprise 50th birthday party for a good friend from college. I had a fantastic time reconnecting with old friends and discovering new ones as well. One of the biggest Aha’s for me during the weekend festivities was the realization that most of my time is spent with entrepreneurs—people who have made the jump to self-employment and choosing to do it their way. Many of the people I spent time with at this weekend event were employed by someone else. The topic of conversation was quite different for me yet it was illuminating to learn and see life from their perspective. Full Article

Smart Women Create

Joy Chudacoff — Mon, 23 May 2011 23:11:17 +0000

Women are the most creative beings on earth. You have inspiring ideas and daring dreams, however it can sometimes be a challenge to get the dreams out of your head and onto paper so you can design a plan to make it happen. Most likely, your “to-do” list is overflowing and your Big Idea hasn’t found a way to make it to the top of the list. Full Article

Smart Women Never Quit

Joy Chudacoff — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:42:55 +0000

This article is about why it’s important to never quit as we are on the road to accomplishing our Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals. Although fear and doubt can creep in when we are working toward success, it’s key to stay the course and keep going. There are several things you can do to help you when fear and failure strikes.

The Words a Mommy Never Wants to Hear – Something is Wrong with Your Baby

Kimberly Ehlers — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:53:48 +0000

My husband and I have one child, a boy, now 12. There are a couple of reasons I remember his birth like it was yesterday. First, it was the most incredible life changing experience I’ve ever had. Yes, even bigger than getting married. After all, I knew the man I was marrying well. On May 29, 1998 I met my baby boy for the first time. He was no longer the mysterious baby I carried everywhere with me for 9 months. He made his entrance into the world full of personality. A little one I had to get to know. The second reason I remember his birth so well is because it was the day I heard those words, “Something is wrong with your baby.” Full Article

Ways To Deal With Aggressive Teens

Aurelia Williams — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:28:29 +0000

Children are a product of their environment and teenagers are no exception. If they are subject to a hostile living environment where profanity is being used, shouting is always the way of communication or if there are issues of violence; then the teen is learning that these are the appropriate ways to deal with aggression. Full Article

How To Deal With Lying Teenagers

Aurelia Williams — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:49:59 +0000

As a parent you would like to trust your children; but teenagers lie and the bond is broken, it puts a strain on the relationship. Once a parent realizes they have been lied to, feelings of anger may surface. While it seems to be a fact that teens and lies are like two peas in a pod, you want to know what steps to take to help your teen stop lying so that trust can be regained somewhere along the way. Full Article

6 Questions That Uncover Your Brilliance

Ruth Hegarty — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:04:28 +0000

I talk to my clients and students all the time about their unique brilliance. At first people can find the idea of being uniquely brilliant intimidating. We are often taught that it’s not OK to claim our greatness. Quite frankly, that just isn’t true. It’s a myth perpetuated by those who are so afraid to claim their own greatness they don’t want anyone else to do it either. That’s not what I want for you and the world. Full Article

When Is A Cesarean Section Advisable Over A Vaginal Birth?

Elizabeth McGee — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:38:00 +0000

If it seems like more women are giving birth by cesarean section instead of a vaginal birth, they are. Today almost 30% of babies are delivered via cesarean section and that’s up from even 10 years ago. Why is that? Is it based on need, convenience or something else? Let’s take a look.. Full Article

How to Maintain Marketing Momentum

Ruth Hegarty — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 22:35:11 +0000

Now that you’ve implemented some of the marketing strategies I shared in the article “Marketing Strategies You Can Implement Today”, you want to leverage your efforts by ensuring that you keep the momentum going so that you maximize your results. Full Article

Making Time to Spend With Your Husband

Stephanie Martin — Fri, 28 May 2010 23:45:36 +0000

As busy moms we tend to get caught up in our children’s lives putting all of our energy into that, but you also need to remember that there is someone else in your life that craves some one-on-one time with you, and that is your husband. We, as moms, tend to put all of our energy into planning everyone’s day, making sure everyone makes it to their intended destinations, is picked up, fed, bathed, put to bed, and the house is clean, but we forget to save a little of that energy for our husband. I know that this is the last thing that you want to hear, but hear me out. You not only need to make the time to spend with your husband, but you HAVE to. Remember back to when it was just the two of you, before children, and how much you enjoyed spending time together and just being together. Just because you have children does not mean that you can never have that again. I am here to tell you that you can! But, you really have to make an effort. Here are a few things for you to try: Full Article

The Importance of Spending Time with Your Children

Stephanie Martin — Fri, 28 May 2010 23:40:40 +0000

How many times a day do you catch yourself saying, “not now” or “I don’t have time”? Now, how many times a day do you catch yourself saying this to your children? Too many times we, as busy moms, get caught up in the daily grind of our family’s lives and trying to get everything done that needs to be done, but we forget the real reasons why we’re trying to bake 4 dozen cookies, schedule a doctor’s appointment, make out a grocery list and go to the store, make sure our child’s soccer jersey is clean and ready to go for the game that is scheduled at 5 p.m., have dinner ready before leaving for said soccer game, and squeeze in homework – all before putting our children to bed. Then, we take the next few hours to get caught up on housework such as dishes, laundry, and general tidying up when one of our children, or even your spouse, comes up and reminds you that you have a family get-together the next day that you are supposed to cook 3 dishes for! So, you stay up half the night preparing for the next day knowing that you are going to be completely exhausted but expected to put on a happy face. Full Article

How to Keep Your Children Occupied Once School Is Out

Stephanie Martin — Thu, 27 May 2010 20:51:33 +0000

I do know that I am very fortunate to be able to work from home and, in turn, be home with my children and not have to worry about childcare. I am very blessed to be able to be involved in my children’s lives on a daily basis like I am. However, they are still kids and will still “get bored” and “have nothing to do”. But, I do not plan to let boredom turn into watching TV all day or playing on the computer/Wii all day while they are home from school. I do not allow that during the school year and I definitely will not allow it during the summer months. So, what do I do to keep my children occupied? We do have season passes to a local amusement park and a local aquarium, but we do not plan on spending all of our time inside. Full Article

Alternative Idea To Dressing Up For Halloween

Stephanie Martin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:25:08 +0000

Every year at this time, the stores are filled with a wide variety of assorted costumes from cute little pumpkins and lady bugs to scary witches and vampires. Growing up, I did dress up and go trick-or-treating. My husband and I took our children for a few years, but then decided that it was just not for us. We’ve never really lived in a subdivision where we knew a lot of people who were handing out candy so going door-to-door was not really an option for us. Also, I’m not a great seamstress, so trying to sew a costume was not really an option, even a simple one. So, we came up with an alternative plan that has worked really well for us and our children love it! Full Article

Helping Your Teen Succeed in High School

Aurelia Williams — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:58:52 +0000

You know your teen can handle the work, you know your teen knows what to do, yet you watch your teen fall short of meeting a certain educational goal. Many parents have witnessed this over the course of parenting their teens and many parents find it hard to endure a teen whom they feel isn’t trying their hardest. If you observe your teen refusing to do homework or making more out of an assignment than there really is, this is often a way of expressing their confusion, frustrations and at times, anger. Full Article

Self-Care

Ruth Hegarty — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:24:07 +0000

When you are creating effortless success, it’s important that you learn to take extremely good care of yourself – physically, mentally and spiritually – and to always put your best interests first. There is a good reason why airlines instruct passengers who travel with small children to put their own oxygen mask on in an emergency and only then put a mask on the child. It may seem counter-instinctual since we are all conditioned by evolution and culture to risk our own life to save the life of a small child. This is a good and natural instinct as it helps to ensure the continuation of our species. That is the bigger picture. In the smaller, more immediate picture, it is in both your best interest and that of the child for you to put your own oxygen mask on first. Why? Imagine that you followed your natural instinct and put the oxygen mask on your two-year old son first before attempting to fasten your own. Before you can attend to your mask, the lack of oxygen overcomes you and you pass out. Now, you have no mask and your child has no one to comfort and continue to look after him. Imagine instead, that you first put on your mask, and then put an oxygen mask on your son. If he has passed out the oxygen will revive him and now you are both conscious and your child has you to continue to comfort and protect him during the emergency. Full Article

4 Tips for Gradual Weaning

Carrie Lauth — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:32:41 +0000

Your baby has grown so fast that before you know it, you’re thinking about weaning. Now what? Here are a few tips to help make the transition easier for you and your little one. Full Article

Party Favors Aren’t Just for Weddings

Cherie Johnson — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:03:22 +0000

One of the many things a bride has to consider is the favors that will adorn the tabletops at her reception. Since party favors are usually marketed to brides, however, most party planners bypass the charming addition that they make for any occasion. Affordably priced and useful, party favors help liven up a gathering, and party planners who want to add a little panache incorporate their various party favor ideas into a celebration to provide guests with a special memento. And regardless of the nature of the gathering, just remember that party favors are no longer solely meant for weddings. Here are some party favor ideas to get you thinking creatively! Full Article

Tips for Traveling with the Breastfed Infant

Carrie Lauth — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:47:09 +0000

You have spent awhile getting used to breastfeeding your child at home and getting into a comfortable routine. Traveling can really mix up this routine and present new challenges, especially for a breastfeeding mother. Here are a few tips that can help ease you into a more enjoyable and comfortable trip with your breastfed baby. Full Article

Nursing Your Baby? Coping With a Separation

Carrie Lauth — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:03:51 +0000

It is possible that as a new mom, there will be times when you will have to be away from your baby for a short period of time. Perhaps you have to travel on business, or there is a medical procedure that you must have, that will make it impossible for you to breastfeed for awhile. Full Article

Smart Women Understand “WIIFM?”

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:57:33 +0000

Do you know what WIIFM stands for? Sure you do! You ask yourself this question every time you think about making an investment or purchase—“What’s In It For Me?” Am I right? We purchase everything based on the “benefits” that we will receive when we use the service or product. Full Article

The Value of Being a Stay-at-Home Parent

Tammy Paquin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:31:06 +0000

Okay, I admit it; I wasn’t excited about becoming a stay-at-home mom. I was working as a part-time dental hygienist and had the right combination of work and home time. My husband and I had just barely decided that I would follow a dream to go onto dental school versus having a third child (which was something I felt in my heart—but NOT our budget!) when the pregnancy test came up positive! Surprise, surprise! Full Article

Three Little-Known Realities About Breastfeeding

Carrie Lauth — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:35:28 +0000

Reality Check #1: The First Weeks of Breastfeeding May Hurt “I tried to breastfeed but my nipples got so sore and cracked that I had to stop.” I’ve heard so many mamas say something along these lines as the reason they quit breastfeeding. They see these images of happily nursing women, figure breastfeeding is supposed to be a 100 percent positive experience, and then are disappointed when it’s not only unpleasant in the early days—it’s downright painful. Moms probably wonder what they’re doing wrong and some may even think they can’t breastfeed. So they switch to formula.

Four Ways to Ensure Breastfeeding Success

Carrie Lauth — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:32:25 +0000

Step One: Prepare Yourself Before the Birth While there’s nothing you can do to physically prepare yourself for breastfeeding (harshly rub those nipples all you want—it won’t help!), you’ll want to learn all you can about nursing before you try it. You don’t have to become an expert, but it will help to know a few things.

Three Pieces of Breastfeeding Advice to Ignore

Carrie Lauth — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:19:36 +0000

“Don’t nurse your baby all the time or she’ll become too dependent. You must wait and feed your baby every few hours.” This is possibly the most damaging piece of breastfeeding advice you’ll ever hear. Not only can following this advice lead to clogged milk ducts and breast infection, it can sabotage your entire breastfeeding relationship.

Understanding a Defiant Teenager

Aurelia Williams — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:19:54 +0000

Raising any teenager can be tough, but raising a defiant teenager is especially difficult. It’s like a slap in the face to see the sweet child you raised morph into an angry, defiant teenager before your very eyes. Who is this person – this teenager screaming at you across the dinner table? What did you do to deserve such aggression and hostility? And, most importantly, what should you do? Should you ignore the behavior? Yell and scream yourself? Run away and hide until they are 30 and the phase has passed? While there’s no one right answer, I’m hoping that the suggestions in this article will help to make dealing with your defiant teenager just a little bit easier. Full Article

Work Life Balance: Help for Busy Moms

Aurelia Williams — Fri, 01 May 2009 20:48:45 +0000

As a mom you probably go through times in your life when you think you can’t possibly manage work and taking proper care of your family. In fact, there are probably times when you feel you’re not doing a good job at one or the other or maybe even both. Don’t despair! There is help for you whether you work from home or outside of the home, your family is large or small or you have other commitments like volunteer work.

Time Management - Knowing where and how you spend your time is key to balancing your life. Start by keeping a calendar of all your activities. You can do this online, on a paper calendar or in a journal. Track everything from showering, exercise, meal preparation, driving time, and so on. You will probably see areas where you can cut some time out by doing certain activities while you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or riding in the car. There are lots of useful ways to spend idle time and you can figure those out as you fill out your calendar or journal. Full Article

Help your Teen Daughter Develop a Healthy Body Image

Aurelia Williams — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0000

“I’m fat!” “I’m ugly!” “I have nothing to wear that doesn’t make me look gross!” Full Article

Tips to Curb Summertime Teen Laziness

Aurelia Williams — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:58:18 +0000

Most of us enjoy a lazy day when we can sleep in, putz around and just relax a little – and our kids are no different. However, when the dog days of summer come, some teens take that one “couch out” day and stretch it over an entire summer break. Here are some tips to combat summertime teen laziness and keep your teen active and engaged. Full Article

Potty Training doesn’t have to be a chore.

Angela Wenke — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:40:05 +0000

As a home daycare provider I have the pleasure of potty training many of child. As a lot of mother’s know training a boy can be more challenging but the key is to not start to early and allow your child to show you the signs, that he or she is ready to start training. Full Article

Teaching Your Children to Start Saving Their Money

Angela Wenke — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:38:31 +0000

Most children these days do not understand the concept of saving or earning money. This has never been a major priority in their lives, or a necessary way of living for them. But as parents, it is absolutely crucial that you teach your children the importance of saving their earned money. Full Article

Easing Breastfeeding Pain Naturally

Carrie Lauth — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:50:19 +0000

Along with the benefits of breastfeeding such as exceptional nutrition for your baby and a close knit bond between mother and child, the mothers can often experience some sort of breast pain. It’s important to know what methods are a combination of effective, natural, and won’t harm baby or mom. Full Article

Are You Looking for A New Start in 2009?

Ruth Hegarty — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:28:16 +0000

Now that many of the resolutions you made in the initial frenzy of the New Year may have fallen away, it’s the perfect tie to really evaluate what you want this year to mean for you. What do you want to be, do and have in 2009? Full Article

Why Breastfeeding Is Hard

Carrie Lauth — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:12:08 +0000

Why Breastfeeding Is Hard Full Article

Nursing Your Baby to Sleep- Good Idea or A Bad One?

Carrie Lauth — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:23:48 +0000

Is nursing baby to sleep a good idea? I mean, we mothers know that babies often fall sleep nursing. After all, the breast is a great source of comfort to them and is a place they feel safe and familiar. In addition, the fat in mom’s milk helps make baby sleepy, and the warmth of her arms and sound of her heartbeat are relaxing too. All of which add up to the perfect environment to succumb to sleep. Full Article

Family Time at Dinner Time

Peggy Baron — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:54:06 +0000

These days, many families struggle to find time when they can all be together.Â Sometimes it’s because both parents work long hours and sometimes it’s because of the kids’ many extracurricular activities. Full Article

Kids Cooking For A Cause

Peggy Baron — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:48:12 +0000

How can we combine kids, cooking, and charity?Â This was a question that popped into my mind the other morning.Â There must be a way to blend these three together in a way thatâ€™s good for the kids and good for the charity.Â The answer came in a totally unrelated email the next day.Â The Ronald McDonald House!Â What better way for kids to practice their cooking and organization skills, and build confidence and caring than to provide a meal for an organization like the Ronald McDonald House? Full Article

For Kids Only – How To Read A Recipe

Peggy Baron — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:08:51 +0000

Sometimes you get tired of mac and cheese, don’t you?Â Frozen burritos, cheese sticks, and sandwiches can get pretty boring too if you eat them all the time.Â Hey, how about taking out one of your mom’s recipes, that one you really like, and make some real food?Â Problem is, you donâ€™t know how to read a recipe.Â Of course you know how to read, you just don’t know how to follow a recipe because it’s different than following microwave directions on the side of a box.Â So you don’t starve, here are some tips on how to read recipes and make some good food: Full Article

Sidewalk Chalk – My Favorite Learning Tool

Peggy Baron — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:01:26 +0000

When the weather is nice, the kids (and Mom) are itching to get outside and play.Â I personally like the playing to learn approach.Â Did you know thereâ€™s an outdoor world of math and reading fun that awaits you and all you need is sidewalk chalk, dice, and your imagination?Â Anything we can do inside on paper can be done outside on the driveway or sidewalk, as long as we donâ€™t care if it eventually gets â€œerasedâ€ by rain or sprinklers.Â Not only do the kids and I get to exercise our brains but we also get to exercise our bodies.Â I get to stretch my hamstrings and quads as I bend over to draw game boards or numbers, and the kids get to hop, skip, and jump around.Â Here are a few favorite sidewalk games Iâ€™d like to share.Â You can adapt any of them to the abilities of your children, and multiple ages can play together. Full Article

Homeschooling – Learning Through Recipes

Peggy Baron — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:52:56 +0000

There are so many wonderful packaged Unit Studies available to homeschoolers that you don’t know where to start.Â Instead of buying something pre-packaged, how about starting with an idea and let your children’s interests decide where to go with it.Â Have you thought about starting a unit study in the kitchen… with a recipe? Full Article

Math Games for the Active Child

Peggy Baron — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:45:32 +0000

To put it in a nice way, my son is rather squirmy.Â He doesnâ€™t like to sit still for very long unless heâ€™s playing a video game, then itâ€™s just amazing.Â So instead of constantly telling him to sit down and do his math, we take it outside or up the stairs, literally.Â Iâ€™d like to share some of ways we like to â€œdo mathâ€ when sitting still is too much.Â Try these games with your child and I think youâ€™ll agree that math and exercise can go hand in hand. Full Article

7 Tips For Kids Learning To Cook

Peggy Baron — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:34:38 +0000

It is said that cooking is an art.Â Like most art forms, a person can have some natural talent, but there’s a whole lot of learning and experiencing that has to happen before they’re any good at it.Â Cooking is no exception.Â First, children need to be exposed to good cooking, so they can appreciate the differences, then they need to be given the chance to try cooking themselves. Full Article

Preparing Your Teenager and Yourself For the Teen Dating Concept

Aurelia Williams — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:01:56 +0000

At some point, your teenager is going to want to start dating. This will happen whether you want it to or not. Keeping your teen locked up from the concept of dating is not going to make for a healthy relationship between you. It’s important that you work through the teen dating scene with excellent communication skills to ready them and you for a smooth experience.View this Post Full Article

Super-Sizing Your Teen’s Self-Esteem

Aurelia Williams — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:01:07 +0000

Your teenager may go through times where their self-esteem goes up and down; especially if they’re being teased by their peers. You may want to find ways of raising your teen’s self-esteem to a higher level to help them cope with their issues. Here are some ways you can do just that: Full Article

Helping Troubled Teens

Aurelia Williams — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:45:56 +0000

At times, even when using the best parenting tactics, teens may need outside help in order to get over their problems. Itâ€™s important to know that there are many useful resources in your community that can be called upon when your teenâ€™s depression or anger issues become out of control and more than what you can deal with. Full Article

Teaching Your Young Homeschooled Child to Read

Carrie Lauth — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:14:37 +0000

Once you’ve made the decision to take the plunge and homeschool your child, you have only begun to answer the myriad of questions out there concerning how and what you are going to teach.Â How soon do you officially start?Â How structured will the curriculum be?Â How much should you emphasize academics vs. fun activities?Â The list goes on. Full Article

Reuse Your Giveaway Winnings

Courtney Chowning — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:03:33 +0000

If you enter giveaways, contests, and sweepstakes very often you are bound to win something you donâ€™t really want or have a need for. You may have thought you wanted it but after you got it, decided it wasnâ€™t exactly what you were looking for. Below are four ways to for you to reuse your giveaway winnings. Full Article

3 Reasons Moms Need To Be Entering Blog Giveaways

Courtney Chowning — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:21:57 +0000

It seems like almost every blog is hosting a giveaway or contest for some product or another. Some are simple to enter and others are more complicated. Some of the prizes are small in value and others are large in value. The same is true for all – you can win some awesome prizes! Full Article

Generation Text Book Review

Carrie Lauth — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:27:54 +0000

Review: Generation Text: Raising Well-Adjusted Kids in an Age of Instant Everything by Dr. Michael Osit Full Article

Preventing Breastfeeding Problems Before They Begin

Carrie Lauth — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:46:32 +0000

Breastfeeding is effortless for some mothers and babies, but for others, there are challenges. Even some women who have successfully breastfed before may have a new baby who has difficulties. It takes two to nurse, after all. Thankfully, there are several things that moms can do to prevent problems before they occur. Here are a few recommendations. Full Article

Why Choose Natural Products For Your Baby and Toddler?

Carrie Lauth — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:41:16 +0000

As a mother you just spent nine months carrying this new life around.Â It is amazing what a life changing impact a small, helpless baby can have on your life.Â The new baby has transformed you into a mother and suddenly everything feels more important – including the products you choose to put in your home and on your baby’s skin. Full Article

When Breastfeeding Gets Tough – How to Get Help

Carrie Lauth — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:36:07 +0000

If you’re feeling frustrated with breastfeeding, remind yourself of why you wanted to nurse your baby in the first place, then run – don’t walk – to find the help you need to continue to breastfeed. Full Article

How to Get Things Done When You’re Breastfeeding

Carrie Lauth — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:28:42 +0000

Breastfeeding has countless benefits for mom and baby. However, one of the so-called disadvantages of breastfeeding is the perception that mothers are tied to their babies or to the nursing chair all the time. Unless you’re good with a breast pump, you can’t just drop your baby off with the sitter when you need to run an errand or take time for yourself. What if she gets hungry while you’re away? And how can you explain to a babysitter why it’s so important not to give a bottle of formula while you’re gone? Full Article

Breastfeeding Around Your Family

Carrie Lauth — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:25:04 +0000

Breastfeeding in the comfort of your own home is one thing, but nursing around your relatives during the busy holiday season has its own set of challenges. Among these include: Full Article

More Math Games For The Active Child

Peggy Baron — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:13:00 +0000

Math games are the perfect way for the squirmy child to learn math. Some kids don’t learn as well when trying to concentrate all their efforts on sitting still. These kids do better when allowed to actively partake in math games – and what could be more fun? Full Article

Stress Reduction Tips For The Entire Family

Aurelia Williams — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:30:18 +0000

Busy family lifestyles lead to stressed out families. Stressed out families can often lead to more problems and issues. Learning to deal with family stress before the stress becomes a huge problem is a good idea. If you already have problems, then learning to deal with the issues that are causing you stress is essential in helping you to overcome these difficulties. Full Article

Six Ways to be a Bad Conversationalist

JoJo Tabares — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:47:28 +0000

Everyone can talk, but not everyone is a good conversationalist. If you haven’t had much experience or training, there are some conversation mistakes that can make you someone nobody wants to talk to. Full Article

What’s Your Communication Personality?

JoJo Tabares — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:42:58 +0000

Are you a Gabby Gloria or a Shy Sheila? And how can knowing this help you be a more effective communicator? Understanding your communication personality can allow you to make slight changes in your communication style that can help you relate better to others. Most people are some combination but may be dominant in one. Here are some basic communication personalities and some tips for better communication if you find yourself talking to one or if you find that you are one! Full Article

Communication Assessment Quiz

JoJo Tabares — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:42:00 +0000

Check your CEQ: Communication Effectiveness Quotient. Full Article

Breastfeeding Tip: Avoid Triple Nipple Syndrome

Carrie Lauth — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 22:48:08 +0000

There are several reasons why you, as a breastfeeding Mom, will want to avoid or limit artificial nipples. Avoid Triple Nipple Syndrome if you want to nurse your baby for that important first year (or longer!). Full Article

Breastfeeding Tip: Appreciate Your Unique Baby

Carrie Lauth — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:18:07 +0000

It’s funny… you are breastfeeding your baby because it’s the best choice for you and her, yet you are still getting criticism. If your baby is roly-poly and bouncy, people say you’re “overfeeding”. If she’s slim and petite, people accuse you of starving her! What’s a nursing Mom to do? What should a healthy breastfed baby look like? Full Article

Breastfeeding Tip: Get cozy about nursing in public

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:47:50 +0000

You have a goal to breastfeed your baby for one year and are off to a great start. Congratulations! But now you want to leave the house? Uh-oh! Full Article

Tips on Choosing a Homeschool Curriculum

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:40:38 +0000

Now that youâ€™ve made the choice to homeschool your child, youâ€™re faced with thousands of curriculum choices. How do you know what is right for your family? Here are some tips to help narrow down your choices and guide you to the best curriculum for your child. Full Article

Pregnant Momma Housekeeping Tips

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:38:34 +0000

It is a strange but true paradox of postpartum motherhood that, at the time you are most vulnerable physically and emotionally and most in need of rest, you want a spotless nest for your new little one. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the postpartum period more and stop worrying so much about the housework. Full Article

Is There Housework After a New Baby?

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:36:54 +0000

Congratulations on your new little bundle! This is a precious and wonderful season in your life. But if you find yourself knee deep in laundry and scared to walk around the house without your shoes on, read on for some tips on keeping up with the housework with a new baby. Full Article

Mastitis â€“ Does It Mean I Have To Stop Breastfeeding?

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:21:16 +0000

Mastitis is a breast infection that can affect some breastfeeding Moms. According to Dr. Ruth Lawrence, author of Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession, mastitis is an “infectious process in the breast producing localized tenderness, redness, and heat, together with systemic reactions of fever, malaise, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.” Full Article

Ouch That Hurts! A Nursing Momâ€™s Guide to Treating Plugged Ducts

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:20:23 +0000

A plugged duct is a mass of milk or cells that cause the flow of milk to become “stuck”. It often happens to women who have an abundant milk supply. Full Article

Mommy Burnout – 6 Ways to Lose It

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:18:34 +0000

Feeling burnout as a Mom is very common. It does not mean that you are failing as a Mom. Itâ€™s mostly due to the isolation that a lot of Moms face in our culture, as well as the overscheduling and overwork that a lot of us deal with. Full Article

How Breastfeeding Benefits a Daddy

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:16:37 +0000

You know that breastfeeding is best for mother and child, but what’s in it for Dad? Isn’t he going to miss out by not getting to share in the joy of feeding the baby? Let’s see how Dads benefit when a Mom chooses to breastfeed their child. Full Article

Partial Breastfeeding – Should I Even Bother?

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:56:02 +0000

For some women, feeding a baby with breastmilk alone is not possible. The reasons for this vary. For instance, some Moms have had previous breast surgery and have damage to their milk producing glands and ducts. Other choose to mix formula and breastmilk feeding because they are working outside the home and cannot pump enough milk for baby’s needs. Still other Moms are adoptive nursing and are unable to bring in a full supply. These Moms may wonder if their baby is benefitting at all from the partial breastfeeding or if they should just quit nursing altogether. Full Article

Anger Management Tips for Moms

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:22:51 +0000

Anger – it sounds like a dirty word, but the more we try to avoid it, the more
we feel it. Is anger so bad? Is there a positive way we Moms can learn from our anger and model productive ways to express feelings? Full Article

Diary of a Breastfeeding Strike

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:04:13 +0000

It can happen when a Mom least expects it: a nursing strike. One day baby is nursing happily and the next day, baby is fussy and refusing the breast. What happens? Full Article

Frugal Baby

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:02:44 +0000

How can I be frugal and have everything baby needs? Full Article

Does CoSleeping Wreck Your Marriage?

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:56:17 +0000

Many people who are opposed to the idea of the family bed will contend that cosleeping interferes with marital intimacy. Those who embrace it think that these people lack imagination! What’s the truth? Does the family bed wreck your marriage and prevent intimacy? Full Article

3 Breastfeeding Rules Just Meant to Be Broken

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:52:47 +0000

1) Only nurse for XXX minutes per side
Fill in the blank here. It may be 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 15 minutes, but breastfeeding mothers are often told to watch the clock instead of watching their baby. Full Article

Breastfeeding? How to Avoid Mastitis This Winter

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:48:14 +0000

Mastitis is a breast infection that sometimes affects nursing moms. Sometimes it starts out as a plugged duct that isnâ€™t resolved, other times mom gets mastitis when other family members catch a cold. Full Article

Limiting Screen Time For Kids â€“ Why?

Carrie Lauth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:41:46 +0000

Have you ever read the statistics on how much time modern children spend in front of the television and other screens? The figures are a little disconcerting for most parents. Are you concerned about your kids watching too much? Full Article

Parenting Teenagers: Tips On Starting High School

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:16:27 +0000

Teenagers all over the world will take the leap from child to young adult this fall. They will be entering High School for the first time. This milestone brings a variety of feelings and emotions. They are beginning four of the most difficult, yet most memorable years of their life. If you think you are anxious and scared, try being your teen. Full Article

Teen Suicide: Facts And Tips On What You Can Do To Help

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:15:19 +0000

According to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, “teen suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers — almost 2,000 teens kill themselves each year.” Depression is one of the leading causes of teen suicide. It is estimated that “over 90% of teen suicide victims have a mental disorder, such as depression, and/or a history of alcohol or drug abuse.” The National Institute of Mental Health considers depression “to be a real medical illness and it’s treatable.” Full Article

Teen Self Esteem: How Parents Can Help

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:14:20 +0000

How many teenagers do you meet that really have a strong sense of self esteem? Not many if you tell the truth. It’s a treat to find a fifteen year old who knows and likes who they are. Full Article

Teen Discipline: Just as Important Now as it was Then

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:13:10 +0000

As the parent of a teen, you no doubt wish you could go back to the days when it was easier to discipline and correct your child. The days when you did it because you knew they knew no better and looked to you for guidance and direction in this scary world. With your child now turned teenager, â€œNo, Noâ€ just doesnâ€™t cut it anymore. Full Article

Help, My Teen Wants to Begin Dating

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:11:27 +0000

Ah, dating. Itâ€™s a part of every teenâ€™s life. Itâ€™s also a source of stress for most parents when their child reaches this pivotal point. It doesnâ€™t have to be stressful. Here are a few tips to help you keep the fear at bay when your teenager starts dating. Full Article

Moody Teens: How to Deal With Those Frustrating Times

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:10:35 +0000

If you currently have a teen or know a teenager; youâ€™ve probably noticed a time or two (or maybe a hundred) where their moods have swung to match those of a Drill Sergeant in the armed forces. Sometimes, their actions can leave you wondering whether itâ€™s normal or the sign of something more serious. Full Article

Helping Teens Deal with Peer Pressure

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:09:22 +0000

Parents spend a lot of time teaching their kids right from wrong. They show them what they think is right and hope they can keep their children from falling for negative peer pressure. Even though we work hard at raising our children to do whatâ€™s right, they will still make mistakes along the way. Itâ€™s not feasible to expect them not to make mistakes, but we can still help them learn to stay on track by utilizing some techniques to avoid peer pressure. Full Article

Helping Your Teen Find A Summer Job

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:08:30 +0000

Summer break for most students is not too far away. In fact, many teens will be looking for a way to earn extra cash. As a parent, there are things you can do to help your teen find summer work. Full Article

Helping Your Teen To Overcome Depression

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:06:25 +0000

Statistics on teenagers suffering from depression and other mental ailments are alarming. Various studies suggest that 1 in 4 teens suffer from some sort of mental illness. Teenage mental illness, to include depression, can have dire consequences. Teenage suicide is on the rise. It is the third leading cause of death in the age bracket of 15 to 24 years. Dealing with depression in teens is an important step in reducing these numbers in our society. Full Article

Coping With Your Teenagerâ€™s Mood Swings

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:05:29 +0000

If you are the parent of a teenager, you are familiar with mood swings. One minute, your teen is happy and loving, the next they are sullen or angry. These mood swings can happen fast and can seem to come out of nowhere. Full Article

Coping with Teen Bullying

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:04:27 +0000

In the past, bullying was perceived as a fact of life and that kids should learn to just deal with it. Nowadays, a new problem arises as teens and even young children are resorting to violence against others to release their stress and tensions brought on by the bullying they endure. In some of these cases, the children have resorted to suicide because they donâ€™t feel thereâ€™s any other way to deal with what theyâ€™re feeling. Hereâ€™s how you can help: Full Article

Connecting With Your Pre-Teen and Teenager

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:03:17 +0000

As the parent of a pre-teen or teenager, you may long for the days when you could hold your child on your lap and they were eager to talk, laugh, and play with you. Those days may be long gone, but you can still find ways to connect with your teen. Here are a few tips to make process easier. Full Article

Hereâ€™s How To Help Boost your Teens Self Esteem

Aurelia Williams — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:02:21 +0000

Many people suffer from self-esteem issues. Teens are often more effected by esteem issues. They are going through changes, both physically and mentally. This can radically effect how they view them selves and their capabilities. Full Article

Protect Your Children With a Password

Audrey Okaneko — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:09:59 +0000

When we think of password protection, we think of bank accounts, computers, or even voice mail phone systems. Full Article

Kids and Secrets

Audrey Okaneko — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:08:25 +0000

As parents we have so much to worry about in regards to our children. We want to protect them from all of lifes dangers, yet we want to accomplish this without putting unnecessary fear into their lives. Full Article

Children’s Birthday Party Ideas

Audrey Okaneko — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:07:42 +0000

When my children were young, we had so much fun with birthday parties. Each year we did something different from the year before. Some years our themes allowed us to invite several children and some years our themes allowed us to only invite a small amount of other children. Full Article

Does Your Child Forget His Homework

Audrey Okaneko — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:07:16 +0000

I used to get at least one phone call per week from my daughter. She was just frantic. She had left her homework at home and needed me to rush it over to her at school. Full Article

Children Love Routines

Audrey Okaneko — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:06:42 +0000

One of the reasons children will sing the same song over and over again is because they love routine. Full Article

Choosing Your Child’s Pediatrician

Audrey Okaneko — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:06:13 +0000

When the time came for me to choose a pediatrician for my children, it was very important that the man or woman I chose would be a person willing to answer my questions and address my concerns. I was so fortunate to find men and women in two cities who did indeed care enough to spend the 5-10 minutes needed to speak with me about my questions and concerns. Full Article