This is a repost of a June 2010 article in honor of Father’s Day.
I love to laugh, especially at imaginative and funny TV commercials. However lately, I’ve seen a disturbing trend in the ones that poke fun at men and fathers as if they were congenital dunces! In fact, this actually worries me!
Okay… I get it! Women, as statistical facts indicate, are the major decision makers in most households so these TV ads are aimed at women not necessarily to denigrate men, but to play on women’s emotions in hopes that they’ll slice the family savings account for products and services. One has to wonder though, when the subliminal types of messages with their disparaging facial expressions, belittling body language or overt condescending language toward men become part of our everyday thinking. Are women and girls being beguiled to disvalue boys and men? I certainly hope not; because eventually these girls and boys will marry, and they must know how to respect and honor each other for their nuptials to have a chance, and to set a high-quality example for their own kids. Read more… »
The lazy hazy days of our kids’ summer vacations are nearly upon us. While summer is meant to be brimming with fun, the words “lazy” and “hazy” plague many parents. They complain about “lazy” kids who just want to “chill”, and then they worry about the impact of personal sluggishness and absent academics. Parents feel “hazy” attempting to manage free-for-all schedules, as well as the chaos of getting in and out of suitcases, vacations, camps, and the “I’m bored” melodrama.
Well I’m not promising a magic potion for “lazy and “hazy”, but these ideas might just help parents to feel a little more in control. Read more… »
In an effort to pursue several career projects that are near and dear to my heart, I have elected to temporarily reduce the frequency of my blog posts to once monthly. Please do stay subscribed to receive future posts by email, and know that your feedback in the comment section is welcome and cherished. My sincere thanks to you for being a reader and supporter. See you soon.
April is Stress Awareness Month. If you aren’t aware of that fact, I’d bet that you are at least aware of all the stress in your life. But let’s not talk about our stressors. Let’s talk about what we can do to ease them.
An old wives tale tells us that “Laughter is the Best Medicine.” Research suggests that this might just be true! Here’s why.
Laughter reduces the levels of stress hormones in our bodies. At the same time, it increases the release of feel good chemicals like endorphins. It can also help to boost the immune system to keep you more germ resistant and healthy.
Oh you want more proof? How about this? Laughter could improve your social life. When you smile or laugh, you make yourself more inviting. Think about it. If you saw a room full of people would you approach the brooders or the ones who looked happy? Enough said!
Laughter is contagious. Have you ever heard someone laugh so hard that you laughed too? Now imagine if you made other people laugh. I think you’d be building some seriously good karma.
Lastly, laughter is FREE. You have no fiscal excuse not to engage in it.
What does all this have to do with parenting? Quite simply, a less stressed parent is a healthier parent whose happiness will positively affect the family!
So what do you think? Can you commit to consciously laughing for the remainder of April? Here is a favorite video of mine to get you started. I know, I know! You may have seen this before but isn’t it worth repeating for all the reasons I outlined above?
Go ahead. I dare you not to laugh! When you’re done watching, come back and leave us a comment including what makes you laugh. What funny movies or jokes can you share with us?
In case the video link is not working, you can access the video here.
I was searching for cream cheese in the dairy aisle when I heard giggles from adorable twin boys fully engaged in a poking contest.Their gregarious age appropriate behavior gave me a chuckle until the poking turned to malicious pinching. Twin one screamed “OOWWW” followed by “MOMMM!” Twin two got a well deserved glare from mom followed by “Apologize to your brother right now!” Read more… »
If you have been on an airplane and have actually listened to the safety instructions you know what to do if cabin pressure drops and the oxygen mask is required. First you put on your own mask and then you help others. Why should you go first? Two obvious reasons come to mind. First, a child companion would be more likely to put on an oxygen mask if they see a parent role model it. Second, logic tells us that we have to be able to breathe in order to help someone else breathe!
Like it or not, mean people exist. They can be found anywhere from adult workplaces, to children’s schoolyards, to softball or football fields where we all gather for fun and friendly competition. Mean people’s words and or actions can cause us emotional anguish. Many operate intentionally while others function from a place of sheer ignorance not even realizing how negatively they impact others.
Death is never easy to accept. When it comes prematurely, it yields unrelenting agony for those left behind. Our hearts ache, particularly, for children who are not equipped to understand.
My own heart is aching for one very young fellow who recently lost his mom to cancer. This mom had many roles but “mother” is the one she fought hardest for. Motherhood is a job that can never really be finished. There is always an opportunity to love, teach, impart wisdom, extend the hand of friendship, soothe pains, revel in joys, and of course so much more. In a job that seems limitless, this mom had very limited time.
I came to comprehend her plight most clearly when I read her last online journal entry. Read more… »
Typically, when Atlanta gets snow, it is minimal and melts within a day. This past January we got five inches topped with a solid half inch of ice. Global warming temperatures were not ours to have and Mother Nature’s wrath stayed with us for a week. With only 11 snow plows, Atlanta was paralyzed and its residents were sequestered indoors. Shouts of joy could be heard from every child who had the week off from school.
Have you ever been so adamant about your opinion being the only right one? Have your kids? It is a trait common to all of us and one that can be dangerous. Being “right” comes in handy if you’re on a debate team. But if this isn’t managed in everyday living, it can contribute to inflated egos, offensive opinions, and frequent arguments with those who dare to differ. And what if you’re actually wrong? Being called out on errors and forced to swallow pride is not fun for anyone. I know, I’ve been there!
There is an opportunity here for parents and kids alike.
This thought provoking poem serves as a tool in reminding us that while we may be right, others can also be. Read more… »
This is a repost of a June 2010 article in honor of Father’s Day. 
Women, as statistical facts indicate, are the major decision makers in most households so these TV ads are aimed at women not necessarily to denigrate men, but to play on women’s emotions in hopes that they’ll slice the family savings account for products and services. One has to wonder though, when the subliminal types of messages with their disparaging facial expressions, belittling body language or overt condescending language toward men become part of our everyday thinking. Are women and girls being beguiled to disvalue boys and men? I certainly hope not; because eventually these girls and boys will marry, and they must know how to respect and honor each other for their nuptials to have a chance, and to set a high-quality example for their own kids. Read more… »
