Moms are some of the busiest people on the planet. From working a 9-5 job to getting the kids off the school or from attending soccer games to chaperoning a slumber party, a mom's feet never seem to stay still. Some moms are responsible for taking care of their aging parents as well.
With this almost frantic pace, increased stress levels can be a natural result. Stress can impact many areas of life such as work, family, and other relationships. Stress can cause one to experience irritability, impatience, and distractibility. For busy moms, stress management is a necessity. Here are eight tips to assist in living a more stress free life.
1. Determine, no matter what, to create time for self. For some busy moms, maybe it's a soothing bubble bath at the end of the day. For others, it could be a quick trip to the local Nail Salon. The activity really doesn't matter as long as busy moms take some time for themselves.
2. Listen to calm, soothing music on the way to work, while at work, and while going to sleep. Music has a way of calming and soothing the mind body.
3. Practice deep abdominal breathing periodically throughout the day. Breath in deeply through the nose pulling the belly button toward the spine, hold for a few seconds, and then slowly release. Busy moms will be pleasantly surprised at how this simple technique can result in a more relaxed body and mind. This can be done in any environment.
4. Take time to exercise. Exercise helps to increase self-esteem, decrease depression, increase concentration and energy, and gives one a greater sense of control over stress. Hitting the local gym is not always necessary. Taking a 15-minute walk around the neighborhood, taking walks on lunch breaks, taking the steps instead of an elevator, and parking farther away when shopping are examples of how busy moms can squeeze in exercise during the day.
5. Eat Healthy. There are foods that promote calmness and foods that increase stress levels. Busy moms can ask themselves if they are eating too much sugar and caffeine, and if they are getting enough protein. They can also evaluate if they are eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and staying away from refined and processed foods. Healthy eating is very important for any busy mom. Taking a look at diets and making the necessary changes can result in increased optimal health.
6. Call a friend. For any busy mom, it is always important in life to have at least one relationship where they can just vent and know that a listening ear and unconditional acceptance will be given.
7. Practice Thinking Calmly. Everyone has a favorite place that is peaceful, soothing, and calm. When stress levels increase, busy moms can take a mental break and visualize that special place. They can take note of the sights, sounds, and smells. It is important to continue to do this until relaxation is felt. Busy moms will notice that the stress they are experiencing will be less and more manageable.
8. Have a sense of humor. We all are familiar with the saying, "Laughter is the best medicine." This is so true. Be willing to laugh at personal mistakes. Watch a funny movie. Share a joke with a friend. In other words, lighten up. It will make such a difference.
Busy moms can follow the above eight tips for a more stress free life!
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
5 Easy Ways to Diffuse a Temper Tantrum
You already know that your toddler is a whirlwind of emotions and excitement. Temper tantrums are a natural part of your child’s development and their way of working out their feelings the only way they know how. Here are five easy ways to calm your child (and yourself!) without giving in.
1. One of the best ways, heartless as it may seem, to quell a temper tantrum in progress is to ignore the child. By going into another room or a different location, you’re sending a message that their behavior is unacceptable and it won’t get them what they want. Since there’s no one around to hear them cry, they’ll stop almost immediately! Just make sure that they’re not in danger of hurting themselves or others while they’re working out their feelings.
2. Because temper tantrums are a way for your child to release their pent up emotions, you can help them express themselves more calmly by telling them how YOU feel. Saying things to them like “I feel sad when you call me names or say bad things to me” or “It hurts me when you throw things because that makes a mess and I have to clean it up.” Sharing your feelings openly and sharing what’s bothering you teaches your child that it’s good for them to respond in the same way.
3. If your child is throwing a tantrum because you took something away or won’t let them have something, refuse the urge to give in to them, no matter how loud they get. This kind of behavior is a way for them to test your patience and their boundaries. When you consistently give in to their demands, this reinforces the tantrum behavior, and it will only continue or get worse. Instead, tell your child in simple terms why you took the item away, or why they couldn’t have what they wanted at that time, and work through the anger and sadness together. This shows them that not only does crying not give you what you want, but also that you’ve set firm limits which can’t be crossed.
4. This may sound silly, but if your child starts throwing a tantrum, duplicate their behavior as loudly and obnoxiously as possible. Chances are, they’ll stop what they’re doing and wonder what’s gotten into Mommy or Daddy. This shows that their behavior is pointless, and perhaps even silly, and they won’t be as likely to do it again next time! Just be careful and don’t try this in a public place!
5. If you are in public when the tantrum hits, take your child to a quiet place where he or she can work out their feelings in private. Speak to them in an open, loving tone, and resist the urge to yell back. Say things like, “I know you’re mad. It’s okay to feel angry or sad and cry. But you can’t hit or act like that when there are people around. So let’s try getting out all our anger / letting out all our tears and having a good cry. This teaches your little one that not only are these feelings perfectly natural, but it also gives them the opportunity to work through the problem and release all those pent up emotions.
And Mom or Dad, it’s natural for you to get fed up, embarrassed or short-tempered when your child throws a tantrum. But instead of yelling out of frustration, focus on your child’s good behavior and praise them often for it. Your child mimics what he or she observes, so don’t think that a compliment goes unnoticed. Children are eager to please. By redirecting their temper tantrums into a channel of open communication and highlighting their best behavior, you’re setting a great example for them to grow into expressive, loving and respectable human beings.
1. One of the best ways, heartless as it may seem, to quell a temper tantrum in progress is to ignore the child. By going into another room or a different location, you’re sending a message that their behavior is unacceptable and it won’t get them what they want. Since there’s no one around to hear them cry, they’ll stop almost immediately! Just make sure that they’re not in danger of hurting themselves or others while they’re working out their feelings.
2. Because temper tantrums are a way for your child to release their pent up emotions, you can help them express themselves more calmly by telling them how YOU feel. Saying things to them like “I feel sad when you call me names or say bad things to me” or “It hurts me when you throw things because that makes a mess and I have to clean it up.” Sharing your feelings openly and sharing what’s bothering you teaches your child that it’s good for them to respond in the same way.
3. If your child is throwing a tantrum because you took something away or won’t let them have something, refuse the urge to give in to them, no matter how loud they get. This kind of behavior is a way for them to test your patience and their boundaries. When you consistently give in to their demands, this reinforces the tantrum behavior, and it will only continue or get worse. Instead, tell your child in simple terms why you took the item away, or why they couldn’t have what they wanted at that time, and work through the anger and sadness together. This shows them that not only does crying not give you what you want, but also that you’ve set firm limits which can’t be crossed.
4. This may sound silly, but if your child starts throwing a tantrum, duplicate their behavior as loudly and obnoxiously as possible. Chances are, they’ll stop what they’re doing and wonder what’s gotten into Mommy or Daddy. This shows that their behavior is pointless, and perhaps even silly, and they won’t be as likely to do it again next time! Just be careful and don’t try this in a public place!
5. If you are in public when the tantrum hits, take your child to a quiet place where he or she can work out their feelings in private. Speak to them in an open, loving tone, and resist the urge to yell back. Say things like, “I know you’re mad. It’s okay to feel angry or sad and cry. But you can’t hit or act like that when there are people around. So let’s try getting out all our anger / letting out all our tears and having a good cry. This teaches your little one that not only are these feelings perfectly natural, but it also gives them the opportunity to work through the problem and release all those pent up emotions.
And Mom or Dad, it’s natural for you to get fed up, embarrassed or short-tempered when your child throws a tantrum. But instead of yelling out of frustration, focus on your child’s good behavior and praise them often for it. Your child mimics what he or she observes, so don’t think that a compliment goes unnoticed. Children are eager to please. By redirecting their temper tantrums into a channel of open communication and highlighting their best behavior, you’re setting a great example for them to grow into expressive, loving and respectable human beings.
Monday, November 07, 2005
How to Teach Your Children to Cook
If you're ready to teach your children how to cook, here are some simple tips for teaching them the basics, and giving them skills that will last them a lifetime!
First of all, think safety. Any child that has to stand on a stool or chair in order to reach the stove is too young to cook. Start younger children off by letting them help set and clear the table, gathering ingredients, and stirring, mixing or adding ingredients.
Next, set rules about handling knives and other sharp instruments and handling hot pans or boiling ingredients. Some parents start teaching their children to cook by showing them how to make things that don't require cooking first, and then graduating to letting them make food in the microwave.
Create a relaxed atmosphere that is fun when teaching your kids to cook. Remember what it was like when you were learning to cook? Chances are, you made a few messes and broke a few dishes. It happens. Learning to cook should be fun, not drudgery, although there are certain responsibilities that go along with the privilege, such as cleaning up as you go along, and leaving the kitchen clean when you're finished.
Start with the basics. Show your kids what the different utensils are used for, and the right way to use them. Teach them about herbs and spices, and using the right ingredients for the right dishes. Cooking is a great way to learn fractions and chemistry, and your kids might not even realize they're learning while they're having fun!
Begin with simple recipes. There are some great cookbooks for kids on the market today, that include step-by-step instructions and pictures so kids can see what something's supposed to look like while they're assembling the recipe...let success build on success.
Give your kids a chance to shine. As they learn to cook more complicated recipes, let them be responsible for planning -- and cooking lunch or dinner one night. Letting your kids plan the meal -- and even shop for the ingredients will help them to realize and appreciate the effort that goes into cooking.
As your kids become more skilled, begin including foods from different cultures. Many recipes such as French crepes or Italian lasagna are not difficult to make, and your kids will develop an appreciation for many different kinds of food.
Especially for younger children, having tools that are their own size not only make cooking more fun, but make it easier for them to participate. Kid-sized kitchen utensils can be found at many department or specialty stores.
Make sure you take plenty of pictures -- you may not realize it now, but you're making memories that someday will be as delicious as that batch of chocolate chip cookies you're baking now!
First of all, think safety. Any child that has to stand on a stool or chair in order to reach the stove is too young to cook. Start younger children off by letting them help set and clear the table, gathering ingredients, and stirring, mixing or adding ingredients.
Next, set rules about handling knives and other sharp instruments and handling hot pans or boiling ingredients. Some parents start teaching their children to cook by showing them how to make things that don't require cooking first, and then graduating to letting them make food in the microwave.
Create a relaxed atmosphere that is fun when teaching your kids to cook. Remember what it was like when you were learning to cook? Chances are, you made a few messes and broke a few dishes. It happens. Learning to cook should be fun, not drudgery, although there are certain responsibilities that go along with the privilege, such as cleaning up as you go along, and leaving the kitchen clean when you're finished.
Start with the basics. Show your kids what the different utensils are used for, and the right way to use them. Teach them about herbs and spices, and using the right ingredients for the right dishes. Cooking is a great way to learn fractions and chemistry, and your kids might not even realize they're learning while they're having fun!
Begin with simple recipes. There are some great cookbooks for kids on the market today, that include step-by-step instructions and pictures so kids can see what something's supposed to look like while they're assembling the recipe...let success build on success.
Give your kids a chance to shine. As they learn to cook more complicated recipes, let them be responsible for planning -- and cooking lunch or dinner one night. Letting your kids plan the meal -- and even shop for the ingredients will help them to realize and appreciate the effort that goes into cooking.
As your kids become more skilled, begin including foods from different cultures. Many recipes such as French crepes or Italian lasagna are not difficult to make, and your kids will develop an appreciation for many different kinds of food.
Especially for younger children, having tools that are their own size not only make cooking more fun, but make it easier for them to participate. Kid-sized kitchen utensils can be found at many department or specialty stores.
Make sure you take plenty of pictures -- you may not realize it now, but you're making memories that someday will be as delicious as that batch of chocolate chip cookies you're baking now!
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Helping Your Child Through Their Teenage Years
Some folks say that the "teenage years are the toughest". For you and them! Growing up is a continual process filled with regular highs and lows. As a parent, it's expected. But what can you do to help through the tough times they might face down the road of life? Here are some quick tips for those parents that are struggling to understand their "troubled teens".
COMMUNICATION COUNTS!
While most teens can be pretty "tight-lipped" about many of their complicated issues they might be trying to handle or hash out on their own, simply taking the time to ask them what's bothering them or what's going on can REALLY help. Even if you don't have the best line of communication with your teen, or it has somehow broken down as they have gotten older, most teens are willing, and ready, to open up to you in most cases.
Remember to always LISTEN FIRST to what they have to say. While the topic of discussion may not seem that important in your eyes, teens see everything as a tragedy waiting to happen! To them, what they are going through is almost like the "end of the world" or at least the end of THEIR world. Most teens are self-centered, and so, the entire world as it relates to them, which is pretty much every single aspect of it, revolves around them. At least, in their thought process.
No matter how compelled you might be, DON'T INTERRUPT THEM! Let them get the weight of their concerns or problems off their chest without "butting in" irregardless of how upset you might be at what they are revealing to you. Yes, they are letting you inside their small, strange teen world, so be grateful. It will help to strengthen their trust in you not to EXPLODE on them and further open the line of communication between you both.
UNDERSTANDING AND COMPASSION
After your teen has revealed the crux of their current situation, HOLD YOUR TEMPER, no matter how bad it is. Let them know that despite their actions, you love them without boundary and always will. Try putting yourself into "their shoes" and look at the situation from their vantage point.
Without being too "preachy" explain to them that you too were once a teen and had some rough patches, or made poor choices yourself, but you made it through and so will they. Teens don't like being lectured. They get enough of that in school!
Your goal is to be friendly without being their friend. You are still the parent and as the parent, you MUST hand down disciplinary consequences for their actions. Do your best to not blur this thin line. It will just make things more difficult for you both later on.
Also, remember, that the point here is to let them understand that you are ALWAYS available to listen when they are having problems. And through your life experience you are ready with solutions to those problems.
GET HELP OUTSIDE THE FAMILY
If your teen's particular situation is too much for you to effectively offer a solution or help them, don't be afraid to ask for help elsewhere. There are outstanding organizations out there ready to help. You can find just the right one by searching through the Yellow Pages or doing a topic search online to get in touch with the proper organization.
It's important for the health and well-being of your teen to do everything in your power to help. Also keep in mind that whatever the age, unless your teen is willing to TRY then any outside help you seek will be fruitless.
There are other techniques you can use to "get through" to your teen, but these are some of the most helpful.
COMMUNICATION COUNTS!
While most teens can be pretty "tight-lipped" about many of their complicated issues they might be trying to handle or hash out on their own, simply taking the time to ask them what's bothering them or what's going on can REALLY help. Even if you don't have the best line of communication with your teen, or it has somehow broken down as they have gotten older, most teens are willing, and ready, to open up to you in most cases.
Remember to always LISTEN FIRST to what they have to say. While the topic of discussion may not seem that important in your eyes, teens see everything as a tragedy waiting to happen! To them, what they are going through is almost like the "end of the world" or at least the end of THEIR world. Most teens are self-centered, and so, the entire world as it relates to them, which is pretty much every single aspect of it, revolves around them. At least, in their thought process.
No matter how compelled you might be, DON'T INTERRUPT THEM! Let them get the weight of their concerns or problems off their chest without "butting in" irregardless of how upset you might be at what they are revealing to you. Yes, they are letting you inside their small, strange teen world, so be grateful. It will help to strengthen their trust in you not to EXPLODE on them and further open the line of communication between you both.
UNDERSTANDING AND COMPASSION
After your teen has revealed the crux of their current situation, HOLD YOUR TEMPER, no matter how bad it is. Let them know that despite their actions, you love them without boundary and always will. Try putting yourself into "their shoes" and look at the situation from their vantage point.
Without being too "preachy" explain to them that you too were once a teen and had some rough patches, or made poor choices yourself, but you made it through and so will they. Teens don't like being lectured. They get enough of that in school!
Your goal is to be friendly without being their friend. You are still the parent and as the parent, you MUST hand down disciplinary consequences for their actions. Do your best to not blur this thin line. It will just make things more difficult for you both later on.
Also, remember, that the point here is to let them understand that you are ALWAYS available to listen when they are having problems. And through your life experience you are ready with solutions to those problems.
GET HELP OUTSIDE THE FAMILY
If your teen's particular situation is too much for you to effectively offer a solution or help them, don't be afraid to ask for help elsewhere. There are outstanding organizations out there ready to help. You can find just the right one by searching through the Yellow Pages or doing a topic search online to get in touch with the proper organization.
It's important for the health and well-being of your teen to do everything in your power to help. Also keep in mind that whatever the age, unless your teen is willing to TRY then any outside help you seek will be fruitless.
There are other techniques you can use to "get through" to your teen, but these are some of the most helpful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)