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Classrooms everywhere are embracing cyberspace to take advantage of the limitless learning possibilities, for our children. As early as the Kindergarten classroom, our little one’s are learning to use a mouse and a web browser. Teachers are showing their pint-size students the basics of simple searches, and of course, the children are enthralled with the graphics, color, interaction and virtual “magic” that is at their fingertips.

By Elementary School, nearly half of all students, grades 1-5, use the Internet for problem solving, math, science, and for developing the cognitive skills involved in following directions. Instructions for web browsing, file saving, e-mailing, bookmarking, and even the fundamentals of building a web site, have been methodically explained and explored. By age 8, our children are very much interested in surfing the web at home, to gain even more interaction and adventure. The home computer represents all kinds of possibilities to visit chat rooms, e-mail friends, and play on-line games. Often a tendency develops among cyber-savvy children, to spend hours on line rather than venturing out to the bricks and mortar playscapes of their own outdoor environment.

By Middle School, it is estimated that over 70% of all students are on line doing research , reading about current events, and completing assignments. There are more than 100 social networking sites available for them, and more are being developed every day. While computers are an incredible educational tool for teaching math, science, logical decision making, history, humanities, and an endless list of other subjects; without quality time spent in natural playtime and normal face-to-face interaction, a child’s normal development of cognitive and emotion skills, and physical strengths suffer.

Parents need to understand what the virtual world offers their children educationally, socially, and developmentally, and also, what risks children may be exposed to; and what they can do to make this experience a positive one.

These online safety basic tips should help to make the “information superhighway” a great place to share family time, and fun with interactive games and friends, while keeping children safe from unwanted and inappropriate subject matter and predators.

1. Every Service Provider of Internet Accessibility offers parental controls like blocking tools and filters that keep children safe. Find out about these tools and use them.
2. Place the computer in the area that the entire family uses, and make it a family activity.
3. Spend time with your children online and teach them the correct behavior, such as courtesy, kindness and respect for others. Never have them fill out personal profiles of themselves that could attract unwanted attention from predators.
4. Children need to know the dangers that exist in private chat rooms and on social web sites, just as they would out in the real world. Tell them that you will be monitoring their activities for their safety, and give them specific rules about where they can and cannot go online.
5. Do Not let your child download materials without your permission.
6. Keep a record of all screen/user names and passwords that your child uses.
7. Make the effort to supervise who they are interacting with online.
8. Keep the DO NOT TALK TO STRANGER’S RULE at work. Let children know that their online friends may NOT be who they say that they are.
9. Instruct your children to NEVER GIVE PERSONAL INFORMATION such as their age, sex, address, or phone number to anyone online.
10. Use the Internet Histories on AOL, Internet Explorer, and other browsers to see what your children have been doing on line. Put online accounts in your name, and know all pass words.

Understanding what is contained in your child’s, tween’s or teen’s virtual world is extremely necessary, for their well being. If you stay involved, and set clear guidelines of a proper and safe behavior, while giving him/her a fair amount of independence (for their age), cyberspace can be the incredible experience and teaching tool it was meant to be.

Parents must get involved and take the opportunity, now, to help their children balance their lives with the right mix of the virtual world; and the incredible dynamics that the real world, with its real “face time” with friends an family,  has to offer.

Photo Credit:  Slsd Gallery

Is life getting just a little too predictable?  Do you have a routine that is so imprinted in your mind that you coast from task to task without very much thought or focus?  At work, of course, you must think, but even in that environment, could it be that you’ve lost your enthusiasm, and creativity, so that even your perspective has narrowed or become finite?

When was the last time you felt truly curious about anything?  Did the feeling quickly fade, or did you become inspired to get more information and risk gaining knowledge?

We start out as infants, knowing nothing, and having an enormous curiosity about everything.  In school, if we work hard to become good students and are inherently inclined to question the “why ” of things, we learn a great deal and that knowledge precipitates an even greater need to know more.

Then comes the real world, where working and the processes  of making a living, raising a family, being pro-active about your health and the environment, as well as, growing your bank account for your old age, leaves very little time to experience something new. When a friend asked if you had anytime to respond to his e-mail about Hurst’s theories of stock transaction timing, not only did you forget to respond, you don’t even remember where you put the book, or why you weren’t more curious about it, since you love math and are intrigued by the stock market.

You’ve noticed that your children are acting on the natural impulses to learn new facts and experience the “unknown”, and you want them to continue to strengthen these impulses in order to have a rich full life.  Well, what examples are you setting for them?

Studies show that as a person ages, their curiosity declines because the brain begins to lose cells, daily, and responds more slowly to the naturally excreted chemical Dopamine, that motivates this kind of thought process.  Also, you’re probably over-committed to the tasks that living daily life demands.

Taking a few moments to reflect on your loss of inquisitiveness and curiosity, while viewing the predictability of your life; you might defend yourself with thoughts of having achieved a “comfort zone” type life style that offers efficiency and security.

What if you found out that people who allow themselves to be fully engaged in the world they live in, and who develop diverse interests and continue to learn about new technology, the environment, and a myriad of other subjects, to improve their lives; have had these benefits:  they are happier, healthier, more successful, and they live longer.

This is because:
1. When you are curious and learn more about new topics and ideas, you draw other curious people into your life.
2. You show your loved ones that age is no deterrent to gaining knowledge, and that discovering new information is very self- satisfying and fulfilling.
3. Any topic from history to culture, gardening to architecture, anything that is fun, engaging, and life affirming for your whole family, is worth your time and attention.
4. Finding the time to exercise your curiosity is as easy as re-thinking your routine in order to fit in time to:

a. plan a trip to new destinations
b. learn a new language
c. join a yoga class
d. study astrology
e. join a book club
f. get involved in going green
g. Try new foods from a different ethnicity
h. get a telescope
i. learn to reduce your carbon footprint
j. discover the D.I.Y. channel

Whether you choose to visit museums or pick up a paint brush, build an outdoor kitchen, or write a blog posts on saving energy; you will feel the improvements in the quality of your life immediately.  Your life’s partner, and children will see that you “don’t settle” for safe and comfy, and that having an all-encompassing perspective opens you up to all kinds of wonder and adventure.

You’ll have more energy and feel so much better about embracing each new day when you allow yourself this new freedom to explore the unknown.

Cultivating curiosity and wanting to know more, leads to a life of fulfillment that feeds your whole being, including your soul.

Photo Credit:  Nbizz

What is it about making changes in your routine, lifestyle, work, or even your location, that strikes a cord of fear and uncertainty into the depths of your being? Life is so unpredictable, and the upside-down economy is forcing many people to rethink their priorities, make adjustments, cut back on spending, look for ways to earn more money, and maybe even have to sell or lose their homes and move to a new location.

There is always a very natural sort of innate or inborn fear factor that gets triggered in the human psyche when anything unfamiliar and untried, presents itself in your life. If you stop, and take the time to reflect upon this new and different challenge or set of circumstances; and then look at how past changes have perhaps improved the quality of your life; it will be easier to conquer fears and move forward.

No matter how powerful you feel in your current routine, change happens. It is inevitable. If you try to resist change, you only end up hurting yourself. If you look at the troubled economy, and the fact that your money is not able to work for you by earning interest; you can see that what is going on today, is not the result of your actions, alone, if at all.

Perhaps the best way to accept that changes must be made is to realize that almost nothing remains the same for very long. Change is natural and it is also probably a good thing. Think about the members of your own family and close friends. Have they faced changes and has the outcome of these occurrences been positive for them? If you can learn to embrace changes in your life, or at least to be accepting of the challenges you face, you’ll be happier and healthier than if you become angry and frustrated.

Whether you have to change jobs, relocate with your family, sell your home, go back to school and re-train for a new occupation, move in with family members until things improve, or relocate to a different state; there are positive ways to deal with the “stuff” that life hands you.

These techniques will help you cope and make the best of the situation:

1. Let go of fear, and decide to make the best of the challenge you face, as if it was an opportunity to enhance your life.

2. Let go of old behavior patterns and decide to make a new and better life for yourself and your family.

3. Count on the support of your family and friends, who care about you and your happiness and success. They will be there for you, no matter what changes occur.

4. Learn to accept changes without feeling angry or frustrated. Getting a better or different job may be more satisfying and it might lead to even more opportunities.

5. If you have to relocate alone or with family members, try to focus on your immediate needs; a job, a place to live, and don’t try to “fix” everything at once. One by one, you will overcome these obstacles in time.

6. Make time to count your blessings. You have them and they are priceless. These changes can bring better jobs, new friends, a closer tie with your family, and perhaps a better quality of life.

If you can find the humor in your current situation, and laugh whenever possible, you will feel more able to cope with what life is handing you today. Talk about your feelings with the people that you love and trust. Accept the situation you’re in, but make plans to use it as a spring board for moving forward.

You have inner strength that perhaps you’ve used before in life, and testing yourself, by making positive changes, will make you even stronger. It might just be the right time to do the things you’ve always wanted to do. Being open and flexible as you and your family make changes in your behavior patterns and lifestyle, will help you to maintain your health and happiness during this process.

Taking the time to eat nutritiously, exercise, and rest well, along with staying positive and nurturing your meaningful relationships, will let you feel in touch, again, with that powerful person you see in the mirror, no matter what stuff life hands you!

Photo Credit:  Redbubble

Taking just one moment, occasionally, to reflect on your life, knowing that it’s rushing by, is very possibly a gift to give yourself.  What should be the object of this reflection, you might ask?  There could be any number of objects to take another look at; for instance, the things that are of inestimable value to you, such as, your children, your relationships, and or your health and happiness, and there is no wrong answer to this question.

For me, taking a look at my own behavior and the messages that I am inadvertently sending to those I like and love, when I’m very stressed, like now, due to the obligations and deadlines that working and raising a family places on all of us, is critical.  How am I interacting with loved ones, treasured friends, co-workers and others?

Was that me, finishing the sentences of anyone who happened to pause, when speaking? Did I just cut short an important moment with my significant other, just to pick up a ringing phone, out of habit and with no thought for his feelings?  Am I showing affection, saying thank you, smiling, and forgiving enough in my life?

I’ve made a list of little and big changes which I need to make in order to feel like I can be an example for my kids, that they might mirror when they’re grown up and out in the world, with little ones of their own.   Also, for my life partner, and dear parents and friends, I want to be who I really am, and keep their love and respect, which is so very important to me.

Read my list with the intent of making your own, if upon your own reflection, you see some gray areas that need tweaking:

a. Give more hugs and smiles and show people how they are treasured, valued and listened too, daily.

b. Say thank you and mean it; write notes of congratulations or good wishes for the health and happiness of others.

c. Apply humor generously, wherever possible, because it is a very necessary element in a happy life.

d. Make it a point to concentrate on all the “good and positive events” which are occurring with great frequency in your life.

e. Even though you must be more frugal in your spending habits, then ever before, and spend as “if every dollar was your last”, there are always opportunities to spend time (not money) having fun with the ones you like and love.

f. Make time to resolve conflicts and disagreements in a way that considers the issues fairly, and includes respect for the feelings and differing view points, as well as, the strategies of others.

Whether it’s the end of the year, and you’re thoughtful, or the beginning if a new year and your hopeful, or any time in between; remember that you get one chance  to live this life well,  love deeply, create an environment where children thrive and love abounds.  Reflect on the history your making, every now and then, to gain perspective and find areas to improve upon.  You will never regret it!

Photo Credit:  myspace

My friends and I were comparing stories about previous holiday seasons in which the giving and receiving of gifts is a tradition for our families.  We were comparing the successes and disasters we’ve encountered while trying our best to not only please, but also stimulate the blooming interests and imaginations of our toddlers and pre-school aged children, who very reverently believe in the wonder of this celebration.

You could not imagine the energy and thought that loving parents put into this process, until or unless you become one yourself.  The quest to find that magic something to delight the heart, fascinate, confound, mesmerize, and impress our priceless little ones, is for us, the ultimate challenge, for that moment anyway.

For me, one magical holiday was particularly monumental.  I was recovering from pneumonia, but would not rest until my daughter had a brand new, soft-sculptured, adoptable doll, with its life-like features and expressions, and even a birth-certificate of its own.  Many mom’s were in a frenzy to find one of these rare but amazing stuffed works of art.  I was determined to go the distance, to find one of these dolls with red hair and blue eyes, just like my little girl.  After combing our large metropolitan area for this mini-masterpiece of childhood adoration, (I thought), I stopped off at an upscale office supply store to buy my husband a new leather briefcase, because his was shabby, but his new title at work, was cause for a celebration of this kind.

For some reason, in a corner of that huge store, on a glass shelf, I found the perfect little red-headed, stuffed, blue-eyed, soft sculpture doll.   My heart was in my throat that year because we’d found everything our family members had secretly or loudly wished for, and now my daughter would have this adorable doll to love and enjoy.

My son, age 3, was well into his inquisitive stage, where the question “why” occurred as often as taking a breath, almost.  He was also taking anything he could get his hands on, apart to see how it worked.  He was spellbound by tools of every kind. We decided that a little work bench with play-pretend tools would keep him inspired for hours.  We found one that was big boy size and had at least twenty different bolts, hammers, screws and even a drill.

The big day arrived and the results of my shopping excursions were mixed.  Our parents loved their gifts, and my husband was delighted with his beautiful briefcase.  My daughter liked her doll, but was overjoyed to received from her grandparents’ a little Betty Crocker bake set with an oven for baking her own cakes. We ate a lot of cake after that day.  She felt very grown up, doing the simple act of mixing and  baking a cake, and was pleased with  my parents for having the notion that she was responsible enough to take on this challenge.

My son struggled with his giant surprise, and needed help to open it.  The plastic bench and tools intrigued him for about 15 minutes.  However, the big box that the toy came in, made a connection with him that I had rarely seen.  He found a way to drag it into his bedroom closet, and climbed in and out for hours at a time.  He put his favorite things inside, and practically lived there for the next month.  It finally fell apart, or he might still be in there.

Holidays come and go, and of course, the focus is and should be on the season of good will,family, and thankfulness for our loved ones, blessings, and good health.  However, the simplicity and wonder in my son’s eyes, as he enjoyed his own personal little corner of this vast universe, has stayed with me for three decades.  My daughter still loves to bake, and finds great peace in that process.

Often, it is at these significant family events, that we find the greatest goodness in the simple pleasures of being human; safe among those we find to be priceless to us, and moved by their caring, and selfless love of us.  The greatest gifts are more often, free, and they come from that place deep in the heart, and not, I found, from some festive retail establishment.

Photo Credit: 2a.cdc

Working harder to provide for your family and getting less than 8 hours of sleep at night can be devastating for your health, happiness, and family life.  Research has proven that more  people are getting less rest than they need to be productive, creative, energetic and happy.  In a recently released study of sleep deprived people, woman proved to have the most problems getting to and staying asleep.  Men tend to spend less time in a state of deep sleep.  Children have problems falling asleep and sleep fitfully through the night, often without getting to a deeper sleep state.

Many of us try to function on about 5 to 6 hours of sleep, and find it hard to focus, retain information, and finish projects requiring a great deal of concentration.  Children who are tired become moody, hyperactive, inattentive and irritable.  Children, between the ages of 5 and 12, need to get at least 10 hours of sleep every night; and teens need between 8 and 9 hours of uninterrupted rest.

The entire family’s health will suffer if sleeping problems are present and persist.  Often, a lack of at least 7 hours of sleep for mom and dad can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, immune deficiencies and even a decrease in the production of brain cells.   For children, the resting state of sleep is when the body is working hard to develop brain function, bone growth, muscular and circulation systems and much more.

When family members are sleep deprived, it is hard to be social, spontaneous, or happy.  Moodiness and irritability have a very negative effect on relationships no matter how much love and caring exists.  This is why a family needs to develop and maintain a proper environment and routine for getting the amount of sleep necessary to maintain a positive family life.

Here is a list of 10 natural ways to help your family keep the circadian rhythms of waking and sleeping habits flowing:

1)      Create a proper environment for sleep: quiet, dark and cool

2)      Low light before bed produces melatonin, the hormone that creates a sleep state.

3)      No TV right before bedtime as TV watching suppresses the production of melatonin.

4)      Hot baths to lower the body temperature for sleep, immediately after bathing.

5)      Comfortable mattresses and pillows to support the head, neck and spine.

6)      Curtailing of activities to low levels by reading, doing puzzles or listening to quiet music.

7)      No caffeine, cola or nicotine at least six hours or more, before sleeping.

8)      A small snack eaten about three hours before going to bed.

9)      No computer games or video games that increasingly stimulate the mind, at least two hours before bedtime.

10)   Stick to a routine of the same bed time and waking up hour, even on weekends.

It’s not possible to work or be active one minute, and then slip into bed for a great rest, the next.  The natural rhythm of the days events have to slow down gradually, for us to be able to fall asleep, and to reach a deep sleep state, usually about 4-5a.m.

Recognizing that we all have a fundamental need for sleep, to maintain our health, happiness and relationships, both at home and at work or school; is crucial in motivating ourselves to develop good patterns of behavior for falling asleep, naturally.  Medications can assist adults with the problem for short periods of time, but the side-effects are numerous, and the risk of complicating problems from these “quick fixes” is very real.

Developing the family habits of natural bedtime behaviors, is the best plan for achieving the kind of rest that will allow everyone to participate fully in the family dynamic, the work place, and the school environment.  Not taking the effects of a lack of sleep seriously, could put a person, their family and safety at risk.  Do what it takes to get that good night’s sleep, and collect the benefits of health and happiness with your happy family, everyday!

Photo Credit: Nevartwork

Remember the simpler holiday celebrations that took place when you were young, and the magic of  that time in your life?  There was a palpable and electric energy in the air and also, a wondrous excitement that could be seen and felt, as the time for celebration and thanksgiving drew near.  The coming together of generations of family, and cherished friends and neighbors, was something so special for everyone.  There was evidence of goodwill to all and Tiny Tim, the extra-ordinary character in Charles Dickens novella, with his blessings for every living being, was the hero of the season of light, for many of us.

You can get back the magnificence of those simpler times, this year, with your loved ones, if you truly want to embrace the greater meaning of our human existence, by instilling more spirituality and less commerce, into the coming holiday celebrations.

Think about re-inventing your approach to the holidays and consider how you would make them simpler and more meaningful by embracing the intangible aspects of these events.  What if the celebration of thanksgiving or the harvest bounty, or whatever you celebrate at this time of the year, became a time to be truly grateful for loved ones, good health, and for the many blessings of liberty, free speech, and a voice in how you are governed?  Maybe, you now have better medical care, cleaner water, and a program in place to grow enough food to feed your family.  What if each of us, every family, made that day of giving thanks, a commitment to make their life more meaningful by giving something to those who have lost their homes, jobs, or health?

What if, to have a more meaningful Christmas, the Festival of Lights, or whatever your family celebrates at the end of the year, praise is given to a power which is greater than ourselves.  All gifts are hand-made symbols of our affection for each other, and money, if it can be spared, is used to support the local or world-wide charities that clothe, feed and house the needy.   What if, every year, anyone who is able in your household, pledged to practice random acts of kindness, whenever possible, throughout the coming year.  Giving the gift of ourselves and whatever we do best, for others, would be not only contagious, but it would renew the spirit of simple living that feeds the soul, and clears the mind.

Taking the time to be grateful, on these special days, and de-emphasizing material possessions; while re-enforcing the virtues of a more kind and spiritual existence, gives life more substance, clarity and purpose to us and our impressionable children.  Like all traditions, reinforcing what is good and valuable and changing behavior patterns, when necessary, to reaffirm that true value is found in love, family, and brotherhood, is both priceless and free.  This then, is the essence of what we call celebration.

The end of the old year (New Year’s Eve for some) presents the perfect opportunity to reflect about:

a)      what was good about the year that is ending

b)      what was not very good and needs tweaking

c)       what new and important goals to seek in the coming year

Making a plan for the coming year, and then taking steps immediately to achieve those goals, is a very positive  activity for each of us, and the others with whom we have a relationship.

Spending quality time at the holidays, in reflection and with grateful celebration, is good for all family members, satisfying, and enriching for everyone.  It costs very little to put forth effort to have an existence that is rich with experience, and priceless in content and memories made.

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What do your children need to know that will shape and determine who they become and how they relate to others on this planet?  They need to know about spirituality, and that it is a relationship which we all have with something: a being, a place, a spirit, a state of mind that helps us understand our value and our place in the world.  Some people say that spirituality is building a relationship with the higher power, to achieve contentment and to become the best human being you can be.

No matter what your definition of spirituality is, know that it is very important to develop a healthy belief in something which is greater than yourself.  Many parents begin to teach spirituality with prayers at meal time, to show that they are grateful for the blessings in life.  Others take their children to church on the days when religious services are held.  Some families read spiritual books together and have discussions about truth, honesty, respect, and other virtues, whenever they have the time and opportunity.

Depending on your belief system, don’t try to teach your children about faith and the higher power, if you don’t truly believe it.  Children are like little sponges; they will soak up the knowledge you impart, if you are sincere.  If you don’t believe, they won’t either.  More importantly, if you believe in yourself, love yourself, value the life you live and other human beings, and have faith in your spirituality; then teach them about what you believe.

It is important to note that even though people live very hectic life styles in order to provide the necessities of life: shelter, food, and clothing that their families need; children need to know that their lives have worth and meaning that goes beyond material things.  Show them a spiritual path so that they will seek and value the peace and contentment which is available to everyone.  Take them to a church that you believe in, or teach them to practice loving kindness meditations.

Many people teach their children to have respect for all types of spirituality and take time to explain what different people believe to be their spiritual path.  By educating them in this way, your children will be learning not only tolerance, but to appreciate differing points of view.

If your children learn to value themselves because of your guidance and the value they see that you place on yourself, they will look at themselves in a healthy way.  Self perception that is healthy, is a true gift. Point out role models in society for them to look up to such as, Pope John Paul or Mother Teresa.  Putting a face or true life story into their reality, gives them tangible proof of the existence of great goodness and generosity.

Show your family that random acts of kindness, with no thought for thank you’s or rewards, is the best kind of giving that anyone can do. Teach them that helping the less fortunate, whenever possible, is what we all must do out of respect for other human beings.  These life lessons will teach them about what spirituality is, and who you are.

Your wishes for your children are important to you, but you must give them tools for living too, such as:  curiosity, compassion, rules of acceptable behavior, thoughtfulness, and respect. After that, when they begin to become their own person, and are ready; you must let go of them, step back, and let them discover who they are as human beings, so that they will each become their own person, separate from you, and whole in every way.

Your children will test your value systems numerous times while growing up, because they need to see that you are who you say your are.  Being authentic for yourself, and your children, is of paramount importance to each of you.

Loving unconditionally, praising the values that they can relate to, and teaching them to know and find worth in themselves and others, the earth, and a life of being a good human being - is about the best and most priceless gift that you can give them. It takes a huge commitment, but they are a gift that was freely given to you; and they deserve a chance to be as happy and content as life allows.

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Remember how Steven Covey asked people who read his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, to write a mission statement about what they wanted to achieve as human beings?  This directive is a tool to use in determining what you want to do with your life.  Mr. Covey understood that if a person has a clear and concise idea, plan and philosophy about what their purpose is on this planet, they are far more likely to make their best life-decisions to coordinate with their ambitions.

If you want to be a presence or force in the lives of your children, you must admit that in order to provide what they need, you must be fully functioning and give your best efforts for their sake.  If you have to work, you will make a conscious effort to find a job that doesn’t infringe on family life and time.

In order to nurture your marriage, relationships, and family, you must find the time to pamper yourself a bit.  You must take a “Time Out” occasionally. Thanks to technology: cell phones, the internet, e-mail, faxes and voicemail, it’s possible for work and tasks related to work, to spill over into your family time.  These techno-trackers can keep you vulnerable to contacts from the working world at any time, while you try to set boundaries to protect your precious family - quality time.

Your relationships make demands on your time too, even if you consider these responsibilities to be the foundation of your existence. If you don’t make time for your own emotional, physical, visceral, and spiritual needs, what can you possibly bring to those you love?

This does not mean that you must lock yourself in the closet with a pizza, some chardonnay, and a good book, although it sounds like a good plan.  When you are stressed you’re not your best, and the one’s you love deserve to be with the real you.

What should you do to revitalize and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit?  There are many answers to this question, and each of us must choose the behaviors that work for our lives and needs.  Our minds and bodies are connected and both interact with our ability to be healthy and happy.  With that fact in mind, here are 8 ways to get back to where you belong:

1)      Find the time to be quiet; creating inner peace is very restorative.

2)      Take walks at a comfortable slow pace.  Ten minutes of just calm movement does wonders.

3)      Meditate or do some yoga at least four times a week.  Again, ten minutes of getting to know yourself or more, is a gift for your mind, body and spirit.

4)      Warm leisurely baths or even a refreshing shower, eases tensions and relieves fatigue.

5)      Reading affirmations can help you restore or maintain a happy attitude.

6)      Rest well and get at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep as often as possible.

7)      Find humor in everything.  Laughter is a great natural medicine for the spirit.

8)      Be aware of your feelings and don’t deny or repress them.  It is perfectly natural to have sad thoughts or to feel empty at times, and acknowledging these feelings, lets you move past them.

Strike a balance in your life, as often as is humanly possible, between family, work and nurturing yourself.  The results will be priceless for those you care for, as well as for yourself, and your mission statement will become as authentic, as you are, yourself.

Photo Credit: 50 Ways Wellness

What’s the best thing about being a parent in the 21^st Century? Relationships between parents and children have improved tremendously over the last 10-12 years.  Generation X moms and dads work more, but also find a way to spend more time with their children than the Baby Boomer Generation did.  They also believe in teaching their children to be independent, think for themselves, and be part of all the decision making in the family, from an early age.

Research on family life has been ongoing for over 45 years and therefore, today’s parents have more critical knowledge and information than any generation that has preceded them.  Parents know for a fact that there is a fine line between nurturing your children, and teaching them to become their own person; strong and self-reliant, and ready to face life’s challenges.

There is a flip-side to this rosy picture however.  Research reveals that 1 in 5 children are overweight. This means that they have high blood sugar and too much cholesterol, which are two of the main characteristics or precursors for heart disease and diabetes.   Also, the social stigma that children face when they are considered to be fat, can be crippling for their self-esteem, and confidence.

Therefore parents need to be supportive, affirming and they need to teach their children to make good decisions about healthy eating habits and exercise.  If you’re worried about your children’s eating habits and stress about it, while keenly observing their bodies for too much or too little weight gain for their skeletal size, height and age; they will feel your scrutiny and begin to loose their positive self-image.  Chubby pre-adolescents often grow into perfectly normal preteens, who need that weight during the transition from one stage of maturation to another, for strong bones, and normal muscular development.

If your parenting style is too authoritarian, and critical, and you focus on the weight issue negatively, your children could turn to food for comfort, and this will have far reaching negative effects on their health.  Experts in child rearing state that parents should be positive role models for their children about developing healthy eating habits.

Parents can teach by example and promote good portion sizes, eating several fruits and vegetables of various kinds for energy and strong immune systems; as well as, the importance of eating fish and other sea foods often, while eating red meats very seldom, do to the steroids and bacteria that they contain. Children need to know that making wise choices about eating foods that are rich in vitamins like A,B, and D, and minerals like nitrogen, calcium and potassium, are building blocks that promote wellness in our bodies.

Healthy attitudes about good eating habits create a very positive environment in which adolescents, pre-teens and teens can thrive.

Three things that parents should never do are:

A)     Don’t give your children food as a comfort mechanism.

B)      Don’t be critical of their weight gain and make it a huge issue for your children.

C)      Don’t be too permissive and give the child fast foods and sugary treats as a reward

Three things that parents should always do are:

A)     Teach children that eating is a process for gaining nutrition to be health and happy.

B)      Teach them that people come in all shapes and sizes and that no one body type is considered better than all others.

C)      Teach by example that exercise and healthy eating provide a life time of good eating habits for the whole family.

Studies also show that in the 21^st Century, family dinners create a great, comfortable venue for showing the children that you, the parents, eat well and in a healthy manner and enjoy yourself, while making wise food choices, and they can too.  Family dinners have proven to be directly related to good nutritional habits, better grades, and lower incidents of alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and drug use.  Teaching your children by being a good role model about nutrition, and exercise, and having a positive self-image; can produce the happy, loving, and well adjusted next generation.