The time to teach children good manners starts from the time they are old enough to understand simple commands and follow through with them. This is usually between the ages of 18 months and 2 years. In fact, studies have shown that teaching children good manners at an early age will help them develop a better sense of respect for others that will stick with them throughout their entire lives.
On the other hand, if you are interested in teaching your child good manners at an older age, that is just fine, too. Better to learn them later than not at all. Good manners are actions that show others respect. Good manners also help children succeed in life.
So, what are the good manners that children should know? They do not stop with the "please" and "thank you" phrases that are commonly taught. Those are very important, of course, but good manners include any actions that help a child display good behavior. Some include:
Table manners
Telephone manners
Writing Thank You notes
Introducing new people
Learning how to treat older people
Learning how to share
Here are some tips for teaching your child good manners:
Teach one thing at a time. You may have thoughts racing around in your head about what you want to teach your child, but give them time to process one social skill at a time. If you are teaching about good table manners, let your child get the hang of that before moving on to how to write proper thank you notes.
When teaching a skill, keep in mind that your child is learning something new and may not get the hang of it right away. Be ready for mistakes and instead of reprimanding for wrong actions, accept the fact that you may have to go over lessons until your child learns them well. Your patience will go a long way in making your child feel more comfortable with the skills he has been taught.
Remember to be a shining example to your child. If you are telling your child to say "thank you" when receiving a gift, and you do not do the same, you are sending a strong message that maybe manners are just for kids and they are not really all that important. No matter what age we are, adults deserve respect from each other, too. Your child is watching you.
If you need to correct your child for wrong actions, take them aside and quietly explain what they did wrong and how to fix the problem. Never embarrass your child in public or yell at them. This will make your child feel discouraged. Tell him what you want him do, instead of telling him what you don't want him to do. For instance, instead of saying, "Don't eat that cookie off the floor," you may try, "When something drops on the floor, you throw it away."
Of course, if your child has caught onto a particular social skill, praise them for it. Let them know that they have done a good job. This will make future lessons much easier and your child will be more open to go on. Besides, you should feel proud of your child when they have done something right!
When you know that you are heading into a situation where your child will need to use good manners, talk with them about it ahead of time. Explain some instances where they might need to be on their best behavior and what you would expect them to do. There is no need for surprises or pop quizzes. Help your child and this will help build their confidence.
If everyone used good manners, wouldn't the world be a better place? We can start with one child at a time! source-http://christian-parenting.suite101.com/article.cfm/raising_kids_with_good_manners
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Rainy day activities for the kids
Diane Laney Fitzpatrick
Use everyday items around the house for entertaining the kids.
Got the rainy-day, my-kids-are-stuck-in-the-house blues? Too miserable outside to even rent videos for your kids to watch? Take a good look inside your house. You can amaze your friends and entertain your children with simple household items, turned into hands-on projects for kids of all ages.
If your kids look at pipe cleaners, construction paper and Popsicle sticks and say, “Been there, done that,” these ideas are for you. You probably have most of the supplies in your house already.
A Roll of Masking Tape and Thou
Playing with masking tape won't hurt your carpet, as long as you use regular, cheap masking tape and your carpet isn’t too fluffy. Move some furniture so you have a big area free to be creative.
House plan: Tape out squares for different rooms, leaving spaces for doorways. It should look like a drawn house plan or a cross-section aerial view of a house. Then put a bunch of play kitchen toys in the “kitchen,” stuffed animals and pillows in the “bedroom,” baby dolls in the “nursery,” and riding toys in the “garage.” Kids love walking in and out of the doorways. Even macho little boys will like this version of playing house.
Hopscotch: Tape out a hopscotch outline and play indoors.
Names and Pictures: Let the kids write their names in block letters with the masking tape. Or let them make shapes or pictures with it.
Bean Bag Toss: Tape out squares of various sizes on the floor. Tape out a strip where your child should stand. Standing on the strip, have him toss a beanbag or Beanie Baby, trying to hit the squares.
Is it a Liquid or a Solid?
It’s neither. And both. Cornstarch is one of the most fascinating things to a child. When mixed with the right amount of water, it changes forms from liquid to solid and back again, depending on if it’s kept moving. Playing with cornstarch will keep your kids fascinated for hours.
Mix together 1 heaping cup of cornstarch with ½ cup water in a plastic container or bowl. Add a few drops of food coloring and stir. Pick the goop up in your hands. While you’re working with it and it’s moving, it’s a solid. Stop moving your hands and it turns back into a liquid. (Mixture will keep in the refrigerator, but only a couple of days. It gets moldy.)
Use everyday items around the house for entertaining the kids.
Got the rainy-day, my-kids-are-stuck-in-the-house blues? Too miserable outside to even rent videos for your kids to watch? Take a good look inside your house. You can amaze your friends and entertain your children with simple household items, turned into hands-on projects for kids of all ages.
If your kids look at pipe cleaners, construction paper and Popsicle sticks and say, “Been there, done that,” these ideas are for you. You probably have most of the supplies in your house already.
A Roll of Masking Tape and Thou
Playing with masking tape won't hurt your carpet, as long as you use regular, cheap masking tape and your carpet isn’t too fluffy. Move some furniture so you have a big area free to be creative.
House plan: Tape out squares for different rooms, leaving spaces for doorways. It should look like a drawn house plan or a cross-section aerial view of a house. Then put a bunch of play kitchen toys in the “kitchen,” stuffed animals and pillows in the “bedroom,” baby dolls in the “nursery,” and riding toys in the “garage.” Kids love walking in and out of the doorways. Even macho little boys will like this version of playing house.
Hopscotch: Tape out a hopscotch outline and play indoors.
Names and Pictures: Let the kids write their names in block letters with the masking tape. Or let them make shapes or pictures with it.
Bean Bag Toss: Tape out squares of various sizes on the floor. Tape out a strip where your child should stand. Standing on the strip, have him toss a beanbag or Beanie Baby, trying to hit the squares.
Is it a Liquid or a Solid?
It’s neither. And both. Cornstarch is one of the most fascinating things to a child. When mixed with the right amount of water, it changes forms from liquid to solid and back again, depending on if it’s kept moving. Playing with cornstarch will keep your kids fascinated for hours.
Mix together 1 heaping cup of cornstarch with ½ cup water in a plastic container or bowl. Add a few drops of food coloring and stir. Pick the goop up in your hands. While you’re working with it and it’s moving, it’s a solid. Stop moving your hands and it turns back into a liquid. (Mixture will keep in the refrigerator, but only a couple of days. It gets moldy.)
Friday, April 27, 2007
A stylish weekend for moms
by Liz Lange
Before having kids, a "stylish" weekend probably included sleeping late on Saturday, taking in the latest movie or new cultural exhibit, throwing (or going to) a fab party and winding down with a long, leisurely brunch on Sunday. While you may never get back that sleeping-in part, and the "fab" party may involve a trip to Build-a-Bear, family weekends can be as noteworthy as those from your pre-kid days ‑- with a little planning.
I find the key to a good weekend is knowing what we're going to do, and balancing the kids' schedules (those soccer games and birthday parties!) and my own need to relax. I find that if I plan one activity that is fun for all of us, we have something to look forward to and to discuss long afterward. Favorites in my home are trips to the Children's Museum here in New York City (which has an ever-revolving choice of exhibits) or taking a day trip to a new neighborhood or town. Conversely, don't try to book every minute of the weekend: Two overly scheduled days don't make you cool ‑- they make you exhausted. Just hanging out in your pajamas with the kids on a weekend morning is valuable relaxation and bonding time. Turn off the TV, have a leisurely breakfast and read the paper (you: the world news section; them: the comics).
Before having kids, a "stylish" weekend probably included sleeping late on Saturday, taking in the latest movie or new cultural exhibit, throwing (or going to) a fab party and winding down with a long, leisurely brunch on Sunday. While you may never get back that sleeping-in part, and the "fab" party may involve a trip to Build-a-Bear, family weekends can be as noteworthy as those from your pre-kid days ‑- with a little planning.
I find the key to a good weekend is knowing what we're going to do, and balancing the kids' schedules (those soccer games and birthday parties!) and my own need to relax. I find that if I plan one activity that is fun for all of us, we have something to look forward to and to discuss long afterward. Favorites in my home are trips to the Children's Museum here in New York City (which has an ever-revolving choice of exhibits) or taking a day trip to a new neighborhood or town. Conversely, don't try to book every minute of the weekend: Two overly scheduled days don't make you cool ‑- they make you exhausted. Just hanging out in your pajamas with the kids on a weekend morning is valuable relaxation and bonding time. Turn off the TV, have a leisurely breakfast and read the paper (you: the world news section; them: the comics).
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Ways to get kids to help with chores
1. Divide and conquer. When cleaning up an extra cluttered toy room or playroom, divide the room up into sections by running a strip of masking tape on the floor, from wall to wall, sectioning off the room. Assign each child a section to pick up.
2. Create a job jar. For really big jobs (like large playrooms and basements), jot down different jobs on slips of paper, fold them and put them in a jar or cap. Have your children pick a slip and do whatever is on the paper. Vary the jobs to keep it interesting. “Pick up anything Barbie and put it in the Barbie house.” “Clean up the corner between the windows.”
3. Dress for the occasion. Pass out aprons and painter caps and play Maid and Mister Fix-It.
4. Designate a kids’ cleaning day treat, something you all get to do when the chores are done. Run through the sprinkler. Bring out the bubbles. Eat Jello cubes. Drink juice in wine glasses.
5. Play delivery person. Put various things that need to be put away into a large basket with a handle. Have one of your children be the delivery person and put everything in its place.
6. Host a “Folding Party.” Divide laundry onto each child’s chair at the kitchen table. (You can divide up easy pieces to the younger ones, larger pieces to the oldest.) When all the children are finished folding the laundry on their chairs and putting it away, they get to sit down and have refreshments! (One Mom got into the spirit by sending her children invitations to her folding party. Her young son sent an RSVP saying he was very sorry, he couldn’t make it!)
7. Kids love charts! Make a simple chart of different chores and have your kids put a sticker under their name whenever they do a job for you.
8. Don’t forget thank-yous, hugs and praises. Everyone appreciates a pat on the back. They’ll be more willing to help out next time!
2. Create a job jar. For really big jobs (like large playrooms and basements), jot down different jobs on slips of paper, fold them and put them in a jar or cap. Have your children pick a slip and do whatever is on the paper. Vary the jobs to keep it interesting. “Pick up anything Barbie and put it in the Barbie house.” “Clean up the corner between the windows.”
3. Dress for the occasion. Pass out aprons and painter caps and play Maid and Mister Fix-It.
4. Designate a kids’ cleaning day treat, something you all get to do when the chores are done. Run through the sprinkler. Bring out the bubbles. Eat Jello cubes. Drink juice in wine glasses.
5. Play delivery person. Put various things that need to be put away into a large basket with a handle. Have one of your children be the delivery person and put everything in its place.
6. Host a “Folding Party.” Divide laundry onto each child’s chair at the kitchen table. (You can divide up easy pieces to the younger ones, larger pieces to the oldest.) When all the children are finished folding the laundry on their chairs and putting it away, they get to sit down and have refreshments! (One Mom got into the spirit by sending her children invitations to her folding party. Her young son sent an RSVP saying he was very sorry, he couldn’t make it!)
7. Kids love charts! Make a simple chart of different chores and have your kids put a sticker under their name whenever they do a job for you.
8. Don’t forget thank-yous, hugs and praises. Everyone appreciates a pat on the back. They’ll be more willing to help out next time!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
5 great ways to get kids to help with chores
1. Get a feather duster. Despite the myriad of cleaning products, a feather duster is all you need to remove dust from your furniture and tables. Given something fluffy, your kids will love to dust for you.
2. Let them spray and wipe. Kids love spray bottles. Let them handle all the counters and surfaces that can be sprayed and wiped with a paper towel. Let them do some easy-to-reach windows, too. You may have to go over them again, but you’ll be surprised how well a child can do windows.
3. Your kids can so put away their clothes! Get different colored bins with handles for your children. As you fold laundry, put clothes in each child’s bin. On their way to bed each night, they can take up their bin and put away their laundry. On their way down each morning, they can bring down the empty bin. (These are a great place to put anything else you find around the house that belongs in your child’s bedroom.)
4. Make a game out of the most boring jobs. Divide up the socks between two children and have them play a “matching game” similar to Go Fish. When they get a match, they can fold the pair together and throw it in the “ocean” pile.
5. Hide a quarter in a cluttered room that your kids will find when the room is cleaned up. Finders keepers with the quarter.
Diane Laney Fitzpatrick
2. Let them spray and wipe. Kids love spray bottles. Let them handle all the counters and surfaces that can be sprayed and wiped with a paper towel. Let them do some easy-to-reach windows, too. You may have to go over them again, but you’ll be surprised how well a child can do windows.
3. Your kids can so put away their clothes! Get different colored bins with handles for your children. As you fold laundry, put clothes in each child’s bin. On their way to bed each night, they can take up their bin and put away their laundry. On their way down each morning, they can bring down the empty bin. (These are a great place to put anything else you find around the house that belongs in your child’s bedroom.)
4. Make a game out of the most boring jobs. Divide up the socks between two children and have them play a “matching game” similar to Go Fish. When they get a match, they can fold the pair together and throw it in the “ocean” pile.
5. Hide a quarter in a cluttered room that your kids will find when the room is cleaned up. Finders keepers with the quarter.
Diane Laney Fitzpatrick
Monday, April 23, 2007
Making the most of your freezer!
The freezer can be an asset to a working mother. Not only can we reduce the number of trips to the supermarket, we can prepare food ahead of time for getting meals on the table quickly and easily. Here are some ways I have tried to maximize the use of my freezer:
Making Extra: While I have all the ingredients available, I double my recipe and freeze the extras. This is good for families who don't want leftovers within days of eating the original meal. It doesn't take a lot of additional work and comes in handy for a quick meal. You can easily cook 8 pieces of chicken rather than 4 or make a super huge pot of soup .
Plan a Cook-A-Thon: I sometimes get ambitious on the weekend and cook up a bunch of dishes specifically for the freezer. I plan my menu and buy the ingredients accordingly. I try to make dishes with similar ingredients, such as ground beef, so I can take advantage of the savings on family packs. You can have spaghetti sauce on one burner and chili on the other with meatloaves in the oven. It never hurts to have some baked goods in the freezer in case you have unexpected company or you have to bring treats for "goody" day at work.
Freeze for Convenience: Not only do I freeze quantities of food for a family meal, I also do single portions. For instance, I will buy a big bag of bagels and freeze half of them in individual wrappings. It also helps prevent the bagels from going stale--which can happen by the time we are reaching the end of the bag. For breakfast, I can take one bagel out of the freezer, defrost it in the microwave and then pop it in the toaster. My teenagers are always hungry so I freeze one or 2 hamburgers in a bag. You can take leftovers and freeze them in single servings for those nights that someone needs to eat ahead of the rest of the family or you happen to be eating alone.
Seasonal Savings: I try to take advantage of fruits & vegetables when they are in season. You can get larger quantities and save money. Green and red peppers can be sliced and frozen on cookie sheets before placing in freezer bags. By doing this, they won't stick together and you can pull out what you need from a resealable freezer bag. If you are only using the freezer compartment in your fridge, you may want to consider buying a chest or upright freezer. The rule of thumb is 5 cubic feet per each family member. In my fridge freezer, I only keep small items that are used often --such as ice cream, coffee beans, popping corn, popsicles, nuts, and single portions of bagels or hamburgers.
I hope I have been able to give you some ideas on the possibilities of using your freezer. With a microwave, it is very easy to defrost food in a short time. It makes me wonder how people years ago managed with just a simple ice box! Maureen Fleury
Making Extra: While I have all the ingredients available, I double my recipe and freeze the extras. This is good for families who don't want leftovers within days of eating the original meal. It doesn't take a lot of additional work and comes in handy for a quick meal. You can easily cook 8 pieces of chicken rather than 4 or make a super huge pot of soup .
Plan a Cook-A-Thon: I sometimes get ambitious on the weekend and cook up a bunch of dishes specifically for the freezer. I plan my menu and buy the ingredients accordingly. I try to make dishes with similar ingredients, such as ground beef, so I can take advantage of the savings on family packs. You can have spaghetti sauce on one burner and chili on the other with meatloaves in the oven. It never hurts to have some baked goods in the freezer in case you have unexpected company or you have to bring treats for "goody" day at work.
Freeze for Convenience: Not only do I freeze quantities of food for a family meal, I also do single portions. For instance, I will buy a big bag of bagels and freeze half of them in individual wrappings. It also helps prevent the bagels from going stale--which can happen by the time we are reaching the end of the bag. For breakfast, I can take one bagel out of the freezer, defrost it in the microwave and then pop it in the toaster. My teenagers are always hungry so I freeze one or 2 hamburgers in a bag. You can take leftovers and freeze them in single servings for those nights that someone needs to eat ahead of the rest of the family or you happen to be eating alone.
Seasonal Savings: I try to take advantage of fruits & vegetables when they are in season. You can get larger quantities and save money. Green and red peppers can be sliced and frozen on cookie sheets before placing in freezer bags. By doing this, they won't stick together and you can pull out what you need from a resealable freezer bag. If you are only using the freezer compartment in your fridge, you may want to consider buying a chest or upright freezer. The rule of thumb is 5 cubic feet per each family member. In my fridge freezer, I only keep small items that are used often --such as ice cream, coffee beans, popping corn, popsicles, nuts, and single portions of bagels or hamburgers.
I hope I have been able to give you some ideas on the possibilities of using your freezer. With a microwave, it is very easy to defrost food in a short time. It makes me wonder how people years ago managed with just a simple ice box! Maureen Fleury
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Five thought-provoking ways to get peace of mind
I love these tips by Teresa Palagano
source-workingmother.com
Old view: After meeting my work demands and my family's needs, I just don't have any time for myself.
Switch to: I have the right to a moment—many moments—all to myself. Just saying that out loud probably makes you feel a pang of guilt. But if you don't take the time to reconnect with yourself, to replenish and renew, you will always feel overextended.
Old view: There's too much to do. I have no time for sleep, and I'm exhausted.
Switch to: Because I work so hard, I need my zzz's. It's easy enough to turn off the TV and get to bed early, but if you have young children you're going to have your share of sleepless nights. Still, there are ways to make sleep a priority. Setting consistent bedtimes for everyone helps. So do regular exercise and relaxing evening routines.
Old view: Keeping my house clean eats up so much of my time.
Switch to: My family room will never be featured in House Beautiful. And that's okay. If you have to choose between hide-and-seek or sweeping, say, "Ready or not, here I come." A spotless kitchen doesn't rank very high with kids; a fun mommy does. But there comes a time when even a fun mom has to scour the kitchen sink. So get creative. Terry Oller, a nurse and mom of two toddlers in Wayne, NJ, sets up cleaning dates with two of her friends. Just like kids trading playdates, they take turns at each other's houses for a top-to-bottom scrub fest. "One mom watches the kids while the rest of us clean," she says. "It gets done fast, and
we all get to do what we like. I find folding clothes therapeutic, so that's usually my job."
Old view: I'm constantly concerned about finances.
Switch to: Success is not defined by the size of my bank account. I'm wealthy in lots of ways.
Old view: I worry I'm not meeting the needs of each of my kids. There just isn't enough of me to go around.
Switch to: I find little ways to make each of my children feel special.Luckily, little moments count as much as big ones, and interacting can be as simple as reading each child his or her own bedtime story at night, letting each take a turn at choosing Tuesday's dinner or making time for their favorite activities, whether bike riding or playing catch.
source-workingmother.com
Old view: After meeting my work demands and my family's needs, I just don't have any time for myself.
Switch to: I have the right to a moment—many moments—all to myself. Just saying that out loud probably makes you feel a pang of guilt. But if you don't take the time to reconnect with yourself, to replenish and renew, you will always feel overextended.
Old view: There's too much to do. I have no time for sleep, and I'm exhausted.
Switch to: Because I work so hard, I need my zzz's. It's easy enough to turn off the TV and get to bed early, but if you have young children you're going to have your share of sleepless nights. Still, there are ways to make sleep a priority. Setting consistent bedtimes for everyone helps. So do regular exercise and relaxing evening routines.
Old view: Keeping my house clean eats up so much of my time.
Switch to: My family room will never be featured in House Beautiful. And that's okay. If you have to choose between hide-and-seek or sweeping, say, "Ready or not, here I come." A spotless kitchen doesn't rank very high with kids; a fun mommy does. But there comes a time when even a fun mom has to scour the kitchen sink. So get creative. Terry Oller, a nurse and mom of two toddlers in Wayne, NJ, sets up cleaning dates with two of her friends. Just like kids trading playdates, they take turns at each other's houses for a top-to-bottom scrub fest. "One mom watches the kids while the rest of us clean," she says. "It gets done fast, and
we all get to do what we like. I find folding clothes therapeutic, so that's usually my job."
Old view: I'm constantly concerned about finances.
Switch to: Success is not defined by the size of my bank account. I'm wealthy in lots of ways.
Old view: I worry I'm not meeting the needs of each of my kids. There just isn't enough of me to go around.
Switch to: I find little ways to make each of my children feel special.Luckily, little moments count as much as big ones, and interacting can be as simple as reading each child his or her own bedtime story at night, letting each take a turn at choosing Tuesday's dinner or making time for their favorite activities, whether bike riding or playing catch.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Meal planning for the time crunched
Meal Planning for the Time Crunched
Maureen Fleury
As a busy mother, I'm always interested in making meal preparation less stressful. Like many other events, I prepare for them. Why do I have difficulty in organizing my meals? Quite often, I find myself scrambling around at 5:00pm, looking in the cupboards, freezer and fridge to see what I can throw together. Sometimes, the process of elimination dictates what I make for supper. For example: I only have one can of mushroom soup and I need two or I can't cook that roast because it won't be ready for 4 hours!
Help is on the way!
In the course Meal Planning for the Time Crunched, Elizabeth Hallgren offers a plethora of practical ideas to suit your situation. She has gone through the experience of toting 2 screaming infants while trying to make a meal. The kids grew into after school team sports and that is when a meal is needed in a hurry.
Elizabeth gets right down to planning your menu, shopping and food preparation (in advance and at mealtime). She is not an advocate of spending long hours in the kitchen. That would be the normal answer offered by some people. It's a matter of planning and working smarter.
You don't have to reinvent your life. You just have to do things a bit different.
I would recommend this course to anybody who wants to change their ways, spend more time doing other things, and enjoy mealtime. Meal preparation can be last minute if you've done most of it in advance. I hope this makes sense. Elizabeth made a lot of sense. Maybe you will discover that too.
Maureen Fleury
As a busy mother, I'm always interested in making meal preparation less stressful. Like many other events, I prepare for them. Why do I have difficulty in organizing my meals? Quite often, I find myself scrambling around at 5:00pm, looking in the cupboards, freezer and fridge to see what I can throw together. Sometimes, the process of elimination dictates what I make for supper. For example: I only have one can of mushroom soup and I need two or I can't cook that roast because it won't be ready for 4 hours!
Help is on the way!
In the course Meal Planning for the Time Crunched, Elizabeth Hallgren offers a plethora of practical ideas to suit your situation. She has gone through the experience of toting 2 screaming infants while trying to make a meal. The kids grew into after school team sports and that is when a meal is needed in a hurry.
Elizabeth gets right down to planning your menu, shopping and food preparation (in advance and at mealtime). She is not an advocate of spending long hours in the kitchen. That would be the normal answer offered by some people. It's a matter of planning and working smarter.
You don't have to reinvent your life. You just have to do things a bit different.
I would recommend this course to anybody who wants to change their ways, spend more time doing other things, and enjoy mealtime. Meal preparation can be last minute if you've done most of it in advance. I hope this makes sense. Elizabeth made a lot of sense. Maybe you will discover that too.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Working mother diet-love it!
The Working Mother Diet
Working Moms Must Be Creative to Find a Diet Plan That Works
© Rebecca Garland
A working moms diet must take into consideration the need for extra energy and the lack of time to exercise. These moms need a plan that fits into their busy lives.
Food is energy. A basic science lesson can teach this, but somehow it doesn’t really make sense until a mother begins to see the dire need for food as a source of crucial energy. It’s no secret working mothers lead extremely busy lives. Many of these working mothers have little time to plan fantastic meals or take an hour in the gym. These working mothers need a special diet.
The Diet Plan
If a working mother needs to lose weight, she may have a hard time doing so, even if she knows the basics – eat less and exercise more. Time and energy often work against her. The working mom already spends time away from her family and isn’t interested in taking away an extra hour every day to visit the gym. Moms need energy and often they need energy quickly. The workplace may encourage large meals out or a quick something cooked in the microwave or grabbed through a drive-thru. Neither of these provides the style of fuel moms need. Working moms must get creative to get back into shape.
Exercise
Everyone needs exercise, and most recommendations encourage exercise three to five days a week. Even if a family bike ride and pilates tape fits in on the weekends, there are at least one or two days left that need exercise included. Exercise shouldn’t take away from family time, but it can be done as a family. Try a family walk in the evenings after dinner or push the little ones in a stroller for an extra work out.
By the end of the day some moms are too weary to even consider exercise. These moms might try using the lunch break at work to sneak away to the gym or starting the day an hour earlier to get in a brisk morning walk or jog. Even two fifteen minute breaks to climb the stairs at the office can help burn necessary calories and offer an energy boost. Exercise has amazing properties. Even getting up earlier can become addictive as energy levels rise and muscle begins to replace some of the fat mom has been carrying around since her last pregnancy.
Diet
Dieting quickly is complicated. Most diets call for wholesome foods that can’t be found at a drive in or restaurant. With no stove at the office to whip up something nutritious, working moms must again get creative.
The most obvious solution is left-overs. If a mother managed to find time to create a healthy meal the night before, she should save a bit for lunch the next day. Of course the trick here is finding time the night before. Many working mothers use the weekend as a meal preparation time. These mothers prepare dishes for the week and put them in the refrigerator or the freezer to have ready as they rush in the door from work every evening. By making five meals on the weekend, there is something healthy for dinner and lunch the next day every busy day of the week.
In a tight spot, such as a rushed meal or required lunch meeting, there are other options. The salad is always a working mother’s friend, but she must always be on the lookout for fried toppings or fatty dressings. In fact, many working mothers keep a bag of precut lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and light dressing at the office to whip up a quick salad for lunch every day.
Losing weight and getting in shape can be done with limited time and energy. The trick is to fit the diet plan in with the already chaotic lifestyle. A bit of planning and creativity can go a long way toward a new, healthy mom. source-www.suite101.com
Working Moms Must Be Creative to Find a Diet Plan That Works
© Rebecca Garland
A working moms diet must take into consideration the need for extra energy and the lack of time to exercise. These moms need a plan that fits into their busy lives.
Food is energy. A basic science lesson can teach this, but somehow it doesn’t really make sense until a mother begins to see the dire need for food as a source of crucial energy. It’s no secret working mothers lead extremely busy lives. Many of these working mothers have little time to plan fantastic meals or take an hour in the gym. These working mothers need a special diet.
The Diet Plan
If a working mother needs to lose weight, she may have a hard time doing so, even if she knows the basics – eat less and exercise more. Time and energy often work against her. The working mom already spends time away from her family and isn’t interested in taking away an extra hour every day to visit the gym. Moms need energy and often they need energy quickly. The workplace may encourage large meals out or a quick something cooked in the microwave or grabbed through a drive-thru. Neither of these provides the style of fuel moms need. Working moms must get creative to get back into shape.
Exercise
Everyone needs exercise, and most recommendations encourage exercise three to five days a week. Even if a family bike ride and pilates tape fits in on the weekends, there are at least one or two days left that need exercise included. Exercise shouldn’t take away from family time, but it can be done as a family. Try a family walk in the evenings after dinner or push the little ones in a stroller for an extra work out.
By the end of the day some moms are too weary to even consider exercise. These moms might try using the lunch break at work to sneak away to the gym or starting the day an hour earlier to get in a brisk morning walk or jog. Even two fifteen minute breaks to climb the stairs at the office can help burn necessary calories and offer an energy boost. Exercise has amazing properties. Even getting up earlier can become addictive as energy levels rise and muscle begins to replace some of the fat mom has been carrying around since her last pregnancy.
Diet
Dieting quickly is complicated. Most diets call for wholesome foods that can’t be found at a drive in or restaurant. With no stove at the office to whip up something nutritious, working moms must again get creative.
The most obvious solution is left-overs. If a mother managed to find time to create a healthy meal the night before, she should save a bit for lunch the next day. Of course the trick here is finding time the night before. Many working mothers use the weekend as a meal preparation time. These mothers prepare dishes for the week and put them in the refrigerator or the freezer to have ready as they rush in the door from work every evening. By making five meals on the weekend, there is something healthy for dinner and lunch the next day every busy day of the week.
In a tight spot, such as a rushed meal or required lunch meeting, there are other options. The salad is always a working mother’s friend, but she must always be on the lookout for fried toppings or fatty dressings. In fact, many working mothers keep a bag of precut lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and light dressing at the office to whip up a quick salad for lunch every day.
Losing weight and getting in shape can be done with limited time and energy. The trick is to fit the diet plan in with the already chaotic lifestyle. A bit of planning and creativity can go a long way toward a new, healthy mom. source-www.suite101.com
Saturday, April 14, 2007
super mom to the rescue!
Hate Cleaning? The “Happy Slob’s” 3-Step Solution
Christina Spence
Children need picking up after soccer practice? Super Mom to the rescue! Dinner needs to get on the table? Once again, Super Mom is there! A task at work that no one else wants to tackle? You already know who will deal with it - you. With the stresses of your day-to-day life, housecleaning is likely the last thing on your mind. And yet, it's hard to ignore, since the proof of it equals a cluttered, messy house - definitely not the happy haven you want your home to be.
Here, then, is a simple 3-step solution to finally solve the hassle of housecleaning. If you're a 'happy slob' like me - just a laid back, fun natured person who'd rather be doing anything but cleaning - then it might be just the solution you've been looking for.
The 3-Step Solution Simplified:
1. Two daily cleaning bursts.What is a cleaning burst? A cleaning burst is an intense burst of cleaning - getting maximum results in minimum time. Try to do one cleaning burst in the morning and one in the evening. You decide how much time you can budget for each burst. Only five minutes? Fine! If you've got twenty, great! Use a timer to keep track, and when it rings, you're done. During your cleaning bursts, stay focused on cleaning - and clean your impact areas first (the areas that people see the most in your home.) Get family involved, even if they only help for a few minutes.
2. One daily Focus Room:The daily focus room is an area where you do more in-depth cleaning. Create a list of focus rooms that includes storage areas. I recommend 10-15 minutes a day in your focus room, but if you don't have that much time, then just spend the time you can afford. If you have more time, then go for it!
3.One weekly Clean-for-All:One day a week, you and the family finish up the rest of the housecleaning that didn't get done during the week, or any larger jobs. Keep track during the week of areas that need more work during your clean-for-all. Assign tasks to all members of the family. Again, set a time budget and use your timer to stick to that budget. Anything that doesn't get done this week will get done next week - so don't stress! Reward everyone for helping out, including yourself.
Why does it work? It's simple, flexible, fast, and keeps you focused on the tasks at hand while you are cleaning. And, it's surprisingly effective - after doing this for only a few days, you'll see a big difference. Just remember: do what you can, and then carry on with your life. Cleaning
Formulas
Cleaning formulas aren't all they're cracked up to be. You'd think, for instance, that anti-bacterial cleaner would be your best friend. If it cleans and kills nasty bacteria, it must be good, right? Wrong-o my friend! In fact, these cleaners can make bacteria more resistant and cause more harm than good in the long run. Plus, the chemicals in many commercial cleaners are dangerous for children and pets.
Natural cleaners are an excellent option - they're easier on you, your family, your wallet, and the environment. Here are two simple ones to get you started...
Very Vinegar Cleaner
A fantastic all-purpose cleaner.
In a clean spray bottle (not a bottle that has contained other chemicals) pour 1 part white vinegar to 3 or 4 parts plain cool tap water. Give the bottle a good shake. This stuff is amazing on glass, mirrors, and all other surfaces in the home. And don't worry, the smell dissipates quickly. If you want to add extra cleaning power, add a few drops of natural liquid soap.
Powder Cleanser Substitute
One ingredient - baking soda.
This will replace any powdered cleanser you usually buy. Baking soda is inexpensive, safe for you and your family, and a lot friendlier to the environment. Plus, it gets sinks, tubs, and tiles really nice and clean.
Cleaning no longer has to be a much-hated chore. Using the Happy Slob's techniques, you can finally clean in less time, while having more fun! Try today - just start with the cleaning bursts, then when you're accustomed to that, add a bit of focus room cleaning. Your home will thank you for the attention!
source-www.suite101.com
Christina Spence
Children need picking up after soccer practice? Super Mom to the rescue! Dinner needs to get on the table? Once again, Super Mom is there! A task at work that no one else wants to tackle? You already know who will deal with it - you. With the stresses of your day-to-day life, housecleaning is likely the last thing on your mind. And yet, it's hard to ignore, since the proof of it equals a cluttered, messy house - definitely not the happy haven you want your home to be.
Here, then, is a simple 3-step solution to finally solve the hassle of housecleaning. If you're a 'happy slob' like me - just a laid back, fun natured person who'd rather be doing anything but cleaning - then it might be just the solution you've been looking for.
The 3-Step Solution Simplified:
1. Two daily cleaning bursts.What is a cleaning burst? A cleaning burst is an intense burst of cleaning - getting maximum results in minimum time. Try to do one cleaning burst in the morning and one in the evening. You decide how much time you can budget for each burst. Only five minutes? Fine! If you've got twenty, great! Use a timer to keep track, and when it rings, you're done. During your cleaning bursts, stay focused on cleaning - and clean your impact areas first (the areas that people see the most in your home.) Get family involved, even if they only help for a few minutes.
2. One daily Focus Room:The daily focus room is an area where you do more in-depth cleaning. Create a list of focus rooms that includes storage areas. I recommend 10-15 minutes a day in your focus room, but if you don't have that much time, then just spend the time you can afford. If you have more time, then go for it!
3.One weekly Clean-for-All:One day a week, you and the family finish up the rest of the housecleaning that didn't get done during the week, or any larger jobs. Keep track during the week of areas that need more work during your clean-for-all. Assign tasks to all members of the family. Again, set a time budget and use your timer to stick to that budget. Anything that doesn't get done this week will get done next week - so don't stress! Reward everyone for helping out, including yourself.
Why does it work? It's simple, flexible, fast, and keeps you focused on the tasks at hand while you are cleaning. And, it's surprisingly effective - after doing this for only a few days, you'll see a big difference. Just remember: do what you can, and then carry on with your life. Cleaning
Formulas
Cleaning formulas aren't all they're cracked up to be. You'd think, for instance, that anti-bacterial cleaner would be your best friend. If it cleans and kills nasty bacteria, it must be good, right? Wrong-o my friend! In fact, these cleaners can make bacteria more resistant and cause more harm than good in the long run. Plus, the chemicals in many commercial cleaners are dangerous for children and pets.
Natural cleaners are an excellent option - they're easier on you, your family, your wallet, and the environment. Here are two simple ones to get you started...
Very Vinegar Cleaner
A fantastic all-purpose cleaner.
In a clean spray bottle (not a bottle that has contained other chemicals) pour 1 part white vinegar to 3 or 4 parts plain cool tap water. Give the bottle a good shake. This stuff is amazing on glass, mirrors, and all other surfaces in the home. And don't worry, the smell dissipates quickly. If you want to add extra cleaning power, add a few drops of natural liquid soap.
Powder Cleanser Substitute
One ingredient - baking soda.
This will replace any powdered cleanser you usually buy. Baking soda is inexpensive, safe for you and your family, and a lot friendlier to the environment. Plus, it gets sinks, tubs, and tiles really nice and clean.
Cleaning no longer has to be a much-hated chore. Using the Happy Slob's techniques, you can finally clean in less time, while having more fun! Try today - just start with the cleaning bursts, then when you're accustomed to that, add a bit of focus room cleaning. Your home will thank you for the attention!
source-www.suite101.com
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Grandparent love!
By: Barbara Turvett
What working mom doesn't know how valuable grandparents are when it comes to the care of her baby! But there's a bonus in the grandparent/tot relationship that's worth promoting—especially during the holidays, when your child may get to spend extra time with extended family. Whether they're close to home or across the country, your parents can give your baby or toddler a wonderful gift: unconditional love without the parameters of everyday interaction, says social psychologist Susan Newman, PhD, author of 13 books, including Little Things Mean a Lot: Creating Happy Memories With Your Grandchildren. "Children form bonds early, so grandparents can show them there are others to love, be comforted by and turn to later in life beyond Mommy, Daddy and caregiver," she says.Another perk: Grandparents are like family glue, offering continuity in a family's history and traditions. "A tradition may begin with the gift your parent gives your baby (that special silver rattle)," says Dr. Newman, "or the first cooking lesson (watch your toddler become the mashed potato king)." And when Grandma sings him the lullaby she once sang to you, a time-honored ritual is transported through the
generations. Later on, she can remind him, "We've done this since you were a baby, and I sang the same song to your mom." Or she may be the first to point out, "I remember the first word I heard you say as a baby. It was 'ball.'"So, Mom, take a break and leave Grandma and the baby together to connect. "Trust your parent or in-law," Dr. Newman suggests. "Let her feed, hold and cuddle him. Put out favorite toys and play a CD so she can hum or sing to him." Worried that her parenting style might not jive with yours? "You don't have to agree about everything," Dr. Newman adds. "Nor do you need to argue about all your differences." Just be clear about things like putting the baby on his back to nap or what his feeding schedule is. You can even show her an article on child safety to help you feel comfortable. More than anything, your baby's grandparent wants to be with him, so she'll most likely respect your wishes. And their time together will bring big benefits to both of them—now and for years to come.
Long-Distance BondingMake it a point to nurture your child's relationship with his grandparents when they're not around on a regular basis, says social psychologist Dr. Susan Newman.Keep photos of the grandparents in prominent positions in your home to remind your toddler that they're important to your family.Send a letter, card or email you write together to Granddad. Or mail your child's painting or a photograph of a block structure he created. It will make your little guy feel important because his grandfather will see this.Talk about your parents at the dinner table—stories of growing up with them, what they're up to now—to give your young child an early sense of familial community
What working mom doesn't know how valuable grandparents are when it comes to the care of her baby! But there's a bonus in the grandparent/tot relationship that's worth promoting—especially during the holidays, when your child may get to spend extra time with extended family. Whether they're close to home or across the country, your parents can give your baby or toddler a wonderful gift: unconditional love without the parameters of everyday interaction, says social psychologist Susan Newman, PhD, author of 13 books, including Little Things Mean a Lot: Creating Happy Memories With Your Grandchildren. "Children form bonds early, so grandparents can show them there are others to love, be comforted by and turn to later in life beyond Mommy, Daddy and caregiver," she says.Another perk: Grandparents are like family glue, offering continuity in a family's history and traditions. "A tradition may begin with the gift your parent gives your baby (that special silver rattle)," says Dr. Newman, "or the first cooking lesson (watch your toddler become the mashed potato king)." And when Grandma sings him the lullaby she once sang to you, a time-honored ritual is transported through the
generations. Later on, she can remind him, "We've done this since you were a baby, and I sang the same song to your mom." Or she may be the first to point out, "I remember the first word I heard you say as a baby. It was 'ball.'"So, Mom, take a break and leave Grandma and the baby together to connect. "Trust your parent or in-law," Dr. Newman suggests. "Let her feed, hold and cuddle him. Put out favorite toys and play a CD so she can hum or sing to him." Worried that her parenting style might not jive with yours? "You don't have to agree about everything," Dr. Newman adds. "Nor do you need to argue about all your differences." Just be clear about things like putting the baby on his back to nap or what his feeding schedule is. You can even show her an article on child safety to help you feel comfortable. More than anything, your baby's grandparent wants to be with him, so she'll most likely respect your wishes. And their time together will bring big benefits to both of them—now and for years to come.
Long-Distance BondingMake it a point to nurture your child's relationship with his grandparents when they're not around on a regular basis, says social psychologist Dr. Susan Newman.Keep photos of the grandparents in prominent positions in your home to remind your toddler that they're important to your family.Send a letter, card or email you write together to Granddad. Or mail your child's painting or a photograph of a block structure he created. It will make your little guy feel important because his grandfather will see this.Talk about your parents at the dinner table—stories of growing up with them, what they're up to now—to give your young child an early sense of familial community
Monday, April 2, 2007
Start getting ready!
Skin-baring season will soon be here, so start prepping now with these beauty tips from Doris Day, MD, a dermatologist in New York City.If you're considering laser hair removal, now's the time to begin, since you need several sessions spaced three to four weeks apart. You may need three to eight appointments, depending on what you're defuzzing. For pretty summer feet and hands, cream nails and cuticles daily and wear polish to help hold in moisture. File only tips of nails—filing the tops can lead to white spots. Tackle breakouts now. Acne can be exacerbated by warm weather, since sweat and bacteria get trapped in pores, causing breakouts. So wash acne-prone areas with a salicylic-acid-based cleanser.
Stress Relief
Feeling tense? Brew yourself a cup of black tea. British researchers recently tested stress-hormone levels of black-tea drinkers versus non-tea drinkers and found that drinking tea may help our bodies recover more quickly from anxiety-inducing situations. "Slow recovery following acute stress has been associated with greater risk of chronic illness such as coronary heart disease," says lead researcher Andrew Steptoe, PhD, a professor of epidemiology and public health at University College London.
BlackBerrys, Treos and other PDAs may be great for your business, but they can be hard on your hands. In fact, chronic injury and pain from all that thumb-scrolling and tiny-keyboard texting have become so common that the American Physical Therapy Association recently included "BlackBerry thumb" in its list of occupational health-related conditions. Typical symptoms include pain, swelling and/or numbness in the thumbs and in the joints of the hand, even tendonitis. Now you can get treated for this condition at many spas, including most North American Hyatt hotels and resorts. The treatments are designed to remove tension from arms, hands, wrists and fingers with hot stones, fragrant oils or both traditional massage and acupressure. Very handy.
Stress Relief
Feeling tense? Brew yourself a cup of black tea. British researchers recently tested stress-hormone levels of black-tea drinkers versus non-tea drinkers and found that drinking tea may help our bodies recover more quickly from anxiety-inducing situations. "Slow recovery following acute stress has been associated with greater risk of chronic illness such as coronary heart disease," says lead researcher Andrew Steptoe, PhD, a professor of epidemiology and public health at University College London.
BlackBerrys, Treos and other PDAs may be great for your business, but they can be hard on your hands. In fact, chronic injury and pain from all that thumb-scrolling and tiny-keyboard texting have become so common that the American Physical Therapy Association recently included "BlackBerry thumb" in its list of occupational health-related conditions. Typical symptoms include pain, swelling and/or numbness in the thumbs and in the joints of the hand, even tendonitis. Now you can get treated for this condition at many spas, including most North American Hyatt hotels and resorts. The treatments are designed to remove tension from arms, hands, wrists and fingers with hot stones, fragrant oils or both traditional massage and acupressure. Very handy.
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