Tim Tebow Super Bowl Commercial
Did you see the ad? I thought it was well done and not nearly as controverial as so many “women’s groups” had claimed. I am so glad that Focus on the Family ran the ad and encouraged people to get the whole Tim Tebow story on their website.
Tips for Teaching Your Children to be More Thankful
As the mother of five children, I have realized that children are not always as thankful as they should be. In fact, children can be downright greedy at times and you may wonder how it was possible that you gave birth to such a selfish creature.
So, how do we, as moms, teach our children that life is not always easy and they should be thankful for all that they have and that they should appreciate what others have done for them or given them? Here are some easy ways you can incorporate being thankful in your everyday life.
1. Model Thankful Behavior. This may seem like an obvious one, but how often do you remember to say thank you when someone does something for you? How often do you tell your children how thankful you are that have a warm home, or a full fridge, or even a friendly pet? We should be thankful for all things in this life. Tonight as you sit together at the dinner table begin a new conversation with the words, “I am so thankful for …” even if all you can think to be thankful for is the fact that your family is together. And remember to be thankful all year round – not just during the holiday season!
2. Let Your Children Contribute. Kids like to feel they are contributing something worthwhile to others. Whether it be helping you set the table, or baking cookies for a neighbor, or raking leaves for an elderly person, children will be more thankful if they feel they are helpful to others. A good lesson can be learned from volunteering time at a local soup kitchen or other charity. It never hurts for children to realize there are others who are less fortunate than they are.
3. Don’t Bombard Children with Too Much Stuff. Kids are like sponges. They will grab up as much stuff as they can. Has your child ever had a case of the GIMMES? Once they get it, it can be a hard task to change their selfish attitude to one of thankfulness. One word: PURGE! Give excess to the needy.
4. Keep a Family Blessings Journal. Record happy events, fun memories and other notes on Friday evening after supper. From time to time reread the entries.
Home is the Heart of All Activity
Society is composed of families, and is what the heads of families make it. Out of the heart are “the issues of life”; and the heart of the community, of the church, and of the church, the prosperity of the nation, depend upon home influences.
The elevation or deterioration of the future of society will be determined bu the manners and morals of theyouth growing up around us. As the youth are educated, and as their characters are molded in the childhood to virtuous habits, self-control, and temperance, so will their influence be upon society. If they are left unenlightened and uncontrolled, and as the reult bcome self-willed, intemperate in appetite and passion, so will be their future influence in molding society. The company which the young now keep, the habits they now form, and the principles they now adopt are the index to the state of society for years to come.
– Ministry of Healing, Ellen White, p. 349
Fingerpaint Recipes
Jell-O Fingerpaint
Ingredients:
Flavored Jell-o or other brand of gelatin
Boiling Water
Instructions:
With an adult’s help, empty packet of gelatin into a small bowl. Add just enough water to make gelatin the consistency of fingerpaint. Tastes good too!
Kool-Aide Finger Paint
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 packs of unsweetened Kool-Aid
1/2 cup salt
3 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons oil
Instructions:
With and adult’s help, mix all ingredients together.
Sidewalk Paint
Ingredients:
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup water
6 – 8 drops food coloring (or to desired shade)
Instructions:
Mix ingredients together. Repeat to make different colors. Washes off easily.
10 Alternatives to Halloween
In our family we decided not to celebrate a holiday that celebrates pagan and satanic themes. We want to uplift our creator in everything we do – every day of the year. There are lots of ways to not celebrate Halloween, but still have a fun time together as a family. My children have no problem with missing out on things that are evil in order to take a stand for Jesus. This year we are going to our church’s Fall Festival. It will be lots of fun!
I personally believe our children should be taught that sometimes we don’t do certain things simply because they do not please God. It is a fact of life that there will be times when everyone around us is doing “something fun” that does not honor God. This is especially true once our children become teens. Sex, drugs, and alcohol can seem like a lot of “fun” and peer pressure will weigh down those who have not been taught how to “Just say no for Jesus.”
Once you have explained to your children why you will no longer be celebrating Halloween, or even if you have never celebrated the day, here are some ideas to make the Halloween night a night to banish evil and make Jesus the center “light.”
1. Go door to door passing out “treats” rather than receiving them! Explain that Jesus is the real treat and give them a tract to read, such as the ones at The American Tract Society.
2. Tape candy pieces to religious bookmarks or child friendly tracts and pass them out as the trick or treaters come to your door.
3. Attend a fall festival at a local church.
4. Invite friends over for a Bible Character costume party.
5. Stay home with your family and play board games all night. Talk to each other!
6. Go door to door collecting cans for the hungry for Thanksgiving and make baskets to give to local needy families at Thanksgiving. Get the church involved and increase your food bank supply!
7. Have a family communion.
8. Have a fall themed potluck dinner with other families. only serve foods such as apples, winter squash and soups.
9. Have a Family Day. Choose your families favorite activities: go to the park, visit a Christian bookstore, go out to eat… just make it special!
10. Have a group hayride. Sing song praising God. Some local farms may do this for a small fee.
Whatever you do, do for the glory of God!
Go Clean Your Room!
by Melissa Ringstaff
If you are a mom, you have said it a million times, “Go clean your room!” It is a rare mother who gives birth to a child who prefers to clean his room instead of trash it.So what are moms and dads to do if they want their children to put away the toys, place clothes in the hamper, and keep books perfectly lined on their shelves?
Well, this may seem harsh to some of you. First things first. Go clean your room – and the bathroom, and the kitchen, and the family room, and the home office, and the garage, and the closets… you get the idea. If your room has piles of clean clothes waiting to be folded, or you only make your bed when company comes over, or the dishes get washed only when there is nothing left in the house to eat with you are not demonstrating an organized life to your child.
Okay, so maybe your house is not a candidate for the popular show on Lifetime Television, How Clean is Your House?, but look around.
- Does your desk have stacks of un-filed papers?
- Do you forget to fold the clothes as soon as the dryer stops?
- Does your bed turn stale before the sheets are changed?
- Do your feet stick to the floor before you remember to mop?Perhaps your careless ways have rubbed onto your children. It is time to clean up. Today.
Your next course of action is to create a friendly routine that you and your children can comfortably work around. Make a list of chores that need to be completed each week. Then divide them up appropriately among the members of your family. Children should be expected to do chores daily. And if Dad works outside the home full time to support his family, his household chores should reflect his hard work each week. In other words, don’t expect Dad to clean the house after a long day at work. Stay at home moms, should take over most of the responsibility for maintaining the household. The Bible tells us we are to be “keepers at home.” So, make your home a real priority. If both mom and dad work outside the home, you will have to have a discussion about who should be responsible for each chore and when. Then be accountable for your part.
Making a routine a habit is the hardest part for some people. Especially if they are not used to being on a schedule or have always been unorganized. Don’t give up if you fall off the schedule. Tomorrow is a new day with a fresh set of goals. Post the chores and schedules up where everyone can see them on a daily basis. The kitchen works well for my family.
Pray each morning before you begin your day. Ask God to give you the will power to make your home pleasing to HIM so that your family can live daily in comfort. Finally, work with your children to show them how to clean up. For instance, in the evening after supper, clear the table immediately with their help. Then after Family Worship time, follow them to their bedrooms and sit down. Tell them nicely what to do.
“John, put your books on the shelf – no like this.”
“Sarah, place your dirty clothes in the laundry hamper.”
“Timmy, you know your room looks nicer if you don’t leave your cars on the floor. Put them in the right bucket.”
And then be sure to do the same when you go to your own room to retire for the day.
Daily Plan of Action: (This is what I use in my own home.)
- Daily Prayer and Devotion
- Make Beds
- Wipe Down Bathroom Sinks
- Wash Two Loads of Laundry
- Clean Kitchen and Sweep
- Straighten House
- 10 – 20 Minute De-clutter of One Area
- One to Two Weekly Chores
Lastly, organize your child’s things so that when he is finished with a project or toy, he can put them away easily. Remember the adage, A place for everything and everything in its place. Group like toys, ie. Legos, Lincoln Logs, dolls, etc., into plastic storage containers and label them. Label everything. Teach your child this rule: “Only One toy at a time.” Your child must return the toy to its proper place before getting out a new toy.
Keeping a neat house, especially when you have children running around, is not easy. In fact, much of the time, it is down right hard. But tackle it like any other project. Break it down into manageable sections. Make a Plan of Action or Daily Schedule. And stick to it – every day. If I don’t stick to my plan daily, my house can go from clean to disaster within a matter of hours.
If your child destroys his room, it can take hours to clean. BUT, if he puts away his things as soon as he is finished with them, it only takes a few seconds at a time. The same goes for grown ups. A messy bedroom takes longer to clean than a relatively neat one and three papers are easier to file that a mountain of papers. Learn your lesson… and then pass it on!
The Layette
When shopping for your new baby to be, it can be hard to resist all the precious items stores have to offer expecting parents. Tiny outfits and booties, sweet little bonnets and caps, rattles galore, and bibs, pajamas, and blankets make it hard not to bring home more than you need. Keep in mind that you will be receiving prents from family and friends and baby showers. You may also have friends or realitives who are planning to give you hand-me downs. As the date nears for the arrival of your newborn, take stock of what you have and then shop wisely. Realize that your baby won’t be alble to wear too many outfits before he or she outgrows them.
Wardrobe:
4 to 7 nightgowns with elastic bottoms
3 to 8 undershirts with snap bottoms
3 or 4 blanket sleepers for a fall or winter baby
3 or 4 lightweight sleepers for a spring or summer baby
3 or 4 pairs of socks
1 or 2 pairs of booties
3 or 4 soft terry drool bibs
1 or 2 sweaters for cool days
1 heavy sweater or coat for winter
1 or 2 lightweight hats with brim for sun protection
1 heavyweight cap that covers the ears for winter
1 pair soft mittens for protecting baby from scratching hiself
1 pair heavy mittens for winter baby
Linens:
3 or 4 fitted crib sheets for crib, bassinet, or cradle
3 or 4 lightweight blankets for warmer weather
3 or 4 heavy blankets for cooler weather
1 or 2 waterproof mattress pads
5 or 6 waterproof pads for changing diapers
5 or 6 soft washcloths
1 or 2 soft terry towles
1 dozen burp cloths or cloth diapers
Several dozen disposable diapers if you are planning to use them
Coth Diapers: 3 to 4 dozen cloth diapers: prefold, fitted, or all-in-ones
8 to 10 covers: vinyl pants, fleece pull-ons, wool covers, or wraps
1 to 2 dozen fleece stay dry liners
1 dozen doublers for nighttime or heavy wetters
4 to 6 pairs of diaper pins
2 dozen soft terry or flannel wash cloths to use as wipes
Diaper Pail with Lock
Nursing Through Adversity
My son is now five months old and breastfeeds like a champ, but I can remember just a few short months ago feeling that we would never get the hang of it; I would be doomed to pump forever. I never realized how every little thing that happens during the birth of a child can affect his ability to breastfeed. I was induced 3 weeks early, given Pitocin, Stadol and an Epidural, and Ryland was delivered with the assistance of a vacuum due to a drop in his heart rate. He was also a little slow to breathe. All of this, combined with his severe jaundice, set the stage for a very long road to breastfeeding.
My milk didn’t come in until day 5 and the nurses in the hospital, although they were all supposed to be Lactation Consultants, offerend no help. Ryland quickly becamed jaundiced after we took him home and I was pressured by the Pediatricians to give him formula to help “push the bilirubin through his system more quickly.” So I did. My husband and I would alternate every other bottle with formula and pumped breast milk. Finally, we got rid of the jaundice but I still couldn’t him to latch on and nurse. He would arch his back and scream and I would cry and feel like a failure. I kept thinking that no one ever told me how difficult it would be! I remember sitting in bed pumping every hour (with a hand pump) around the clock and crying. So many times I was ready to give up but I really wanted to nurse my son.
Finally, after 2 weeks, I found a La Leche League meeting nearby and off we went. The ladies were so great, they helped me latch him and he actually breastfed!! I was thrilled. I tried again when we got home and once again he nursed and I thought we were finally set! And then he went back to the arching and screaming. Two weeks after that I scheduled an appointment with a Lactation Consultant and had a three hour meeting with her. She informed me that an epidural can affect a baby for up to 2 months, if not longer, after birth. She taught me how to use a nipple shield, helped me latch him, and introduced me to Mother’s Milk Tea and finally got us on the right track. I left there feeling better than I had since he’d been born. We still had problems but we were nursing! Ryland was still fussy, but I started to notice it was only right after eating. And he was still arching his back and crying. Finally I got on the internet and started reading some articles on Dr. Sears’ website about Reflux. Ryland fit the profile exactly, so I made an appointment with our Pediatrician and took him in. We started Ryland on Zantac and saw immediate results.
When Ryland was about 3 months old I did away with the nipple shield and he’s been breastfeeding ever since. Actually, he won’t even take a bottle now! After everything I went through trying to nurse him, I can’t think of a bigger compliment from my son! Although it would be nice to leave him for more than 2 hours at a time, I think back to when I was pumping while my husband bottle fed him and I know how blessed I am to have made it this far. I pretty much went through hell to be able to nurse my son but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Breastfeeding just feels so right; I can honestly say I would have done whatever it took to be able to give this gift to my son. For in doing so, I am also giving a gift to myself. I look at my chunky little man and feel such an enormous amount of accomplishment. Not only was I able to carry him and bring him into this world … my milk put those rolls on his little legs. Breastfeeding is the most rewarding thing I have ever done and I am infinitely glad that I was so determined. It has all been worth it in the end.
Christi Colvin is a WAHM with one beautiful son (for now) and a wonderful husband. She is also “webmom” to a site that allows moms to market and sell their products without the hassle of running a website. Visit http://www.CraftyMommy.com for more information.
100 Ways to Connect with Your Teen
1.View adolescence as an adventure.
2.Respect their privacy.
3.Create family times around activities they enjoy.
4.Keep the delicate balance between holding on and letting go.
5.Understand the nature of the adolescent beast.
6.Take advantage of an unexpected connection.
7.Bite your tongue. 
8.Don’t take their chaotic behavior or mood swings personally.
9.Help them discover their spirituality.
10.Catch them doing something right and praise them.
11.Influence your teens’ decision making, but don’t say “I forbid.”
12.Give privileges with age and responsibility.
13.Be their mentor and ally.
14.Guide them, not manage them.
15.Be clear about expectations and the consequences for not meeting those expectations.
16.Be your teen’s advocate.
17.Show true interest in their activities.
18.Expect miracles.
19.Be their parent. Teens do want rules, limits, and questions from you.
20.If your can’t police, monitor or enforce a rule, don’t have it.
21.Watch the little rules that poison relationships.
22.Spend time alone with your teen.
23.Ask open ended question, such as “What are you learning in your history class?”
24.Encourage them to talk it out.
25.Actively supervise your teen’s exposure to media violence.
26.Acknowledge your teen’s fears, even if you do not agree with them.
27.Control your own behavior.
28.Talk about gangs and cliques.
29.Allow them safe and healthy outlets for their energy.
30.Use “I” statements rather than “You”.
31.Enforce the important stuff, not the little stuff.
32.Seek to understand what your teen is really saying rather than reacting.
33.Share something personal that relates to your years as a teen.
34.Avoid giving unwanted advice.
35.Discuss personal matters on sex and fears.
36.Give your teen the impression that you trust them to do what is right.
37.Listen patiently to your teen’s reasons for wanting to do something.
38.Connect with your teen. Reflect on your adolescence.
39.Avoid lecturing.
40.Be someone they can believe in.
41.Make your home a place where teens want to hang out.
42.Talk less about the media and more about real heroes in our country.
43.Make a list of ten things you like about your teen and tell them.
44.Teach them how to be compassionate, empathetic, and fair.
45.Show compassion to other teenagers.
46.Keep your face relaxed when they are telling you something you don’t want to hear.
47.Talk about drinking and its consequences. Make your expectations known.
48.Help them establish their own autonomy while maintaining a loving relationship with you.
49.Support your teen’s interests and encourage in their accomplishments.
50.Have regular family meetings in which the whole family talks things over and makes decisions together.
51.Ask what worries them most about their future.
52.Use natural and logical consequences, so discipline makes sense.
53.When they come home from an event ask, “How did you show good character?”
54.Teach respect for life in all forms.
55.Ask if they would like to go out to eat, run an errand, or go shopping with you.
56.Show up to watch them in their activities. Clap loudly.
57.Talk to their friends, learn their names, and let them confide in you.
58.Work together in community activities.
59.Learn more about their world.
60.Believe they can make a difference and be a success.
61.Admit when you are wrong. Be able to say, “I’m sorry.”
62.Hug them often.
63.Say, “I love you. I’m proud of you.”
64.Show your teen respect.
65.Eat dinner together four to five days a week.
66.Never berate or belittle teens in front of their friends or peers.
67.Ask their opinions.
68.Give them room to breath to balance independence with dependence.
69.Set standards in clothing while still allowing them to express themselves.
70.Talk to your teen when there is not a problem.
71.Listen carefully to what is being said as well as what is not.
72.Have daily conversations.
73.Share your concerns rather than being the undercover cop.
74.Keep the discussions with your teen confidential unless they are involved with something dangerous.
75.Follow through on promises.
76.Allow your teen to take responsibility when you see them handling it well.
77.Forgive your teen when they make a mistake.
78.Negotiate new challenges.
79.Give your teen increasing autonomy (even if it kills you).
80.Accept all of your teen’s feelings as long as they are respectfully conveyed.
81.Schedule times to talk about unappealing topics. Do not catch on the fly.
82.Focus on what your teen did right before offering constructive criticism.
83.Make more statements rather than asking questions.
84.Talk to your teenager rather than at them.
85.Don’t over-react.
86.Accept they will have moody behavior and teach them how to deal with it.
87.Allow them to make decisions about their own lives whenever possible.
88.Remember you are in the process of “people-making.”
89.Express words of appreciation.
90.Listen with your heart.
91.Help them develop a sense of humor by telling funny stories of your day.
92.Enforce mutually acceptable behavior standards.
93.Listen to the whole story before you react.
94.Use natural and logical consequences when a boundary is broken.
95.Cook together or teach them how to cook.
96.Wait up until they come home.
97.Talk in the dark after the house is quiet and they are tired and relaxed.
98.Find out if they want you to fix it or just listen before you give advice.
99.Discover a shared passion together.
100.Remember, children become who you predict them to be.
Dr. Debbie Ciavola, Marriage and Family Therapist, http://www.greatparentingtips.com, author of 50 Great Tips, Tricks, and Techniques to Connect with Your Teen. It’s easier than ever to parent with the right information! Parenting Tips, Newsletters, Forums, and Articles. Chock full of fun and simple tips for Parents, Single Parents, Stepfamilies, and Grandparents. Your strongest parenting resource.
Trumphing Over Tantrums
Before you had kids you probably witnessed an out of control child having a temper tantrum at the store. More than likely you thought or said, “If that was my child, I would “. Well now here you are with children of your own dealing with these exact situations. Temper tantrums are a normal part of life with toddlers and preschoolers. Almost all young children have tantrums occasionally. If handled appropriately, most children outgrow this stage by four or five.
Some children have severe tantrums and may get so upset that they vomit or hold their breath until they pass out. Although this can be extremely upsetting to the parent, the child will generally recover quickly and completely. If your child is fainting or vomiting from tantrums, you may want to consult your pediatrician to check for any other health concerns.
How you handle tantrums will have a direct impact on the frequency and intensity of the tantrums. Here are some tips on preventing tantrums and how to respond to them.
Make sure your child is not over-tired. If she is cranky or tired put her down for a nap or try doing some quiet time. You can lay down in the bed and read a book or play soothing music to help her relax.
Be consistent with your rules. If she has a tantrum and you give in to her demands, she will try this again. The more consistent you are, the more she will learn that tantrums don’t work.
When you ask your child to do something, try asking nicely first. “Mommy needs some help picking up the toys” usually goes over better than “get in here and pick up this mess!”
Don’t use bribery. Does she really deserve a cookie for going to bed on time or not misbehaving at the grocery store? By doing this you will only encourage her to break the rules to get a treat.
Don’t react to her by yelling at her to be quiet. This will probably only upset her more. Sometimes in the midst of an outburst it is hard for a child to regain composure. Help her to calm down by giving her some quiet time in her room. Offer her a cup of water to help her relax if she is hyperventilating.
Sometimes children have tantrums because they want your attention. Look at the situation. Have you been watching tv, reading a book, or talking on the phone? If your child hasn’t had much “mommy time”, she may be trying to tell you something. Once she has calmed down from her tantrum, try setting some time aside just for her.
If you are in a public place, remove the child from the situation if you can. Go to the car or the restroom until she calms down.
When to call the doctor.
If you are concerned that your child’s tantrums are extreme or more frequent than they should be, call your pediatrician for help. If your child injures herself or others, destroys property, has frequent nightmares, regresses in potty training, faints, has stomach aches or anxiety attacks consult your doctor.
Visit Patty Hone’s website at: http://www.justmommies.com/.
