Enforcing Rules with Kids--Easier Said Than Done

I'm going to admit something that I'm not too proud of--sometimes, I'm a hypocrite. I dispense parenting advice that I have trouble following myself. Don't get me wrong--I believe in what I say. I just don't always practice what I preach.

Take the issue of enforcing rules--I'm not a total failure, but let's just say my batting average is pretty low. <---this mom is a pushover (shh-don't tell my husband or kids). I find it much easy to set forth the boundaries than to follow through on consequences. Several factors contribute to this shortcoming.  Enforcing Rules with Kids--Easier Said Than Done 

Angry Mom Deserved Taser Shocks at Son's School

 Here's a classic case of she-had-it-coming: Michele Lee Eaton, 39, got shocked by Taser twice at her son's Guntown, Miss, middle school, says Reuters. The oxymoron is that mom had gone in to complain that her son was disciplined (it wasn't corporal, the principal says). Unhappy with the result of her convo with the principal, mom got mad, loud and foul-mouthed. The police officer assigned to the school told her to simmer down or he'd Taser her. She didn't and he did. Eaton has only herself to blame. Angry Mom Deserved Taser Shocks at Son's School 

Bullying Parents Get Kids' Easter Egg Hunt Canceled

The Associated Press story of bullying Easter egg hunt parents in Colorado Springs, Colo., who got their event canceled for egg-snatching doesn't surprise me. I've been a mom for 23 years; those guerrilla parents were around then, too. It's why I stopped taking the children to some of those kiddie-freebies. Extreme Easter Egg Hunting Parent-Style is Scary

Parent Smoking Increases Risk of Ear Infection, Surgery in Kids

Parent Smoking Increases Risk of Ear Infection, Surgery in Kids Children's exposure to secondhand smoke has long been a health concern. A study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine adds increased risk of middle ear disease to the list of SHTS-related issues. Here are details about ear infections, household smoking and resources for parents. Read more...

'Sesame Street' Addresses Social Issues, Poverty with 'Lily' the Hungry Muppet

'Sesame Street' Takes on Poverty with 'Lily' the Hungry Muppet "Sesame Street" is debuting a new muppet "Lily," whose parents are poor. Lily, the "hungry muppet," doesn't always get enough to eat. In "Growing Hope Against Hunger," a one-hour special, the muppets explore ways to help Lily, her family and the millions of children that Lily represents. The show addresses community food banks and gardening as solutions. Here's why and how the show can raise awareness and make a difference. Read on...

How to Get Your Teen to Respect You Without Compromising Your Integrity

How to Get Your Teen to Respect You Without Compromising Your Integrity
Respect is the name of the game for parents, but how to achieve that oft-elusive goal with teens and children? How can you "get" teens to respect you? With these simple tips. Read on...

Genetic Testing for Mood Disorders

With the Arizona shooting deaths on January 9, 2011, discussion is focused on mental health issues that may trigger violent events. Profiles of shooters often reveal a history of psychiatric issues. Are there genetic

tests that demonstrate a predisposition to mental health issues? Let's look at one commonly diagnosed mental health condition: bipolar or manic-depressive disorder. Read on...

Straight Edge XXX Uses Punk Music to Promote Clean Living

In 1980, a punk rock band called Minor Threat, wrote a song called 'Straight Edge' in response to rampant self-indulgent lifestyles associated with punk rock. Straight Edge has blossomed into a healthy lifestyles sub-culture promoting abstinence, vegan, drug-free lifestyles. The notorious black X or XXX icon worn as a tattoo or design on the back of the hand symbolizes a Straight Edge member's resistance to drugs, alcohol, promiscuous sex and meat-based diets. Parents, concerned because your child wants to join "Straight Edge"? Read on...

Protective Parent, Over Protective or Power Struggle

Protective Parent or Partner Power Struggles
Family dynamics are complicated to say the least. Parents have relationships with each other as lovers, as partners and as caregivers for their children. It's vital that parents keep personal power struggles out of their parenting decisions. Co-parents and ex spouses need to be very careful with this.
Read More

How to Organize Your Family, Schedule and Life

Easy Ways to Organize Your Possessions, Your Home, Your Schedule and Your Life
Does your life feel out of control, chaotic, disorganized and overwhelming? Here are easy, free tips to organize, purge, free up resources and live simply. These tips won't cost you anything except the loss of a massive load of stress.
Read More

DailyStrength.org Online Support Groups for Parents

DailyStrength.Org Online Self-Help Support Groups
I write many articles on self-help, emotional health, physical health, relationship issues and 12 Step programs. In exploring these issues, I always want to provide support resources. DailyStrength.org is one such resource. Great for busy SAHM, WAHM and parents with no time or childcare for a support group.
Read More

How to Get Your Kids to Obey

How to Get Your Kids to Obey You: Communicating Expectations
Parents expect things from their children; obedience, cooperation, help, respect. Children comply or don't comply for different reasons. Here's one way to get obedience, to meet your expectations.
Read More

How to Parent: Setting Expectations with Children

Setting Healthy Appropriate Expectations for Children
Parents have expectations of their children. What is the difference between appropriate and inappropriate expectations with children? Here are 'pass' and 'fail' expectations and ways to set expectations for kids.
Read More

Free Printable Back to School Organizers, Calendars, Planners, Family Activity Charts

It's that time again: back to school. Time for shopping, planning, organizing and getting the family back into fall routine. To help parents and children get back into shape for school, here are free printable chore charts, homework charts, activity planners, personal planners, schedules, calendars and family organizers. Click here!

Best Lake Michigan Lakeshore State Parks

Best Lakeshore State Park Campgrounds in Michigan
We've explored the coastal state parks of Lake Michigan pretty carefully. Here are our favorite state parks in western Michigan. I'll follow the coast from the border of Michigan north to the bridge.

Read on..

Free Printable 4th of July Activities

4th of July Free Printable Coloring and Games
The 4th of July, or Independence Day, is the day we the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Need some easy free printables for the 4th of July? Here are free printable games, coloring pages and activities to enjoy. Click here...

Wii Family Fitness Workouts

Use the Nintendo Wii for a Total Body Workout
Fitness Wii or Regular Wii: both work great for fitness workouts! Make video game time multitask! Overview and review of Wii interactive video game.
Read on...

How to Start a Parent Support Group

How to Start a Homeschool or Parent Support Group
Homeschooling parents need interaction with adults. Homeschool children need interaction with other children. Are you looking for a homeschooling community? Follow this guide to join or begin your own home school group.
View more »

Myths About Teenagers

10 Common Myths that Prevent Healthy Communication with Teenagers
10 myths about teenagers and adulthood that cut off healthy communication. Taken from the reading, writing, mistakes and experience of a psychology-Special Education instructor and mother of four.
View more »

Lots of Free Community Activities for Families!

60 FREE (or Cheap) Community Resources
Here is a plethora of community resources for everyone and anyone to explore and enjoy, from A (Airport) to Z (zoological gardens). With my frugal Dutch Grannie as my muse we will give you the deluxetour for the economy price! Weblinks provided too!
View more »