How Parents Effectively Teach Kids, Putting Learning Theory Into Practice in the Home

I'm a teacher and former homeschool parent. I've explored learning theory inside out and found home an ideal teaching environment. It's best-suited to real-life learning experiences. Parents, you don't have call yourself a "homeschooler." Because parenting IS educating. Here are effective ways to teach children using everyday family activities.How Parents Effectively Teach Kids at Home, Learning Theory Into Practice

Survival Tips for Memorial Day Weekend Travel with Kids, 2.0 Parent Version!

Memorial Day weekend is here. Your family is heading out for a much needed vacation. But wait--traveling with kids--that sounds like more headache than holiday. And it will be, if you don't follow these parent survival tips. Enjoy stress-free car travel with kids. Follow my lead. Parent Survival Tips for Memorial Day Weekend Travel with Kids

Easy, Homemade Mother's Day Party Dads and Kids Can Make

As a 25-year mom of four, I've been the guest of honor at many child-hosted Mother's Day and birthday parties. Our children learned to throw a budget, homemade bash from me and my husband. For a guy, my husband is great at party-planning. Dads, here are tips from the master's knee, on planning an inexpensive Mother's Day party with your kids, that your wife will love!  Dad-Inspired, Kid-Friendly Mother's Day Party, Homemade and Cheap

7 Reasons Kids and Guns in the Home Don't Mix

As the memorial day for slain peace activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. approaches, it's a good time to think gun control. Gun rights are a hot-button topic of debate. Setting aside the rhetoric, let's look at firearms practically, from a parenting perspective. Here are seven reasons not to have firearms when you have kids. Parents, consider these facts carefully. Reasons for Gun Control

How to Work at Home with Sick Kids

Vacation's over; everyone's back to school; you can finally get caught up on work and wouldn't you know it--a child gets sick. Flu season 2012-2013 is shaping up nasty says ABC News, so if you've got kids, plan on them getting ill. How do you get anything done with sick kids? Let this multitasker mom of four and former homeschool parent help. WAHM parents with sick kids

Parenting Kids With Low Self Esteem

 Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the head of a person with low self-esteem? If you're experiencing low self-esteem for the first time, it can be pretty scary. If you've not experienced negative self-image, it's hard to imagine why those of us who have behave as we do. If you're parenting a child with self esteem issues, it's even more challenging. Kids struggle with communication as it is. To explain negative emotions to a parent can be overwhelming. Here are coping tips. Read more

How I Set Work-at-Home Boundaries with Myself and Family

I've been a WAHM (work-at-home-mom) since 2005. There are advantages to working at home. I see more of my family, I'm readily available. I don't have to go out to work every day. Oddly, those advantages are closely related to the disadvantages. Work-at-home perks caused many problems before I learned to set boundaries. Here's how. Read more

Making Kids Thanksgiving Helpers (not Hindrances!)

In holiday party preparation, children may be more of a hindrance than a help. Parents may find Thanksgiving not so thankful and Christmas not so merry if they're juggling shopping, cooking, party planning, housecleaning and childcare. Here are ways kids can help with holiday party planning. Tips work for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Day, and any party year-round.  Read more

How to actively listen to your teen

"We need to talk." Those words make me nervous. I don't know whether it's the faint implication of censure, the possible portent of bad news or just the fear of the unknown, but I get edgy. Kids do, too. When it's said without any added details, the person can only conclude it must be something really dire. And frankly, approaching someone with an ominous opener like that will not engender healthy communication.  Kids shouldn't have to walk on eggshells wondering what they've done wrong now. If they've done something you disapprove of, say so. Don't be cagey. Don't play games. Don't turn it into a drama fest. The only thing you'll accomplish is to alienate your teen.  Be honest and open with your kids and they'll be more likely to return the favor. Here are other parenting tips on talking to teens so everyone feels comfortable. How to actively listen to your teen and talk with empathy 

Parent coping tips for teen anger and mood swings

Clinical teen depression is relatively uncommon, but tell that to parents of teens and they may not agree. I certainly wouldn't have. Bouts of moodiness are hallmarks of teen behavior and one of the most worrisome for parents. Here's a parent survival kit for dealing with teen mood swings.  Parent coping tips for teen anger and mood swings

How to talk and listen to your teen

"We need to talk." Hearing those words makes me nervous. I don't know whether it's the faint implication of censure, the possible portent of bad news or just the fear of the unknown, but I get edgy when someone says that to me. Kids get nervous, too. Here are parenting tips on talking to teens so everyone feels comfortable.  To read the article, click here How to listen to your teen. (Please note: there are several errors in this article and I apologize for that. I'm not sure, but I think they're happening when I transfer the article from WORD to the template I'm using.)

Senior Caregiver: Elderly, Children and Family All Under One Roof

How to Care for Elderly Senior Citizens and Children Under One Roof

With costly senior care facilities and cuts in senior Social Security benefits, families are taking elderly relatives into their homes to care for them. If your family cares for a senior citizen, you need help and support.

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Caring for Senior Citizens: Persuading Elderly Parents to Accept Help from the In-Law

Caring for Disabled Senior Citizens: Managing the Mother-in-Law Issues
We are caring for my elderly disabled mother-in-law. As we are learn about caring for senior citizens, we're passing it along. Today's Sticky Wicket: Persuading senior parents to allow the in-law child to help with care.
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