Just because you are divorced doesn’t mean the holidays take a break as well. It is important for your children and for you that you make your own traditions as the new family unit that you now are. The mom and dad watching the kids opening gifts on Christmas morning may not exist anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the holidays in a whole new way. Whether you have your children or not over the holidays, here are several tips to get you back on the right track and into the holiday spirit after divorce. Start your own. Because you are no longer the same type of family... (Read More ...)
This year, we will experience the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th year of the century – all triggered in a 24-hour period. In numerology, the number 1 represents new beginnings, so 11 symbolizes “double new beginnings.” On this date, everything in your life can be renewed and transformed. Author of The Unrevealed Secrets of Political Success: How Names and Numbers Shape United States History, Tania Gabrielle offers her take on the meaning of 11/11/11 and what it will bring about as a celebrity numerologist. In asking what exactly numerology and astrology consist of, Tania said that... (Read More ...)
Does your mother-in-law call constantly or show up at your house unexpectedly? Does she criticize the way you eat, dress, cook, or clean? Does she complain to your husband that you are a rude, selfish, disrespectful daughter-in-law? Does she try to manipulate you with guilt whenever you don’t revolve your life around her needs? Does she feel entitled to control your parenting decisions because she is “Grandma”? Does she think healthy boundaries don’t apply to her because she is “family”? Does she put your husband in a position to choose between being a great husband and... (Read More ...)
by Shasta Nelson We know that we still need to exercise even when it doesn’t feel fun or show instant result into our lives. But did you know the same is true about friendship? Unfortunately, we often give up when other women don’t seem to reciprocate immediately, make excuses when we’re too tired to go out and meet new people, and justify our surrender when no one seems to be our type. We frequently shrug our shoulders when we choose to put friendship on the back burner, deciding that our kids, husbands and work don’t leave us time for this luxury. If we believe... (Read More ...)
When thinking about my mom, the first words that come to mind are strong, powerful, ambitious, and driven. I would like to think that some of these characteristics have rubbed off on me (although still in the sophomoric stages). Of course, to fully develop these skills I need guidance and someone to help and cheer me on along the way: someone to give me advice, correct my wrongs, and encourage excellence. Luckily, my mom has done this for me throughout my entire life. Without her, I cannot begin to think where I would be today. Most of my friends are shocked when they realize how close we are.... (Read More ...)
As I sat on a plastic chair in a nondescript waiting room anticipating the announcement of a name that didn’t even belong to me, I paused to think about everything that had led me to this moment. As a 20 year old junior English major at the University of Dayton in Ohio, the pediatrician’s office was not on my original list of vacation hot spots for this past fall break. However, that’s where I landed when I accepted a challenge that I had not really prepared myself for: a crash course in motherhood. Through friends of friends, I had been offered a week-long nanny job for three adorable... (Read More ...)
1. Ask yourself: Do I want to be right or do I want to be happy? In many, many arguments, there is no right or wrong, merely different perceptions. But couples will often get to the point where they are just trying to prove their point and win the argument, rather than genuinely listen and try to solve the problem. This is a failing tactic for two reasons: 1) Even if you come up with a brilliant, winning point, your partner’s not likely to accept it—at least not right away. The really effective communicator gets the other person to own the idea, not force it down his or her throat. 2) Trying... (Read More ...)
Most parents will attend a family gathering at some point in the near future. Many will also endure a chronically negative or critical relative. You know who I mean. Every family seems to have at least one; that person we avoid all year long but have to see occasionally because we’re related. If you don’t have a relative like this, count your blessings — then look at your workplace or neighborhood. You probably have someone in your life that fits this bill. However we know this person, we need a plan for keeping our sanity and self-esteem intact when we’re around these toxic people. Why... (Read More ...)
You probably fell in love with your husband because he was a loving, generous, thoughtful, responsible, honest person. Maybe you loved the kind way he treated his 5-year old niece, his yellow Labrador retriever, or his sweet little grandma. Whatever qualities attracted you to him, there’s a good chance that his mother is a big reason why he turned out so great. Moms are usually a wonderful influence in their son’s life. Guys who have a close relationship with their mother usually make great husbands. Unfortunately, sometimes a man has such a close relationship with Mom... (Read More ...)
‘Dog Whisperer’ with Cesar Millan; it’s not unusual for me to sit and watch four episodes in a row. Recently, during one of my Dog Whisperer TV marathons, I realized that many of the techniques Cesar uses to train dog owners can also be used to train daughters-in-law. Dog owners turn to Cesar for help whenever their pooches exhibits behavior problems. He listens patiently to frustrated people as they describe how their beloved beagle bites, or their four pound Chihuahua taunts pit bulls. Then he watches as they let their mutts barge past them into the house, jump onto the... (Read More ...)
