5 Easy Tips for a Slobproof Home
Category: Interior design, cost saving ideas, featured, raising children, yourchichome
By: Debbie Weiner
I should have known a mixed marriage wouldn’t work. With me, a professional designer and he, a self-professed slob, we were headed for trouble. Sure, it was bliss at first. I created rooms that were full of delicate fabrics and off-white finishes and he was careful not to damage my precious furnishings. Every pillow was primped, every curtain tassle-trimmed and we all took our shoes off at the door to keep the light beige carpet in pristine condition.
But real life caught up to us. I spent more time at work, and he spent more time at home. Then kids came – both boys, followed by various animals, including two dogs. Shoes, even baseball cleats, stopped coming off at the door. Nerf balls went flying through the family room. Food was found everywhere- on the sofa, ground into the carpet, even under my sheets. Then came dog poop on my dining room rug. I fell apart- yelling about the dirt, the mess, the ruined sofa, the fingerprint stained draperies and the beige carpet polka-dotted with spots, spills and stains.
Six Reasons to Cheer if You are Raising a Teenager
Category: featured, raising children, yourchicfamily
By: Michele Ranard, Contributing Writer for Chic Mom Magazine
I’m the first to admit having teens in the house can be challenging as a parent. It’s confusing. The experts tell us it’s dangerous and unhealthy to be their friend (“They have to see you as an authority!”), yet there are plenty of moments it feels natural to do so—to laugh, shop, share music, and learn new things together.
Instead of simply trying to “survive” this developmental chapter, it helps to become more intentional about savoring our teens. Savoring? Sure. Appreciating the goodness of this particular stage. Otherwise, we may see only the pitfalls and not the glory of raising these emerging adults.
How to Teach Healthy Competition
Category: featured, raising children, relationship advice, yourchicfamilyBy: Christine Martinello, America’s Momager
This football season is more intense than most – a season filled with exhilarating moments of victory and heart-breaking loss. A season when as parents we’ve spent more time on the field than around the dinner table. Sacrificing time, energy and money – all in the name of helping our children grow to be their best through team sport.
As a mom who has sat through 12 years of football, basketball, dance competitions and an endless stream of sports, I gotta tell ya, it’s tough to teach healthy competition. How do we find a healthy balance between wanting to win and learning from loss?
Clean Up Your Act to get Children to Clean
Category: featured, raising children, relationship advice, yourchicfamily
By: Jody Johnston-Pawel, LSW
Messy rooms. Almost every parent can relate to this problem (especially this time of year.) In their fun and glee, children scatter toys throughout the room — or house! They play with the toys they are supposed to be putting away. It seems to take hours for children to pick up, when it could take parents a few minutes. Why do most children seem to be born slobs? When will they want to clean and do it well and quick, so parents don’t have to nag, complain and hover?
You may not ever have children who want to clean, but you can have children who cooperate anyway. The first step is to avoid quick fixes, since many backfire or have negative long-term outcomes. For example, if parents “let it slide” until they can’t stand the mess, children feel overwhelmed. If parents nag, they get into power struggles. If parents insist on perfection or having it done “their way,” they have power struggles and discouraged children. If parents clean, children get a maid/butler and never learn to clean by/for themselves. If parents restrict children until they finish, children are resentful and may refuse to clean to rebel or for revenge. If parents throw away toys, children learn it’s okay to disrespect and destroy property because it’s disposable — and may get revenge later.
