Confident Kids : Why Some Parents Should Carry a Health Warning (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

As a hypnotherapist, I am acutely aware of the power of words. A few well-chosen words can induce hypnosis and help my clients with a wide range of problems. I specialise in confidence, self esteem and stress management, so I am particularly interested in the ways in which we influence our own self esteem, and that of others, through use of language.

How To Foster An Environment For Successful Communications With Your Child (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

As parents, we strive to address all of the questions asked by our children. If we don't have the answer, or don't like the question, we would never think of ignoring the child. We do not accept improper communication as acceptable behavior. Most parents, however, are quick to excuse or overlook the behavior of their child when he / she reacts the same way and are often left wondering when the lines of communication broke.

Sharing Books with Children (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

One of my first memories of childhood is that of my mother reading Dr. Seuss books to me in a big brown recliner in our living room. That memory brings with it sounds and smells and a general feeling of safety and comfort that never fades, even after all these years. Naturally, one of the first memories I have of my own first born child is sitting in a big chair and reading Little Golden Books to him.

Are You Meeting ALL Your Childs Basic Needs? (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

This may come as a surprise, but many parents are unaware of

the full extent of their child's basic needs.

10 Points on Children for the New Parent (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

I remember when my daughter was born, later my son. According to many well meaning individuals, I should've done this, should've done that and maybe improved in some areas.

More than Mom and Dad (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Love, love, love. It makes the world go round. It makes a family. So why does it seem the moment you have a baby, love, or at least your love life as you know it, goes right up in a cloud of baby powder? Let's face it, you're tired, you're overwhelmed, and there's a good chance you're wearing baby spit-up on the shoulder of your blouse.

The Graceful Art of Defrazzling - For Mothers (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

"I wipe my baby's chin with my college diploma and wonder, 'How did I ever get here?'"

-- Joy Rose from the band "Housewives on Prozac"

Parenting Your Teenager: The Power Struggle (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Q: My husband and I are at a loss as to what to do with our two teenagers. They have been great kids and all of a sudden it seems like we are in teenage hell! We keep fighting to see the kids we once knew, and they keep fighting to get their own way. We have been considering family counseling, and really would like to know what goes on in counseling. Can you give us some help with our kids and what to expect in counseling?

How Public Schools Lie to Parents and Betray Our Children (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Under the "No Child Left Behind Act," public schools whose students consistently fail standardized tests can now be shut down. To protect their jobs, teachers and principals are now under intense pressure to cheat - to fudge test scores and report cards to fool parents and school administrators.

No Invitation Needed: Sacred Children Series - 3 of 3 (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

I had my first two children on either side of my twenty-third and twenty-fifth birthdays. I had always assumed that by the time I was forty, I'd have a ton of freedom to finally push forward with my dreams of becoming a motivational writer and speaker. It really looked like that was the way my life was going to go too.

Personal Honor (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

There are moments in a parent's or grandparent's life, when they receive validation for the way they are living, or, have lived, that life. These moments are usually quiet ones, with no fanfare celebrating the occasion. Yet, the importance of these moments has no equal. To those of us who have given of our time, our love, our care, ourselves, they are of far greater private, personal significance, than can be stated.

Scolding: One of Communications Tools of Last Resort (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

(Excerpted from Jim Rohn's 2004 Weekend Leadership Event)

You have to be very careful of scolding. Scolding, as a last resort, may be necessary but you must be very careful. Scolding someone is like giving them a cut, giving them a small cut with your words on the hand. Maybe it will serve its purpose, and the cut will heal and everything will be okay. You needed to get their attention. But you must not do it everyday, all the time.

Teach Children The Skills Of Optimism (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Optimists do better academically, socially and enjoy better health than pessimists.

Helping your child look on the bright side is a significant life skill to develop. When children think that can succeed they are more likely to give things a try. In other word, if they think THEY CAN, THEY WILL.

Alias: Aptitude (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Be aware. You may become totally overwhelmed when you get the results of the special education  testing on your child. There is a lot of "stuff" on  that report!  And much of it sounds like a foreign  language to many people.

Some Good News About Blended Families (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

They Spur Members To Grow Emotionally

Tatiana Tannenbaum grappled with a classic stepfamily struggle when she moved from Moscow, Russia to Portland, Ore. and married Leb Tannenbaum: Her three new stepsons weren't very happy to have her in their lives.

Teaching Your Children About the Value of Money (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

We take it for granted that children know how money gets into our wallets. The tips below will guide you through teaching your children the value of money.

Helping Your Teen Get Back to School With Clear Skin (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Backpack? Check. Notebooks? Check. Ink-pens? Check. Clear Skin? Mommmm!

If you are anything like three-fourths of the parents Harris Interactive for the American Counseling Association recently surveyed, you are actively involved in helping your teenager treat acne.

Parenting Your Teenager: How to Say NO! (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Q: Whenever we tell my daughter "no," she just bugs and pesters until we give in. I know it's wrong to give in, but she makes things so unpleasant that we give in just to make peace. How can we turn this situation around?

How to Help Your Child be Successful in Kindergarten (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Your child's first year of school should be a fun and exciting time. Children who are comfortable with and prepared for this first school experience are more likely to have rewarding and productive years, and therefore associate positive feelings with education. Since parents are children's first and most important teachers, you can play a key role in preparing your children for a successful school experience by pre-exposing them to key concepts they will experience in school. This can be done in a fun, enjoyable manner by making everyday play experiences learning experiences as well.

The Recipe For The Making Of A Self-Assured Child: One Part Communication, Two Parts Love (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Each child carries a unique picture of the self, shaped in part by the influence of parents. Your child is not born with a self-image or self-assurance. Both traits are learned through experiences beginning from birth.