Image via Wikipedia Sometimes teenagers do bad things. Firstly, they're as imperfect as everybody else is. Secondly, they tend to act out when they feel like they haven't got enough freedom- which tends to be most of the time. However, there are going to be times when most teens do something that goes beyond mere rebellion against you, and can actually be dangerous or stupid enough to warrant a serious punishment. When that happens, a more serious punishment is in order. Before you even consider it, you can't torture your teen, no matter how tempting it might be after they've totaled … [Read more...]
Splurge on a Mother Daughter Spa Day
Have you ever wished you were closer to your daughter? That you and she talked about everything from clothes to boys to rumors? If so, consider finding ways to bond with your daughter that would give you and your daughter a chance to talk and bond. One such way is with a spa day just for you and your daughter. A Chance to Talk One thing that a day at the spa will give you is a chance to talk. There are many services that spas offer that can be paid with a prepaid card, and while you're sitting in a mud bath or getting a pedicure, you'll have plenty of time to talk. You'll be able to find out … [Read more...]
Driving Isn’t a Right
Image by State Library of Queensland, Australia via Flickr For a lot of teens, discipline is a mild problem. Only when they're especially enraged at a particular injustice do they lash out, in most cases. However, when a teen is behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, they have every bit of physical power any adult can bring to bear. This is a huge responsibility, and it isn't one that should be taken lightly by the teen or by his or her parents. First off, every activity behind the wheel needs to be performed exactingly. Because driving is something most people do every day, it can … [Read more...]
Parenting The Child With A Disability
One of the hardest things for a parent to deal with may be a child who has a disability. Disabilities can range from severe medical and physical disabilities to slight twitches, to serious mental retardation, to socially inept children who suffer from minor forms of Autism. Having a child with a disability is an extremely stressful situation for a parent. These kids do not fit into our mold. Even if you have had a child or several children before the child with the disability, you are thrown the new curve. What to do now? One of the first things you should do is learn … [Read more...]
Preparing Your Child for Your Upcoming Engagement
Children react to new situations and experiences differently. Some children might jump into things with both feet, while others might take a while to adjust. This is why if you are a single-parent who is looking to get engaged soon to your significant other, you need to plan ahead in order to ensure that your child is comfortable and ready for you to get married. After all, your child is one of the most important things in your life, and if they are uncomfortable with your significant other, it could lead to potential problems in your relationship. Here is a look at some tips on how to make … [Read more...]
Nurturing The Parent/Child Relationship
Every parent knows that the way they relate to their child changes constantly. You would not relate to a newborn infant the same way you would relate to an adolescent getting his heart broken for the first time. The most important thing for a parent to remember is that no one knows exactly when the rules will change. The parent who thinks that the constant attention a newborn needs is so time consuming, need only wait a few short years until they are coaching every team of every sport the child wants to participate in, making phone calls to every other parent of every other child on the … [Read more...]
Income Tax Refunds = Family Bonding Opportunities
Are you expecting a huge refund from your tax return efile this year? If you are, this could be one of the best opportunities to do something for your family. Although we always mean to take the time to create special memories with our loved ones, something often gets in the way. Frequently, that thing is money. Try one of these family-friendly ways to spend your refund this year: Take a Vacation An income tax refund may be one of the best ways to fund a family vacation. Whether your crew decides to go to the beach or a mountain-top retreat, this bonding experience can bring your family … [Read more...]
Help Your Teen Feel at Home at College
College is very, very different from high school. For most teens, it’s an entirely new world full of new people, new places, and new experiences. That’s daunting, for both the teens and their parents. So how can you, as a mom or dad, help your teen get off to a good start and feel at home while at college? First, talk to your child about getting involved on campus. Whether your child is attending a traditional four-year university or a community college, there are dozens of opportunities for him or her to really become part of the college experience. Talk to your child about the various … [Read more...]