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From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 11-Apr-2008 edition   EXPRESSING LOVE DAILY By Dr Bill Maier   How can you make your kids feel special? Author Lisa Brock has developed a list of simple things that will help express our love to our kids every day.   For example, set aside blocks of time to play with your kids and put it on the calendar. Nothing thrills a child more than having their parent’s undivided attention. Another idea is to occasionally tuck little notes or gifts under your child’s pillow or into their backpack before school. Even the smallest gift or note can bring a smile to a child’s face.   Kids love having regular traditions or rituals throughout the week, like going out for breakfast on Saturday morning, or spending time together every Friday night. Anything that gives them something to look forward to with mum and dad.   The point is, kids love it when their parents make them...

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY , Today , 10-Apr-2008 edition   GOOD SLEEP = GOOD GRADES By Dr Bill Maier   Most kids will tell you that school starts when the bell rings in the morning. But research says it actually starts the night before , when their heads hit the pillow.   You wouldn’t want your child going to school without his homework , would you? Well , allowing him to go without a good night’s sleep isn’t much different. Both are important for a good education.   A recent study shows a direct link between sleep and concentration. When children are tired , they have higher levels of a hormone called cortisol in their system. This causes increased blood pressure and stress and actually weakens the child’s ability to think. It also affects the immune system.   In the study , kids who went to bed before 9pm were able to complete tasks much easier and better than children who...

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY , Today , 09-Apr-2008 edition   GENEROSITY INCREASES LONGEVITY By Dr Bill Maier   Looking for the secret to a long and happy life? Here’s one formula you may not have considered.   Begin by mowing your neighbour’s yard and then make out a cheque to a good cause. After that , try taking some meals to a homeless shelter. Not exactly what you expected to hear , is it?   A new study shows that one road to a longer and healthier life is through serving others.   Researchers followed more than 400 people for five years to see how generosity affected longevity and what they discovered was amazing. People who lived a lifestyle of kindness actually increased their lifespan and were also much happier.   It’s been known for years that people who throw themselves into the lives of others tend to be healthier and more well-adjusted. But this is the first time a s...

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 08-Apr-2008 edition   TOUCHES THAT SAY A LOT By Dr Bill Maier   One of the greatest things you can do for your kids’ self-image is to give them meaningful touches throughout the day. This could be as simple as tousling your son’s hair or wrestling with him in the living room. A father may draw his daughter close under the umbrella while they wait for the school bus in the rain. A mother can give her kids a quick hug when they come through the door.   To kids, these simple touches and hugs mean everything. They say to them: “You’re special” and “I love having you near”.   And they provide emotional comfort and feelings of acceptance and approval. Children who grow up with a lot of hugs and meaningful touches in the family actually do better later in life, and tend to be happier and better adjusted.   One study has shown that it take...

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 07-Apr-2008 edition   THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK By Dr Bill Maier   “Think before you speak,” we tell our children. But how well are we taking our own advice?   Very few of us would intentionally say things that hurt our children’s feelings, but too often the words we use can confuse them and do a lot of emotional damage – especially when they are young.   Put yourself in the place of a young girl going through puberty. She develops a little chubbiness around her middle, and her friends have already made fun of her at school.   Imagine how she feels when her mother says to her: “Do you really need to eat that dessert?”   Or what about the boy who struggles to do well in school and then has to sit and listen as his parents brag about his sister’s straight-A average?   What we say and how we say it can do irreparable harm ...