Mi Choza De Nipa

May not be watching this on stage with Lea Salonga playing the Cinderella part, but here's the American version...

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY   From TODAY, Voices Wednesday January 7, 2009   By Dr James Dobson   Someone once said that life is like giving a violin concert in public, and learning to play it as you go. Actually, that sounds a lot like raising children.   It seems that being a good parent is becoming more and more difficult these days. Of course, it’s never been all that easy. For one thing, babies come into the world with no instructions, and you pretty much have to assemble them on your own. They are also maddeningly complex, and there are no guaranteed formulas that work in every instance. The techniques that succeed with one child can fail miserably with another.   I bring this up because if you’re struggling along today, trying to raise your children but meeting with frustration and hardships I say: Welcome to the club.   The world of parenting is come as you are; learn as you go; and keep your chin up. To th...

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY   From TODAY, Voices Tuesday January 6, 2009   By Dr James Dobson   Many marriages following the honeymoon lose the wind in their romantic sails and wallow in the doldrums for months and even years.   Well, marriages that were once exciting and loving can also get caught in the romantic doldrums, causing a slow and painful death to the relationship.   Mr Doug Fields wrote in his book Creative Romance : “Dating and romancing your spouse can change those patterns, and can be a lot of fun. There’s no quick fix to a sour marriage, of course, but lay aside the excuses and begin to date your sweetheart again.”   Allow new breezes to fill the sails of your relationship.   It will take a conscious effort, but be creative. How about breakfast in bed? A kiss in the rain? Or perhaps re-reading those old love letters?   A honeymoon need not be a one-time experience.   ...

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY   From TODAY, Voices Monday January 5, 2009   By Dr James Dobson   Given a choice between a compliment and a criticism, who wouldn’t choose a compliment? Unfortunately though, some parents forget this when they talk to their children.   Psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “It takes nine affirming comments to make up for each critical comment we give to our children.” It’s true that all normal human beings respond to praise. In fact, we crave affirmation so much that we’re likely to do almost anything to receive it. This is especially true of children. As someone said, “Whoever gives your kids praise and attention has power over them.”   If you don’t affirm your children, I can assure you that someone else will. And that could be a drug dealer, a gang member, or anyone else who could harm them. Many people with lifestyles contrary to your own are willing to p...

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY   From TODAY, Voices Friday January 2, 2009   By Dr James Dobson   If you really want to give your kids an edge in the world, teach them to go above and beyond the call of duty.   Quality work is a rare thing, and people take notice. Here are a few key principles to help your children rise above the pack.   First, teach them to recognise their strengths and weaknesses. And to play to their strengths while working on their weaknesses.   Next, they should learn to accept constructive criticism. It’s easy to get defensive when someone analyses our performance, but the only way to grow is through knowing what we need to work on.   Finally, teach them to recognise quality work when they see it – both in themselves and others. And to appreciate the effort that goes into it.   Quality doesn’t happen by accident, and kids who learn early to be all that they can be, have a...

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY   From TODAY, Voices Wednesday December 31, 2008   By Dr Bill Maier   You say you’re not happy with your life? What if I told you it was all in your mind?   Think of your brain as a computer that serves two purposes. It stores information in your memory bank, but it also transmits information to your heart.   When something happens to you, your brain takes it and puts it somewhere in your mind.   Then your mind sorts through that information and sends signals to your heart, telling you how to react.   Here’s the good part: How your mind processes that information is completely up to you!   You can’t always change what happens, but you have complete control over how it makes you feel.   You can decide to let your circumstances bring you down, or lift you up. And whatever you choose, your mind has to obey, because when it comes to emotions, you’re the...

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY   From TODAY, Voices Tuesday December 30, 2008   By Dr Bill Maier   First time mums often say that once the baby comes, they turn into a different person.   Things they used to enjoy doing suddenly hold no interest to them.   They lose their desire to read or exercise or go to yoga classes.   And cleaning house is the last thing on their minds. All they want to do is hold and care for their new baby.   They develop a serious case of “baby on the brain”, and wonder if they’ll ever snap out of it.   The good news is, it’s a natural phenomenon. In fact, it’s an integral part of the bonding process, and almost all new mothers experience it to some degree.   You’re not losing your mind, you’re just temporarily distracted – and that’s a very good thing.  

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY   From TODAY, Voices Monday December 29, 2008   By Dr Bill Maier   Marriage is designed to be a lifelong relationship between a man and a woman. But sometimes conflicts become so great and unhealthy that the only solution is a time of separation. Some counsellors even recommend it – but only in severe cases.   When marriages become so entrenched in conflict that the couple can’t seem to talk without getting into an argument, something has to give. And sometimes the best approach is through a cooling-off period. This gives each partner time to think rationally, and to work on their personal and spiritual growth. It’s also a good time to seek counsel and support.   But it’s important not to think of a separation as a precursor to divorce. It should only be done as a means of rebuilding and strengthening a troubled marriage. And only under the guidance of a good counsellor.  

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY   From TODAY, Voices Friday December 26, 2008   By Dr James Dobson   Boys without dads – it can break your heart. I once heard of a man named Brad, who was waiting for a table at a neighbourhood restaurant when he felt something tugging on his pants. He looked down and was startled to see a little boy, about 3 years old, looking up at him.   The boy’s mother then rushed over and pulled him away. Brad noticed the woman was crying. “I’m sorry, “ she said, “but you look just like his father – he misses him terribly.” The boy’s parents were divorced and his father had dropped out of his life.   Children living in father-absent homes are more likely to have emotional and behavioural problems, to be suspended from school or drop out, to be victims of child abuse or neglect, to use drugs and to commit suicide as teenagers.   Dads, your child longs for y...