Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Are You Ready for Motherhood?

Pushy parents magazineImage by paulmorriss via Flickr

By Dr Bill Maier

Becoming a mother for the first time is a major milestone.

But how do you know if you're prepared to be a good mother?

Most women are elated when they find out that they're expecting their first child.

Then they have nine months to worry about what kind of mother they will be.

They often look back on their own childhood and wonder how their positive and negative experiences will affect their ability to bond with their baby.

It's a real concern — and not entirely unfounded.

How our parents related to us has a huge influence on how we will relate to our own children.

Those who struggled to get close to their parents will likely struggle. It's not a foregone conclusion, but something to think about.

If your memories of childhood are painful and bitter, I encourage you to seek a good counselor, just to make sure you don't repeat those negative habits.

From TODAY, Voices – Wednesday, 15-Jul-2009

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Just Say ‘No.’

By Dr Bill Maier

Feeling overwhelmed by an "out-of-control" schedule? Maybe it's time you learned to say "No".

If other people see you as a person who will agree to anything, you will constantly end up being the first one they ask when they need a volunteer.

There's always some new project at school or work that needs doing and it's easy to feel obligated to step in and help, particularly when you don't think anybody else is doing it.

The trouble is, most people who do all the work are the ones who have the least free time to help.

And that's not healthy for anyone. We shouldn't ignore our own well-being in order to please others.

Sometimes, the only way to unclutter a schedule is to learn that magical little word, "No". Then stick to it, even if they try to make you feel guilty.

As one wise friend used to say: "If they have the nerve to ask, I have the nerve to say no."

From TODAY, Voices – Tuesday, 14-Jul-2009

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Monday, July 13, 2009

Raising Money-savvy Kids

Gold sovereigns and a KrugerrandImage via Wikipedia

By Dr Bill Maier

There's no easy road to financial success but there is a proven one! And that's what every kid should learn.

Have you ever heard of the "10-10-10-70" rule of budgeting? It's a concept that's guaranteed to raise money-wise kids for years to come.

Here's how it works:

Each month young kids can be given a small allowance of one dollar in coins. Then take four containers and label them "Giving", "Saving", "Investing" and "Spending Wisely".

Ten cents goes in the "Giving" jar, to be given to a local charity. Ten cents goes into the "Investing" jar to be invested at regular intervals.

And then 10 cents is for "Saving" and this one should go into a savings account for the future. That can be used for personal goals.

The rest, 70 cents, can be used for spending on things they need.

Start this habit young and watch your kids grow up into "money-savvy" adults.

From TODAY, Voices – Monday, 13-Jul-2009

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]