Mi Choza De Nipa: 06/14/2009

Friday, June 19, 2009

Are You Ready for Parenthood?

By Dr Bill Maier

Not all new parents are prepared for the changes that a baby will bring into their lives.

Before having children, couples are free to go out to dinner at a moment's notice, or watch a movie.

They can stay up late on Friday night and sleep in on Saturday.

But all that changes when baby comes home.

Now, your free time is spent caring for your new infant. Your schedule is no longer your own, and you can also forget about waking up late on Saturdays.

Sounds grim? Only to those who haven't experienced the joy of parenthood! It's a lot of work, but nothing could be more fulfilling.

The important thing is to go into parenthood with your eyes wide open. Make sure you understand the demands of childrearing before you decide to conceive.

If you're ready, you're in for the ride of your life.

From TODAY, Voices – Friday, 19-Jun-2009

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Marriage Communication

Image via Wikipedia

By Dr Bill Maier

Many couples think that arguing is the worst thing they can do, but that's not true.

Unhealthy arguments can lead to trouble, but arguing itself is not unhealthy.

In fact it can be a very productive way to work out our problems—as long as it's done lovingly and constructively.

Good communication is critical, and sometimes communication leads to debate. It's a give and take way to work out problems.

The worst thing a couple can do is to remain silent in the midst of trouble.

Don't let personal pride keep you from having a vibrant and fulfilling marriage. Talk to your spouse when something is bothering you.

Learn to have a healthy argument, and then never let a problem go without talking it through.

You'll be amazed at what a little communication can do for your relationship.

From TODAY, Voices – Thursday, 18-Jun-2009

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Use the Internet Wisely

Image via Wikipedia

By Dr Bill Maier

We all know there's a lot of bad stuff on the Internet, but what about the good stuff?

With all the talk about the dangers of the World Wide Web, you would think it has no redeeming qualities. But that is just not true. There are millions of great sites set up to help children learn about and explore the world around them. And just about any question they have can be answered with a few clicks of the mouse.

You say your boy loves lizards? You wouldn't believe how much information is on the Internet about lizards! Everything from proper care and feeding to picking the right breed.

Want to teach your daughter origami? All you need to get started is right online and easy to find.

Obviously, it's important to be careful because there's a lot of dangerous stuff out there. But with a monitoring and the right software filters in place, a little imagination can go a long way.

From TODAY, Voices – Wednesday, 17-Jun-2009

Giving Your Kids Your Best

By Dr Bill Maier

Ever have days when you spoke more kindly to the clerk at the grocery store than you did to your kids?

It doesn't take a lot to make our kids feel valued, but it does take some conscious effort on our part.

Here are just a few ideas to help.

When you see your kids in the morning or after school, greet them with a hug and a genuine word of acknowledgement.

Say something like: "Good morning, sweetheart", or "Hey, how was your day at school?"

When you get a break at work, take a few minutes to call them, just to say hi, or put a little note in their lunchbox. And when discussing a topic with friends or family, ask your kids their opinion.

You'll be amazed at some of the ideas they come up with.

Remember, those we love the most should get the best we have to offer.

From TODAY, Voices – Tuesday, 16-Jun-2009

Monday, June 15, 2009

Giving your kids your best

By Dr Bill Maier

You know, so many of us parents get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and take our kids for granted.

Especially when it is so simple to let them know how much we care.

When your child talks to you, make sure they have your full attention.

Get down to their eye level, and smile as you answer them.

Let them know that you're interested in what they have to say.

When they tell you a joke, laugh with them. Tell them one of your own — preschoolers love "knock knock" jokes!

Introduce your children to friends when you see them at church or the grocery store.

So often we forget this simple courtesy when it comes to our kids, but it lets them know that they're an important part of the family.

It's not that hard to let our kids know how much we value them, but it does take a little extra thought.

From TODAY, Voices –Monday, 15-Jun-2009