Posts

Can’t Agree? Follow the Parenting Expert

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From TODAY, Voices Thursday September 25, 2008 By Dr Bill Maier So, what do you do when you and your spouse have different parenting styles? Parenting is hard enough without adding extra conflict about how best to deal with the kids. When couples come from different backgrounds and have different experiences, they often have different ideas about discipline or expectations. A mother may think her kids need to be in bed by eight, while her husband is fine with them staying up late. And when parents have different views, something has to give. A good way to solve this problem is to find a quality parenting programme and then follow it together. When a disagreement occurs, agree to defer to the expert. It’s a simple but effective way to stay on the same page when it comes to parenting.

Listen to your body

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From TODAY, Voices Wednesday September 24, 2008 By Dr Bill Maier How much exercise is enough? Well, that depends on who you talk to. And everyone seems to have a different theory. Years ago we were told that 30 minutes of light exercise several times a week was enough to keep the average person fit. But more recent studies suggest that we need at least thirty minutes a day of brisk exercise. Another report by the Institute of Medicine recommended nearly twice that amount – 60 minutes a day of moderate to intense movement. So who do you believe? The fact is, there’s no magic number. Too many factors are involved to come up with a one-size-fits-all formula. The key is to know your body, and to learn what it takes to keep in shape. If you find yourself gaining a pound or two a year, it’s time to adjust – both your diet and your level of activity. Listen to the experts, but more importantly, learn to listen to your own body.

Teaching Children Manners

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From TODAY, Voices Tuesday September 23, 2008 By Dr Bill Maier There is nothing quite as annoying as talking to a child who has bad manners. When you ask them a question and they say “Huh?” or “What?”, it is not only rude, but it reflects poorly on the child’s parents. Basic social skills begin with good manners, and there is really no excuse for a child who has not yet learned how to be polite in public. Even young toddlers can learn how to say “please” and “thank you”. When someone gives your children a gift, parents should make a point of reminding them to respond gracefully. When introducing your kids to friends or strangers, make sure they acknowledge the introduction, even if their vocabulary is limited. You might begin by role-playing at home. Give your children a fruit or snack and have them practise saying “Thank you very much” or “May I please have another piece?” Then reward them at the end of each session. With a little work, any child can learn to be polite and pleasant.

Tell Your Children How Much You Care

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From TODAY, Voices Monday September 22, 2008 By Dr Bill Maier “My kids know how much I love them, even though I forget to tell them a lot of the time.” That’s what many parents may think, although that is sometimes not how their children see it. Author John Trent tells the story of a time when he was playing American football in college. He had made a mistake on the field and the coach chewed him out for it and sent him to the sidelines. While sitting on the bench, he said to a team-mate: “I wish he would get off my case.” The other player leaned over and said: “At least he’s talking to you. If he ever stops talking, that means he’s given up on you.” That’s how children often interpret their parents’ silence. It makes them feel as if they are not wanted or liked – like third-string players on a football team. And the worst thing a child can feel is abandoned or unappreciated. Parents often think that if they provide them with good things, their children will know how much they care. Bu...

FLV Converter

Well, I was wrong to say that the Freez FLV Converter is free. It was free the first time I used it, then when I wanted to use it the second time, it was already asking me to make a purchase... I searched download.com, and I found, not one, but several "free" converters. Here's one. I see that the user review is OK, so this one must be 'really free' ... To be proven... by time. Koyote Converter: http://www.koyotesoft.com/indexEn.html

THE EVENING RUSH HOUR

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From TODAY, Voices Friday September 19, 2008 By Dr James Dobson It’s interesting that the evening drive time in a big city is called the rush hour – because nothing moves. The real rush hour occurs when people arrive at home. Early evening is a time when tempers can be short and anything can happen. Parents often arrive home irritable and tired, and children demand immediate attention. Everyone is hungry. The situation is rife with possibilities for conflict. But there are some things you can do to help defuse this rush hour time bomb. First of all, try to use your commute time to unwind after work. You might also want to telephone your children in the afternoon before you leave work. This can help you get a head start on finding out about any problems that might be brewing at home. When you get home, spend some time with your children before changing your clothes or starting dinner. Plan some family activities such as heading outside and taking the dog for a walk. Or make getting dinn...

TAKE CARE OF OUR SENIORS

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From TODAY, Voices Thursday September 18, 2008 By Dr James Dobson Did you hear about the 91-year-old man who went to the doctor because his hip was aching? The doctor examined him and said, “Well, what do you expect? You’re 94!” The man replied: “Well, how come my other hip doesn’t know that?” It is possible to grow old without parts of our body – especially our brain – knowing it? A story in Family Circle magazine stated five ways we can keep our brains healthy while we age and hopefully avoid senility. The first rule: Use it or lose it. The human brain isn’t like a device you can plug in, leave for a year and come back and find it working just as well. It must have constant input. Second, we need long-term attention to a balanced diet with ample supplies of all the essential nutrients. Third is exercise. Fourth is regular health care and check-ups. And the fifth way to keep our brains healthy is by having access to a social support system. Being sick, isolated and alone is a prescri...