Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Authoritarian Parenting, Permissive Parenting, or Loving ...

Angie was brought up by rigid, authoritarian parents who kept her on a tight leash. They rarely considered her feelings about anything, showing a complete lack of empathy and compassion for her feelings and desires. If she came home five minutes late from school or from an activity, she was punished. Yelling and hitting were their favorite forms of punishment.Angie was a good girl. She did well. . .

The Shoemaker and the Brat

At seventeen years old, I was a brat. A mixture of innocence, immaturity and righteousness. And I carried that attitude with me everywhere, including my trip to the shoemaker.Now, to understand why something as simple as a trip to the shoemaker would stay with me all these years later, I have to explain. I came from the most loving and nurturing parents a child could ever want. Even back then, . . .

Getting Mama Out of the House

Some mama’s I know are all over the mama get-together idea from the day they deliver their little bundle of joy. Scrapbooking, girls night out, dinner and drinks, shopping, even a movie are all perfect and deserving breaks. Other mothers, however, especially new mom’s find that the idea of a regular get together with her girlfriends can be just another added stress. How do I find the time or en. . .

I Just Love It!

You know the scenario. You're sitting at the family Christmas gathering and your ten-year-old opens one of Aunt Martha's itchy homemade sweaters. Or Uncle Bobby, who's been swearing to lose twenty pounds for years, opens an exercise cycle. Of course, if Uncle Bobby follows the politeness rule, he'll say, "Thank you, it's just what I wanted." (Then he'll conveniently "forget" about it in the bas. . .

Graphology - Reveal the Inner Personality & Talent of a C...

Graphology is the science of understanding the human mind through person’s handwriting. When a person writes, the signal in the form of letters get decoded / printed on the paper by the fingers. Graphology aims at understanding & interpreting these signals through the writing. Using this we can know a persons mind so the thoughts, character and behavior. Graphology for Child development.:- Ev. . .

Celebrity Baby Names

It seems that the days of naming your son or daughter with your own name and adding a second, third or a fourth sign in roman numerals at the end are fading away. This seems to be especially the case with celebrities. The more unique, the better! As to whether celebrities are simply a little loopy, or whether they simply like the attention that a unique baby name will bring, we do not know. Wha. . .

A Night Out For Mom & Dad

Is your babysitter watching the kids and your k9 family member?It is Saturday night and you have planned for a babysitter to entertain and care for your children while you have a date with your spouse. Aaaahhhh adult time! Your sitter arrives and greets the kids and your eager dog. As you go over the rules, meal plan and emergency numbers your furry family member follows your every move. H. . .

Here’s Help for the “I Can’t Say ‘No’ Blues”

I hear it all the time. Cries from Christian women who want desperately to serve the Lord, but who feel overwhelmed. “I almost dread going to PTO meetings or church services anymore because I just know somebody else is going to ask me to help with something,” they say. “Don’t get me wrong. I want to help, but there are only so many hours in my day. I feel like I’m just going to explode if I. . .

Beyond the Words, a Child's Voice

Voices have a way of falling into a pattern, not unlike the sound of constant rain. At first, the rain is obvious as it dramatically announces its arrival, and for a brief moment, you acknowledge the intrusion. But slowly, the rhythmic sounds fade into the background, becoming nothing more than a distant drone. We are fortunate to have the ability to block out sounds like the pouring rain; othe. . .

Pieces of Time and Pivotal Moments

Life is comprised of pieces of time sprinkled with pivotal moments. Sometimes these moments have immediate impact. Other times, they are slow to manifest and reveal their importance. But if you listen closely to the soft whispers of life, they will guide you on an unexpected journey filled with beauty, understanding and fulfillment. One such moment occurred for me about eight years ago. On thi. . .

Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared?

As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents are left to ponder more pressing issues than notebooks, backpacks, and sneakers.Will my child succeed this year? Will his academic and social growth meet my hopes and expectations? Have I done everything I can to make this possible?If you haven't prepared your child for the school bully, not only could your dreams and aspirations end i. . .

A Minute Can Turn into Hours for the Child of a Work-at-H...

In theory, working at home is an ideal situation. But in reality, it's difficult to balance the needs of your family with the needs of your clients.Phones, fax machines and e-mails have no common courtesy, nor does your client really care about your personal situation. You are simply a means to an end consisting of a telephone number, an e-mail address and a 1099 at the end of the year. For the. . .

Study Shows High Pollutant Levels in Mother's Milk

There is no doubt mothers’ milk is the best food in the world for the babies. Unfortunately, mothers’ milk of today ain't the same as the mothers' milk thirty years ago. A recent study confirmed previous findings that American mothers' milk contains high levels of toxic chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl esters (PBDEs), among other toxic pollutants such as PCBs and dioxins.The study was c. . .

The Importance of Teaching Children to Love Reading

Alot of children today are not developing a love of reading that will help them be successful adults. As parents, our fundamental duty is to prepare our children for adulthood. We give them our love and our time, and by doing this we are preparing them to face the world. Teaching them to read and to love reading will also help prepare them to face the world with confidence and to be success. . .

Are You Addicted to Your Children?

Is it possible to be using our children addictively?Anything that we use to get love, avoid pain, and fill up inner emptiness can become an addiction – even our children! If your children are your whole life – if you don’t have a strong spiritual connection with a personal source of love and guidance, as well as other relationships and interests that you are passionate about, you might be using. . .

Ten Suggestions For The Overscheduled Child

Ever wonder what happened to the family dinner hour? Or for that matter the family dinner half hour? Monday is Soccer Practice, Tuesday is Piano lesson, Wednesday is Church Activities, Thursday is a Soccer Game, Friday a birthday party to attend. A number of events will fill up the weekend. Do you feel like a professional scheduler and taxi driver? Are you finding yourself increasingly irritab. . .

“Renee’s Mommy is Here”

I still remember the scene vividly. I was getting out of my car at the baby-sitter’s house and a little boy comes running out the door. The little boys begins to yell - “Renee’s Mommy is here!” I remember stopping in my tracks and thinking - “Oh, that is who I am now - Renee’s Mommy.” My whole identity is now Renee’s Mommy - or is it?As a Christian Working Mom I have multiple roles, I am Renee’. . .

Are Your Children Growing Up Too Fast?

Each time our children graduate from one stage to another (i.e. crawling - walking, preschool - school, highschool - graduation) we as parents are excited and a little sad as well. We want our children to grow up, but we reminisce about the "good old" days. I think those mixed feelings are normal for all of us. My question for you is - "Are your children growing up too fast emotionally and soci. . .

A New School Year

Depending on where you live school will be starting this month or next month. A new school year is usually exciting and scary at the same time. Most children won’t admit it, but they are ready to get back to school and see their friends. As much as I love not having a rigid schedule in the summer, I do miss the structure of the school year. We get up later in the summer and go to bed later as w. . .

Clean Slates and Fresh Starts

Hope, excitement and anxiety all wrapped up in fresh haircuts and new clothes. Pens, pencils and notebooks, the smell of a new box of crayons and a brand new book; it all speaks of such promise.It's the first week of school and everyone starts with an "A". Children are on their best behavior as they cautiously gauge their new surrounding. But once those first days fade and familiarity takes sha. . .

"You Make Me Sick" and other things Parents Say in Anger

Maryann is so focused she's blind. She's slipped over the edge of responsibility and forgot the real reason she is working so hard. It's for her daughter.Being a single parent isn't easy. Between working, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and homework, there isn't much time left in the day. It's a heavy burden to be the sole supporter of a young child. But when pressures and tensions are so g. . .

Family as as Entity

As a mother, I feel that it's my duty to look out for the needs of each individual in the family. I believe that no one person, child nor adult, is more important than any other. Every single member of the family is unique and special and their needs are unique and special. Even if all kids live under the same house rules, they're taught and enforced differently depending on each one's learn. . .

How to Tell If Your Child Is Depressed

Depression among children is a serious problem. Many children suffer from undiagnosed depression. With adults, depression symptoms tend to be straightforward and easily detected. Some children may have such obvious symptoms as constant sadness, lack of energy, lack of interest in previously pleasurable activities, inability to concentrate (not related to ADHD), being either unable to sleep, or . . .

Unlocking Your Child’s Potential

Did you know that raising children is perhaps the most difficult task you will ever encounter in life? It’s true. Worldwide, parents are responsible for preparing our future citizenry, and that is an awesome undertaking. We start out with these precious little bundles of joy, who trust and love unconditionally, only to discover that they turn into awkward, mouthy, know-it-alls who mature and. . .

50 Things Every Single Dad Should Know

“Mama said there’d be days like this,” are strikingly honest lyrics that should be the introduction to the single dad’s national anthem. What mama didn’t say is that the days would sometimes go on, and on, and on, and on. It’s no secret that being a single parent is a tough job, and being a single mom is next to impossible, but being a single dad, now that is a death defying feat.Single dads . . .

Tend To Your Wildflowers As They Bloom

Whether we see them or not, wildflowers bloom with each passing year. They blanket uninhabited mountainsides with carpets of beautiful color with each season. Our children bloom with new attributes to their personalities with each passing day as well—whether we take notice or not. Time has a funny way of slipping away from us right under our noses, and we must be careful not to miss out on the . . .

Twins: Getting Out and About

One of the most frustrating things I’ve found about being the mother of twins is that getting out of the house alone with them can be very difficult. I’ve often longingly thought back to my leisurely outings with my first child and wished life were still that easy now! Nonetheless, however challenging it may be to get out and about with two babies, with a little planning and flexibility, it is . . .

Getting Your Family Into Fitness

Getting and staying in shape is important for you - but your workouts may be more important for your family. The reason: your family is inexorably drawn to follow your fitness example - for good or bad. How you manage your personal fitness and nutrition has a ripple effect that spreads across your entire family.Your “personal ripple effect” may be one of the most powerful forces shaping your f. . .

The Wacky Eating Habits Of A Toddler

Once your child begins to leave the world of baby food behind, meal times can be a roller coaster ride. Toddlers are notorious for being fickle and picky eaters. But, how you handle your toddler’s eating habits at this age can have an impact on their eating habits for life.Toddlers thrive on routine, including mealtime routines. When you disrupt this routine, it can wreak havoc. Unfortunately, . . .

Parenting Tips to Create the Family You Desire

There has been much attention in the media of late on the transformation of families, Dr Phil’s Phenomenal Family Series and Super Nanny to name a few. I recently had the pleasure of being featured on a radio program, Coaching Corners in New York in which I spoke about creating your dream family by becoming the parent you want to be. Many parents have this hope but do not know where to begin an. . .

Potty Training –Not for the Faint of Heart

If you’ve determined that your child is ready for potty training, it’s time to take the plunge. It’s not easy, but don’t despair, your child will master potty training some time before kindergarten. It’s important to make sure you’re ready, too, because potty training requires a lot of commitment on the part of the Mom.First, you need to make potty training a project. If your child is really r. . .

Why Taking Care of Mommy Is So Important

It’s a novel concept, isn’t it; somebody taking care of you? Well, that somebody ultimately has to be you, and I know how it is, you’re way too busy taking care of everybody else to give yourself any time. But, let me tell you why you have to take care of yourself, and give you some ideas as to how to do accomplish this monumental feat.You’re the Mom – and if you’re out of commission, everybo. . .

Double Strollers: What Do You Really Need?

Is baby number two on the way or are you expecting twins? Then you definitely need a double stroller. Before you begin your search among the countless models that are available, you need to determine what your stroller needs are for your particular lifestyle. For example, it doesn't make sense to purchase the same double stroller your best friend raves about if you're an avid jogger and her fav. . .

Character Building Quiz Guides Parents! Take It Now

Can a Character Building Quiz guide parents? Definitely! Great kids don't happen by accident. Great parenting builds great character in kids. How? Take the quiz and you'll find out. Parenting Quiz for Character Builders Ask yourself, "Do I?" 1. Say "No" to my child and stick to it? 2. Discipline without anger? 3. Listen to my child? 4. Give my child chores? 5. Refuse to accept sassiness? 6. Set. . .

No, No, No – Living With A Two Year Old

If your child is approaching the age of two, your life is about to change dramatically. I know, your life already has changed dramatically, but you’re about to enter a whole new level of, well, frustration and despair. Luckily, the difficulties only last for about two years………..sigh. Well, to help you out, let me give you some tips about living with your two year old.First – you need to underst. . .

Planning For A Baby Shower

Who doesn’t get excited when a baby is on its way? Aside from their caring mothers, everyone in the family gets that certain thrill. Welcoming yet another being in this beautiful world comes with a certain joy. So how else can you celebrate a soon-to-be-child arrival? Have a blast with a baby shower party.Planning a baby shower can be really fun. You can create your own party as you wish. You c. . .

Foster Parents Do Make a Difference in the Lives of Foste...

Judith Viorst, in her best seller “Necessary Losses”, discusses how we are forced to grow beyond the losses that are an inevitable and necessary part of life. For children forced into the child welfare system, the loss was necessary for their own well being and safety. These children had to be temporarily or sometimes permanently removed from their biological environment due to neglect, abandon. . .

Five Tips for Unplanned Pregnancies

Pregnancy is often a pleasant surprise. Of course, there are times that pregnancy can come as a shock. Although most unplanned pregnancies are still pleasant surprises, it doesn't make the situation much easier. There are steps you can take to make an unplanned pregnancy a pleasant experience.First, speak with a friend or family member you can trust. You'll need someone who will be supportive a. . .

Martial Arts Training Helps Parents Manage Stress Effecti...

Although, parenting can be one of life’s most joyful and rewarding experiences, quite often it can also be very challenging and stressful. As a parent there will be times when the demands and hassles of everyday living will mount and cause overwhelming stress. Some of the pressures can include: financial matters, family and marital life, problems on the job. The additional stress of caring for . . .

The Ever Anticipated Feat Of Walking

We make such a big deal out of when a baby takes his first steps. In fact, the age at which your child took his first steps will be ingrained in your Mommy memory forever, just like your child’s birth weight and time. Personally, I think walking is a bit overrated, since you can’t manage to keep them out of trouble ever again once they start, but here are some things you might want to know, any. . .

Moms Have More Fun!

Repeat after me... "Moms have more fun!" Doesn't that feel and sound good? As moms, we work hard keeping our family happy and healthy but what about ourselves? Do you realize how important having a little fun is? By incorporating fun into you life, you will notice a more positive attitude beginning to emerge and you will also see that adding more fun into your life ultimately lowers stress.. . .

Quick And Easy Snacks For Your Toddler

Your growing toddler needs to snack quite a few times a day in addition to eating regular meals with the rest of the family. Here are a few quick and easy snack ideas that you can put together in just a few minutes. You toddler will enjoy these yummy snacks.Ham and Cheese CrackersCut up some pieces of ham and cheese and serve them with some crackers. If you want to make it fun, use a cookie cut. . .

Quick and Easy Snacks For Your Toddler

Your growing toddler needs to snack quite a few times a day in addition to eating regular meals with the rest of the family. Here are a few quick and easy snack ideas that you can put together in just a few minutes. You toddler will enjoy these yummy snacks.Ham and Cheese CrackersCut up some pieces of ham and cheese and serve them with some crackers. If you want to make it fun, use a cookie cut. . .

Baby-Skim Guide To Traveling With Baby

Traveling with a baby can sometimes mean that you are so consumed with ensuring that you have everything you need to care for the baby on the trip that you forget things you need for yourself. The best thing to do is to prepare a checklist of what you need and then check off each item as you pack it. A sample checklist should include the following items: Diapers/ pampers Blankets Sleepers Baby . . .

Bringing Up A Baby – Balancing Discipline And Love

I think few would disagree that one of the essentials of baby care comes in the form of love. Apart from the obvious need of sustenance to survive, love comes at the top of a baby’s needs, and that continues right through childhood into the teenage years. Most teenagers would not admit it; most young children struggle to express it; and babies cannot express it. But, children of any age need lo. . .

Top Ten Baby Presents - Buy Baby Gift Items That Are Needed

It is always difficult to come up with ideas regarding what to get when you need to buy baby gift items. Baby gifts are as much for the mother as for the baby since there are many items that a mother could use but cannot necessarily afford to buy. So, the next time a baby shower, a birthday party or a christening has to be attended, use the following list of ten ideas to buy baby gift items th. . .

Valentines Day Doesn't Have To Be Romantic: Showing Your ...

To you, Valentine’s Day may be a day to spend with your significant other or to spend out on the town. But, don’t forget about the kids. You should insure that you think about them on this day and find a way to express your love for them too. While they may have a party at school even giving each other fun Valentine’s cards, they still need to know that you are thinking about them on this da. . .

Ideas for a Baby Shower Theme

There are people who prepare not to select a theme when they prepare for a baby shower. However, having a baby shower theme makes the celebration more organized.When you have chosen a theme, you can easily think about what decoration you are going to use for your preferred theme. Without a theme, you are prone to picking several items that you feel will look good, combine these, and get an un. . .

Latex Allergy and Positive Living

Learning to Live Positively with a Latex AllergyYour child has a latex allergy: Perhaps a mild allergy; perhaps a life-threatening one. Either way, you now have to help your child live with it. Of course, to do so, you need to be able to live with it. You've done all the research. You know to avoid balloons and bananas. You've latex-proofed your house. Have you grieved?While it might seem selfi. . .

Tips for Buying Baby Gear

Buying baby gear can be a frustrating experience for new parents who want to have the best for the baby, yet they still have to watch their budget. They need to buy baby furniture, such as a crib or bassinet, a change table and a playpen. Parents also like to purchase a baby swing and a stroller for taking the baby for a walk. A cheaper alternative to a stroller is a baby sling where you can ca. . .