Busy Moms Surf The Net

Writen by Mila Sidman

When our parents had us they probably went to close friends and relatives for information on parenting and help finding the resources they needed for their family. Or often times they used the library.

Today, times have changed. People are busy, there's very little time to call and chat to family and friends when you need a recommendation for a product or information on baby teething. So what do busy moms do?

They surf the net of course, and thank goodness for the flexibility the internet allows us moms. Whether you're a stay at home mom, go out to work or work from home the internet can be a moms best friend and helper when it comes to information.

There are sites out there ranging from health information to what's the best stroller to buy for your baby. If you need it, you'll find it on the net.

Plus the convenience of being able to shop online without having to brave the department stores or supermarket with a newborn and a toddler is priceless. You can buy anything from baby clothes to bread and milk online… all conveniently from your home.

However, there are a few things you should look for when surfing the net for quality family friendly sites.

Look for experience. Find sites which are written by other parents and include a variety of views and articles from a range of different parenting perspectives and backgrounds. If you're taking advice from someone it helps if they've "been there and done that".

Don't ever pay upfront for information, there are many good sites on the internet which provide quality information for free. Sure there are times when paying for a product is necessary but often times you can find information and help for free.

Look for sites which provide extra support and help. Many sites offer family friendly newsletters with free tips and advice on parenting and family related issues. A good site will provide support and care about their visitors by providing quality information and resources.

Find sites which provide unbiased product reviews and recommendations. You can usually tell this by reading the review. You can usually sense the excitement a person feels when recommending a good product. Reviews which include honest opinions such as criticisms and are written by a variety of different people are usually the real thing too.

Find family friendly product reviews, information and support from a variety of different moms from all walks of life at Moms Talk Network. Join us, it's Free!

How To Get Teens To Listen To What You Say

Writen by Judy H. Wright

"Idunno" becomes the answer of choice for children from ages 14 to 18. You would almost wonder if perhaps they had lost the power of speech, but somehow they can communicate when they want something.

Most teens in a recent study indicated that they want to spend more time with their families and are grateful when their parents care enough to make the effort. However, from a parent's view point, the effort is frequently met with a cold shoulder, blank look or the ever ready shrug of the shoulder."

Parents get frustrated

There are a number of tough subjects that simply must be discussed in a rational, calm and cooperative setting. For instance; school, drinking, drugs, guns, violence, curfews, chores and attitudes are all necessary dialogs that need both sides to share in and listen to. Parents become frustrated and angry and tend to set down the rules, standards and consequences without discussion. If the only time your family talks is when there is a crisis, it will be hard to have cooperation and respect, both of which are necessary to build a true and lasting relationship. It is only through regular calm and open family dialog that parents get to know what their teens are feeling and teens get to know where their parents stand on issues.

Don't lecture, listen

This is the time in their lives when they are learning to be independent. When you are always ready with advice and answers to problems, you are training them to be dependent on you. You can assist young adults in brainstorming alternative solutions, without sarcasm, nagging or ridicule. If the problem is the child's, then allow her to solve it. It is only your problem when the behavior interferes with you. Express confidence to the young adult through words, gestures, and tone of voice.

Create teachable moments

Teens communicate best with food in front of them or when they don't have to look you straight in the eye. Use drive time to bring up subjects without being judgmental or trying to pry. If you see an incident of violence on TV, you may want to ask your child what they think. You then may offer different ways of solving problems. Play "What-if" and don't be surprised at their answers.

It takes a village to raise a child

If you are having difficulty communicating, be patient and enlist the assistance of other caring adults who want the best for your child. Encourage her to find a mentor and friend such as a grandparent, coach, teacher, clergy or older relative. Teens should not rely solely on their peers for important information, conversation, guidance and advice. They need you in their lives, so keep talking. Even though they say "Idunno", they do know you love and care about them. So, hug them when they will let you and most of all, listen to what they have to say, especially when they say, "I love you."

© Judy H. Wright, parent educator and author
www.ArtichokePress.com

This article is written by Judy H. Wright, parent educator and author. Please contact her at Judy@ArtichokePress.com for permission to use in your publications. For a full listing of books, workshops, tele-classes and other articles, please see http://www.ArtichokePress.com or http://www.ClubMom.com

21 Reasons To Send A Child A Greeting Card

Writen by Nicole M. Bandes

When was the last time you saw the face of a child light up and glow because they got a piece of mail with their name on it? Children love to get mail. My children, even at 10 years of age, run to the door and ask if they got any mail today. It doesn't even matter if it is junk mail. They just like to get anything with their names on it. Of course, it means that much more if there is a special reason for the mail.

Sending letters or greeting cards is a good way to foster a love of communication and writing in children. In our society, instant messaging, text messaging, and short emails have all but killed the art of good communication. Studies indicate that the more a child reads, the smarter they are. However, it can often be difficult to get some children to read due to lack of interest. I bet there isn't a child around that wouldn't be interested in reading a card or letter addressed to them from someone they care about. And, of course, if a child is raised to expect that letters and greeting cards are a regular occurrence, they are more likely to become better communicators themselves.

So take some time and send a greeting card to a child in your life. Here are just a handful of reasons you can use to send a greeting card to a child you know and help to make their day that much brighter.

1. They got an A on a test or report card. Make the joy of doing well last just a little longer.
2. They said, "Please".
3. It's their birthday, Valentine's Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, etc…
4. They were well-behaved.
5. They did something special for someone (even if it wasn't you). It helps to foster the trait of good will when they get some feedback for what they have done.
6. They helped with dinner.
7. Just to say, "I appreciate you". Do they really know how valuable they are to you?
8. They said, "Thank you".
9. Just to say, "You're Special".
10. They did a great job on their chores. Rewards for a job well done encourage more of the same.
11. Because you haven't seen them and want them to know you miss them.
12. Say thanks for being my ...(son, daughter, grandchild, niece, nephew, friend, etc…).
13. They made the honor roll.
14. They helped in the yard.
15. Remind them of an exciting event that is coming up.
16. Remind them of a neat experience you had together.
17. Tell them something special about yourself.
18. Tell them something special about someone you both know.
19. Share a joke you just heard.
20. They brought home a warm fuzzy note from the teacher.
21. Just to say you love them. Do you really need any more of a reason than that?

Will you be taking just a few minutes out of your busy schedule today to foster the emotional and mental development of a child in your life? I know I will.

Are you ready to start building relationships with your customers, family members and friends? Would you like to know how you can do this easily by sending greeting cards directly from your computer? Nicole Bandes is now offering a unique tool to save time and money while building valuable relationships. Try it for free by visiting http://www.clicktosendcards.com or visit my blog http://www.mailcards4me.com to read more about greeting cards.