The Real Deal Family and Relationship Guide

Image via Wikipedia We all know the New Year is right around the corner and many of us will make resolutions that we know good and well we can't keep. The key to making resolutions successful in the New Year are to make reasonable goals for yourself. Here are a few resolution suggestions that may be worthwhile. Commit to improved health- Lets face it, another year comes and this means you're going to be a year older at some point in the new year. Health has a way of turning on a dime and making a commitment to improve your health is always a good idea. Start off small, gain control and expand as you go. Whether it is changing up your diet, or exercising more, or getting a check up with your doctor, do it. Don't think big goals that are unrealistic, think small goals that can be achieved. Better to have small success, than big failure. Let go of the past- If you truly want to be a happier person, part of your endeavor for the new year may be to let go of thi

                                                Dawn Gagnon Photography ©2023 As more of our children grow up in single parent homes, they are quick to assume that child rearing is a way to gain more love from another human being. Raising children is a difficult job for any parent of any age. More and more teens are entering this life changing decision only to realize too late how hard it is and how ill prepared they are for the undertaking. Recognizing an artistically gifted child Children are often born with a creative instinct of one type of another. Paying attention to the signals they give at a young age will help you, help them find their outlet and medium. A lifelong love and talent may be just within reach for your youngster. To read more on how to do this click here:   Recognizing an artistically gifted child Talking and connecting with your teen Parenting is one of the single most rewarding, yet difficult jobs there are. When they are young, you spend your time teachin

Image via Wikipedia During the Holidays a lot of people become depressed. It is easy to forget family and those in your family who may not be having the best of times. If they live alone, it is even worse. We must remind ourselves that they should be able to celebrate as family, too. If you have children, and they have grandparents that are active in their lives, you should give them every opportunity to spend as much time with them this time of year as possible. Read more here: Spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren Related articles Inexpensive holiday decorating ideas (examiner.com) Must have Thanksgiving side dishes (examiner.com) Great deals on Christmas gifts (examiner.com)

We've all been stuck somewhere waiting with our kids. It isn't long before we hear the familiar wails of "we're bored..", "how much longer?" and "can we go now?".. There are ways to cope with waiting with children that is fun and beneficial to you and them.  Here are some fun ideas to try the next time you are waiting with your kids: How to Have Fun While Waiting With Kids Related articles Keeping Kids Party Games Fun & Fair (valuebookshop.com) LeAnn Rimes Can't Wait To Deck The Halls With Eddie Cibrian's Kids (thefrisky.com) No waiting for teenage braces, kids see orthodontist earlier (timesunion.com) Creating a Fun and Krafty Kids' Table (apartmenttherapy.com)

America is sadly home to more overweight children than any country on earth. We are raising them to live in a fast food society and provide them with tons of sedentary activities through video games. However, if we ourselves make the effort to change our bad habits, our children will be given the gift that keeps on giving, good health . Read more Ways to raise healthier children . Related articles Marketing magic for a healthier diet: Do try this at home! (self.com) Halloween Now Means Healthier Teeth and Healthier Kids (eon.businesswire.com) Decorating a nursery (examiner.com) Decorating for the potential buyer of your home (examiner.com) Decorating your home for Halloween (examiner.com)

Lets face it , kids are savvy negotiators these days. Long gone are the times when as a kid,one stern look from dad, or the sound of a belt buckle coming undone sent you into action. Here are some strategies and  tactics for getting  your clever kids to do their chores. Give them options - Let your kids decide from a list what chores they want to do. You make the list. Kids are far more willing to abide by their own choices than they are to follow your orders. Make sure you make the list according to their age and ability. When teaching young children to clean their rooms, make it as fun as possible, and break it down into small goals, ie: "pick up all the toys with the color red", etc. This keeps their mind active, and gives them small achievable goals. Offer Incentives - Give your kid an incentive list they can pick their own reward from. Here again, you want to have a limit and you want to name the reward. We don't want to promise things to them tha

Image via Wikipedia Is there anything worse than a spoiled child ? Yes, a spoiled adult child, the end result. Lets face it, we all have the yearning to always give our children everything they need and want, but to do so well beyond the childhood years is ridiculous. Being a constant "go to" for all your child's problems turns you into a crutch, they never learn to walk with out. Come up with a plan - Start teaching your children early on what you expect out of them. By the time your child is out of high school, they should have a plan in mind for life. Encourage them to discuss their plans with you. Offer suggestions, such as college, trade school , or they are going to have a full time job . If they seek higher education , via college or trade school and drop out before completing, teach them the err of their ways by insisting they pay back any money you spent to put them there. Make sure they understand what you expect by the time they reach adulthood.