The Real Deal Family and Relationship Guide

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

First,  thank you for stopping by. I hope that you can find the information you are looking for, and please check back often to find more information, as it is updated often. The objective of this blog is to share information on subjects dealing with family and relationships.  If you have a question, don't hesitate to contact me personally. This blog is one of four blogs.  Feel free to peruse all of my articles, as they cover a broad range of subjects all involving home and living issues.

Image via Wikipedia Congratulations! You've brought home your first husband! Here's some tips on how to grow a happy hubby for years of enjoyment. This is a humorous guide to remind us that a really long lasting relationship, needs a sense of humor. Read more of this humorous approach here: How to grow a happy hubby Related articles Top kitchen renovation articles (examiner.com) Top real estate selling articles (examiner.com) Nurturing designs for your home (examiner.com)

Image by Swamibu via Flickr So many times in life we are victims. Either of circumstances or a bad childhood. Though we have no control often when bad things occur, we can always use the experience as a tool to become stronger and happier. A big part of finding happiness for yourself is by creating happiness for others. The recent crisis going on in Haiti is a great way to teach your children about how to feel good about themselves through helping others. Encourage discussions about how to help others. The best way to overcome the trials and tribulations of life is to go through the motions, and find a way to offset the negative energy it can leave with a positive act to counter it. It isn't always easy, when you are down to want to reach out to others and make life easier for them, but in time the rewards will become more and more apparent. Getting through harsh lessons is a learning process. Have Your Moment - Cry, scream, kick, punch a pillow. Release your pain

Image via Wikipedia Corey Haim , child star of the Lost Boys etc, was found dead in his apartment from an apparent drug overdose at the age of 38. How do we fight this battle in our own families to avoid this tragic end? Sadly, drug use enters into a family much like a thief in the night. By the time you realize it, it is usually well in force. Family members find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they journey through this devastating attack on their loved ones. Fighting a drug problem, whether your own or a family members takes courage and determination. Summoning support for a wide variety of resources is the only way to combat it head on.  Read more here: Helping an addicted loved one If you or a family member is suffering from addiction, seek information, support and help from :  The Addicted Family . Related articles D ysfunctional families and addiction Amy Winehouse death a sobering reminder Addiction to Ambien Another South Carolina baby testing posit

Image via Wikipedia Grief is a painful life changing process, support is needed through out the process.. With all the tragedies happening in the world today, people are experiencing great losses world wide. The pain of losing a loved one is overwhelming. It is an assault to ones senses and takes time and support to get through. Witnessing a family member or friend going through this difficult time is extremely hard. Offering supportive assistance and helping out even with menial tasks can be a great source of comfort, and a warm gesture of love. Offer to help- Loved ones going through the grieving process are oblivious to little details, and are wrought with pain. As a supportive friend or family member, offering to help with any chores, duties, tying up loose ends are invaluable. No offer is too little or too small. Small things are what get overlooked and this is where you can be the most help in what feels like such a helpless position to be in. Be The eyes

Image via Wikipedia There are a lot of elderly citizens living a lonely life in the US today. Many don't come into contact with other people for days and weeks at a time. We need to honor our elderly and help whenever we can. Offer transportation- Elderly people live on fixed incomes, getting a ride to the grocery store or doctors office is a huge help to them. Stop by and visit every so often and ask them if they need anything. Elderly people get sick and lonely often. Just knowing that someone cares will brighten their day. Pets are good for the health. Many elderly love and miss their own animals and love to give affection to cats, kittens, puppies and gentle animals. Look into starting a program if possible by working with local elderly housing to have a pet visiting day in your area. Cook them a meal on occasion , most older folks don't eat a balanced diet. They have limited funds and can't always buy all that is needed for a w