ChatterMom

Secret #32: Put Gratitude in Your Attitude

admin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:48:15 +0000

Sometimes we rush around so much we forget to think about the things we are thankful for. I had noticed that our 11 year old was being critical of our 8 year old and wanted to bring it to his attention. Last night as I tucked them in to bed I asked them to finish these simple statements: they took turns quietly thinking about what they would say.

It makes me so proud when my brother ____
I feel the best about myself when my brother ______
There are many things I love about my brother ____, but it makes me smile when he …

After 5 phrases each, the boys hugged, said I love you to each other and I could feel they really sensed that they were glad that they had each other in their lives. I added a quick statement from my heart, “it makes me so proud when the two of you respect and appreciate each other,” kissed them goodnight and went on my way.

by Mandy Ellen

Secret #31: Change Your Water

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:15:39 +0000

New to LA but not Japan, the Japanese have been drinking alkaline water for over 35 years and it is used in over 100 hospitals. I must share that I’m most impressed with my research and my newfound energy and clarity since I started drinking Kangen Alkaline water.

Kangen (which means “return to origin”) water can lead to: increased energy (oh yeah, to feel the highest response to the antioxidants the water should be consumed 24 to 48 hours after being poured but still extremely beneficial after that period), anti-aging, positive mood, detox, stabilized blood sugar, restful sleep, weight loss, better digestion, lower cholesterol, disease reversal (hepatitis C, cancer etc.), it’s a great hangover cure, and more! The Beauty Water promotes clear skin and acts as an astringent. It also speeds up the healing process for blemishes, rashes, itching etc.

To learn more, click here!

by Pennie

Secret #30: Wash Your Hands

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:02:26 +0000

We’re not gaining any ground in the battle against food-borne illnesses. A CDC report released this spring found that for the third year in a row, the number of cases held steady, roughly 76 million Americans fall ill each year. And a common source of admission is dirty hands. Keeping your mitts clean can really protect you against colds, flu, staph, and many other types of infections. So after the part we get tight-wet your hands under warm running water and lather up with soap- the next steps are:

1. Scrub the backs of your hands and wrists which carry germs too. Pay as much attention to these areas as you do your palms, fingers and fingernails.

2. Wash vigorously for 20 seconds and then rinse well.

3. Dry off with a paper towel, this helps remove germs and use the towel to turn off the faucet and open the door on your way out, to avoid reinfecting your hands (Just be sure the towel goes back in the trash)

by Mandy Ellen

{photo: flickr}

Secret #29: Be Prepared for Earthquakes

admin — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:36:38 +0000

Prep your home: Battery-powered flashlights, battery-powered t.v. or radio, spare batteries, cash, prescription medicines, eye-glasses or contact lenses, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, list of names & phone numbers, cell phone, can opener, pocket knife, matches in waterproof container, trash bags, moist towelettes, tent/sleeping bags, blankets & bedding, pet food?leashes, disposable cups, plates and utensils, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, antibacterial soap, fresh drinking water (3-5 gallons per person per day), dry or dehydrated foods, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, extra socks, extra change of clothes, long pants, long sleeves, heavy work gloves, and rain gear.

For your car: Nylon carrying bag or backpack, bottled water, non-perishable food, can opener, pocket knife, flashlight, transistor radio, batteries, first aid kit, medication, heavy work gloves, matches, lighter, small tool kit, change of clothes, jacket, plastic bags, moist towelettes, walking shoes, extra socks, cash, and a sleeping bag or blanket.

by Mandy Ellen

{photo: flickr}

Secret #28: Give a Compliment

admin — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:50:07 +0000

Today: Give a sincere compliment to a family member or friend and bring a smile to their face.

In our relationships with others, if our friends have stumbled, we soothe their pain by doing everything we can to minimize and conceal the event. Whereas when they are blessed with achievement, we enhance their success by openly honoring, encouraging, and strengthening them for the good that they have performed.

by Mandy Ellen

{photo: flickr}

Secret #27: Stop Expecting Perfection

admin — Wed, 27 May 2009 02:04:25 +0000

As parents, we want everything fixed by the time our child hits 3rd grade. We strive for academic perfection, or at least that our child score as well as our neighbor’s child. I have to wonder what is going on here; why is that we can’t let our young children develop at the raggedy, messy pace that is natural for them? Why is it that we ignore our child’s intrinsic strengths in an effort to push toward our notion of extraordinary achievement?

If the pressure to be special gets too intense, children may end up with ailments that they may carry throughout their lives, sleep disorders, eating disorders, anxiety, etc. All casualties of their parents drive for perfection.

Our children are not our masterpieces, they are not even really ours. They are ours on loan, and each one has a unique path that is completely theirs to follow. All we should really do is help pave the way a little so that they can find the path more easily.

A Hasidic teaching says “If your child has a talent to be a baker, don’t ask him to be a doctor.”

by Vanessa Barnett

{photo: flickr}

Secret # 26: Find Balance in Imbalance

admin — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:28:37 +0000

My daughter got in the car today from school flustered. I looked at her and asked, “What?”
“Mom! Do you ever have a day when absolutely NOTHING goes like you believe it should?”
“Oh, Seiji,” I confess, “you have no idea.”
“Well, I tried to be the one who got along with everyone, Mom, but people were being left out, people’s feelings were being hurt. Some of the girls in my class kept whispering and it felt bad. Some of my friends are not making good choices and I’m starting to get mad at them.”
“What do you feel like you should do about it?,” I inquire.
“I need to meditate on that,”my wise one responds.
As her younger brother gleefully rattled on about his day, I saw my daughter pensively looking out the window.
Nobu finished with,”….and he ate a bug!” (The perfect finish for any conversation - my son’s seven.)
Seiji jumped in, “Mom, I want to ask the girl who was being left out to come over for a play date this Friday.”
I smiled and called the mother.

I know, as any mother does, that the painful lessons that come with any relationship don’t end in grade school. I know that my children will continue to fall down and hurt.
I smiled because I realize that my daughter’s recovery time is a lot faster than mine ever was. Great for her.

By Melissa Yamaguchi

Secret #25: Treat Your Bruises

admin — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:16:19 +0000

Have a bruise? Arnica Gel is my secret.

When you or your child gets a bump you know will bruise, use Arnica. I spread it on the area several times the first day in between using ice on the area. Quite often, the bruise will not even appear! You may have a little soreness, but keep using the Arnica and the pain goes away faster.

Can be found at most pharmacies, but you may have to ask for it.

By Pat Montgomery

{photo: Amazon}

Secret #24: Give Positive Attention

admin — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:34:11 +0000

Our older son is very responsible while our younger is a free spirit. Two children raised in the same home, by the same parents, with two very distinct personalities.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that because our older son is so responsible, I have higher expectations for him. I have to remember to praise him for the things that come naturally to him and recognize that it should still be acknowledged. Sometimes when a child is so responsible, we only notice when he or she doesn’t do a good job. While on the other hand, a sibling who is unaware of their surroundings and who doesn’t step it up will get praised for even the smallest of accomplishments. With 2 working parents, my eldest sister did everything in our home. Cook, clean and watch the kids. She rarely received praise. My brother, on the other hand, wasn’t motivated and rarely contributed to the family, yet when he took out the trash without being asked, my parents were so excited that they wanted to reward him. I grew up realizing that I had to be aware of that.

By Mandy Ellen

{photo: flickr}

Secret #23: Nurture a Happy Baby

admin — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:29:28 +0000

I am a working mother of a 28-month-old. My husband and I read every book on parenting, including Baby Wise. In that book, it advocates letting your baby cry it out. We decided to go against that advice and we just got her on a schedule without letting her cry. We simply nurtured her by holding her and cuddling. She sleeps 10 hours a night in her own crib and she takes 1-2 naps a day for 2-3 hours.

I believe that loving being a parent and working together as a team has created our happy little girl. Our secret is speaking quietly to her, reading to her, and keeping her on a set schedule.

By Kim Villanueva

{photo: flickr}