Ah what fun my sister had with her grand kids playing with slime.
Here’s her recipe.
Ah what fun my sister had with her grand kids playing with slime.
Here’s her recipe.
Here we are in February, the month we think about love and romance.
Some of you are just recovering from delivery. Love making may be the last thing on your mind, but you wouldn’t mind having a romantic date. It doesn’t have to be expensive to celebrate your love. In fact, if money is tight, extravagant gifts cause more worry than joy.
Why not take some time to think about a way you and your spouse can reconnect in a romantic way? You may not be able to leave the house, but you can let your mate know how very important they are to you and what joy they bring you.
Parenting babies or toddlers is full of distractions. These can squeeze romance right out of us. Unsettled disagreements cause tensions to rise. Disappointment over what our mate fails to do chills romance. When we have spent the whole day putting out fires it can be hard to spark romance. Many times though, if one of you begins wooing, the other will find there really is a little left to share. If not, make a date. Anticipation is a great aphrodisiac.
Some things to think about that will make romance more possible:
Don’t bring the Facebook world into your relationship. Make your celebration yours and yours alone. You may think that having hundreds of friends ‘like’ your romantic post will thrill your spouse. But personal, caring, thoughtful words from you will go straight to their heart.
If you have the time, money, and way to do something bigger, by all means enjoy yourselves without guilt. But if you don’t, enjoy what you can have and let each other know how much you love them.
Here’s to creating a memory and starting a ritual of connection that you’ll never forget.
It’s tough to say for sure how your child will handle this kind of loss, especially depending on who the afflicted person is. Some kids actually handle the news better than adults — they might not truly grasp the situation ahead of time, and their tendency to live in the moment will prevent them from thinking too far ahead about it. However, the loss will have a significant impact on them at some point, and they’ll need your help moving forward.
One of the most crucial factors to keep in mind with children is the need to be honest. While there may be certain details you don’t need to give them — younger children might not necessarily need the explanation of the kind of cancer, for example — it’s important they have an accurate understanding of what’s going on. Use language they can understand, and simplify when possible. Answer their questions, and be prepared to go over things more than once. You might need to address things they’ve overheard from others, so be mindful of what’s said around them and be prepared to follow up.
Some children end up feeling somehow responsible for the illness of a loved one, especially if it’s a parent or someone else especially close to them. It’s easy for them to flash to an angry memory where they shouted an angry thought or “wish,” and come to the conclusion that they have actually caused the condition. Even if your child doesn’t say they are feeling this way, make sure they know in no uncertain terms that the illness is not their fault, and there isn’t anything they could have done to prevent it. Explain that sometimes, terrible things happen and wonderful people get sick.
Talk to your child about what’s going on regularly, even if they don’t outwardly seem to be very bothered by it. They might find comfort in creating a memory box full of photos, memorabilia, and other items that remind them of their loved one. Giving them a grief journal to write down their thoughts and feelings can also be soothing, whether it’s before or immediately following the passing. If your child seems to be struggling to cope or isn’t opening up to you, they might feel more comfortable speaking to an older sibling or another family member. Try not to get upset if this is the case — it’s possible that your child sees you coping with your own grief and doesn’t want to add to it. Let them know you’re always available to talk whenever they’re ready, and that it will never be a bother or inconvenience. Even if they don’t open up right away, it’s crucial to say the words so they know the door is always open.
Let your child be involved with visiting and caring for your loved one for as long as it’s appropriate. It may be tough for them to see that person, especially if they are visibly deteriorating, but it can be an important part of understanding and coping with the ultimate death. Give them the opportunity to say goodbye, especially if you become aware that time is running low.
Losing a loved one to a terminal illness is undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow, but try to take comfort in the fact that their suffering will soon end. Lean on your family and friends, be open and understanding of how others feel, and do what you can to help everyone move forward.
Part of a much longer article from Neptune Society
There used to be a bumper sticker that said, “Have you hugged your kid today?
Maybe today we need one that says, “Have you played with your kid today?” I’m using the idea of play in a very general way. This play is not just a game with rules or a sport. But something both parent and child can especially enjoy together.
Have the only things you’ve said and done with your children all been about tasks and completion? Here are a few things to think about.
I think you get the idea. All these things take a little time. We must relax a little and not be compulsive about the completion of a task. They all mean some smiles or laughs by both parent and child. In other words, “Have Fun!”
Don’t let a day go by where the only things you talk to your child about are tasks and time and duty. Take a deep breath. Lay down your phone or paper and focus on your child. Start singing a silly song. You might find there is a better atmosphere in your home for the whole evening.
John Gottman identified 13 things all couples do who have an amazing sex life. This was from a study of more than 3,000 couples over 40 years.
Let’s start with The Disasters:
The Masters:
Now you cannot do it all right away. This is a blueprint outlining the best practices and the goal for your relationship. Take a step today in the right direction. Keep trying and become Masters not Disasters.
See: The Sex Life of Masters and Disasters – the results of John Gottmans’ research of those with amazing sex lives.