Parenting Squad

7 Heart Healthy Suggestions for Summer Breakfasts

Maggie Wells — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:00:02 +0000

Summer is here and there's not a mother in the country who has the new routine quite down yet. Now is the perfect time to try out new recipes on the family for better health. Why not start the summer months off with heart healthy choices for breakfast? The big trick with any diet change is good taste meets easy to make quickly.

1. Start the Day With a Smoothie

Fruit is abundant in summer. Some particularly heart healthy fruits are papaya, cantaloupe, and blueberries. While kids don't always take to papaya, all three of these are great to use in breakfast smoothies, and blueberries in particular often mask the taste of other healthy items lurking around.

Fruit Smoothie

Using a banana and non-fat organic vanilla yogurt as a base, and half a banana and half a cup of yogurt per serving. Blend together with cantaloupe and papaya and blueberries. Add in a tiny bit of raw spinach (enough to feel like you are sneaking in veggies but not enough to change the color of the smoothie. Add ¼ cup of orange juice (oranges are great heart foods) or almond milk to make it less thick.

Almond Smoothie

Almonds are a kid friendly nut and easy to toss into just about anything without throwing off the flavor. Almonds also have lots of heart happy Omega-3s and vitamin E. With the same banana and non-fat organic vanilla yogurt as a base, add in almond milk and almond butter, a dash of vanilla extract, and cinnamon to taste and you have what almost feels like a dessert for breakfast.

2. Fruit Salad

It's not just for picnics and BBQs. Chopping up a ton of fruit on Sunday night can make morning breakfasts quick and easy all summer week-long. Chop up the individual fruits and bag separately, then in the morning, spoon up a few fruits from each bag. Voila! Fresh fruit salad. Lean in on the heart healthy fruits mentioned above, but throw in some of your kids' favorites like organic strawberries and pineapple.

3. Japanese Breakfast Standards

What about getting in a little culture at breakfast time? Some standard Japanese fare for breakfast can be easily transferred into a favorite gourmet breakfast for your children. In villages all over rural Japan, Japanese tofu bakeries have tofu ready in the early a.m. much like we have fatty baked goods and donuts. Guess who's better off?

A simple breakfast of brown rice — sweetened lightly with brown sugar and cinnamon — can make a lovely start to the day along with fresh raw tofu. If you live in the cities, there's a great chance your nearest Asian market has tofu of all kinds available — from packaged to made on premises. Did you know there are many varieties of tofu, from creamy to extra firm? A firm tofu can make an excellent finger food breakfast for wee ones. Try a dab of teriyaki sauce on top of cubed tofu or a dash of soy sauce. You don't even have to cook it. Just slice and cube right from the package.

4. Sweet Potato Pancakes

Sweet potatoes really are a wonder food full of vitamins A, C, E, and fiber and beta-carotene. It feels like there's nothing a sweet potato can't do. A favorite treat of ours is sweet potato pancakes - another gourmet breakfast treat.

Bake one sweet potato for each child the night before on slow cook. In the morning, they are nice and mushy inside. Put 4 sweet potato innards in a bowl and add half a cup of flour and 2 eggs, plus a dash of vanilla and cinnamon, and you have sweet potato pancake dough. Fry them up in a tiny bit of olive oil, or use coconut oil for tropical flavor. Serve with a dash of syrup.

5. Egg White Veggie Scrambles

Eggs are great, but too much yolk can be hard on your heart. If you are scrambling six eggs, take out three yolks. Chop your kids' favorite heart healthy veggie into the scramble. Spinach, broccoli, and red bell peppers are three great heart veggies. The trick is to dice the veggies so that they are so small the taste doesn't become overpowering in their mouths. Grate some low fat cheese on top to disguise some of the veggie goodness beneath.

6. The Typical Fare

Of course there are the great breakfast standbys of oatmeal and flaxseed. Try buying these in a muesli mix and sprinkling the muesli over non-fat yogurt, or mix in with fruit.

7. Tea

Summer is a great time to wean kids off too much dairy and juice boxes — which saves you money as well. Why not introduce the kids to drinking iced tea or hot tea? Two perennial favorites are peppermint and hibiscus. Peppermint is great for digestion anyhow, and you can grow mint in a pot outside your kitchen door or buy a good organic one.

Hibiscus is great for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and often tastes as if sweetener has been added even when it hasn't. A good tip for hibiscus is to mix a couple of cinnamon sticks with dried hibiscus leaves; pour hot water over and let it seep for a few hours. Kids like it hot or cold. Dried hibiscus is often found in health food stores and Latin American food markets.

Have fun mixing it up this summer for the most important meal of the day. These recipes are so good — and inexpensive — your kids won't even know they are eating healthy. What healthy, delicious breakfasts can you share?

Permalink | Comments | Maggie Wells's blog | Channel: Tips, Health, Nutrition, Diseases & Disorders

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Father’s Day Gifts the Whole Family Can Help Give

Nancy Flanders — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 09:00:01 +0000

By Nancy Flanders

Father's Day is fast approaching. (Hint: It's June 16th this year). Have you or the kids gotten Dad the perfect gift yet? Have no fear. There are plenty of options available no matter the Dad.

Gifts of Service

1. Do the yard work for him. Everyone pitch in now.

2. Unlimited refills served to him all day of his favorite drinks and snacks. (Save those beers until the kids are asleep, and Mom, get to the store now to stock up on snacks!)

3. Let him spend the day in the recliner or on the couch with the kids at his beck and call.

4. Prepare his favorite meal with each child completing a step that is appropriate for his age. (Let Dad eat it in his recliner.)

5. Unlimited back massages (and foot massages if you dare). All hands on deck.

6. Time to watch replays of his favorite sports team (or television shows if he's not a sports fan).

7. Peace and quiet — which means Mom might have to take the kids out for a bit.

8. Wash and vacuum his car for him.

9. Let him nap. All day.

10. Clean up your rooms. (This one benefits Mom too!)

Gifts of Stuff

11. A new jersey of his favorite player.

12. That new "smart" television he's been eyeing.

13. Tickets to a sporting event.

14. Tickets to a concert featuring his favorite band from his glory days.

15. Beer of the Month club.

16. Tools. You know, so he can fix stuff for Mom.

17. A subscription to his favorite magazine.

18. A tablet so he can watch his favorite teams, read about his favorite teams, and play some games.

19. A subscription to a sports network, Netflix, or HuluPlus so he can watch what he wants when he wants.

20. Meat. Seriously, meat. Grab your grill and fire it up.

Gifts Created by Kids

21. A family portrait created by each child.

22. Handprint tree.

23. Homemade card listing your children's favorite things about Dad.

24. Gift basket of his favorite snacks, magazines, DVDs.

25. Breakfast in bed.

26. All about Dad from a child's point of view.

27. Homemade treats like cupcakes.

28. Personalized stepping stones for your yard.

29. A collage of your child's favorite pictures with Dad (maybe from family vacations or a day at the beach).

30. A booklet of coupons good for hugs, help with the housework, and anything else the kids want to give to Dad.

31. An ice cream sundae — with as many toppings as the kiddos want to add.

There is still time left to get or create the best father's day gift ever, so round up those kids and get started!

Permalink | Comments | Nancy Flanders's blog | Channel: Tips, Social Skills

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A Father's Day To-Do List

David James — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:00:02 +0000

By David James

Father's Day isn't just for fathers. It's a celebration of family and the sacrifices we make on a daily basis to bring joy into the lives of those around us. Sure, it's also a time to be feted, put our feet up, and eat heartily. But it's also a time to remember our most basic and enduring goal — spending quality time with our closest loved ones.

This Father's Day I have a few things on my to-do list to connect with my wife and children and show them how much I appreciate the love they've given me. Below are a few ideas to make this Father's Day stand out.

1. We spend so much of our time cooped up inside and everyone usually has their eyes buried in a handheld device of some sort. On Father's Day, make it a goal to plan an event outdoors — have a picnic, ride bikes to the park, or go play a sport together. This will help to build memories as well as create family bonding time.

2. Speaking of handheld devices, make it a rule that for several hours on Father's Day there is a moratorium on cell phones, tablets, and e-readers. The most important people in your life are with you so there's no need to check your status on a social media network.

3. Another idea is to pack the camera or, if you're feeling adventurous, hire a photographer to take a family picture. You probably feel like your kids are growing up so fast — there's no better way to capture the frenzy of a fun-filled family outing like a memorable group photo.

4. Plan an activity that you've wanted to do but have been putting off. Want to take the family to the beach for an afternoon of sun and fun? Want to pack up the kids and camping gear for an overnight getaway? This is the perfect time to do it. Plus, it's Father's Day, so the kids have to be on their best behavior, right?

5. It might be fun to take a walk down memory lane and bust out some of your favorite family videos and pictures to reminisce. It's always worth a laugh or two and puts the focus of the day squarely where it belongs — on family.

6. To make this Father's Day special, make a meal together and eat in. Rather then spend a lot of money at a noisy restaurant, have each family member be responsible for a different part of the meal, plan it ahead of time, and sit down together for a long, leisurely dinner. Our lives are so hectic and dinner time is usually so chaotic that it will be nice to linger, laugh, talk, and share on Father's Day.

7. If you really want to impress your wife and children this Father's Day turn the tables on them. Write them each a note or a card telling them how much you love them and what they mean to you. It doesn't need to be sappy, just honest. Let's face it — this is the perfect time to remind them how cherished they are.

Permalink | Comments | David James's blog | Channel: Tips

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Chemicals and Toxins to Get Out of Your House Now

Nancy Flanders — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:00:02 +0000

By Nancy Flanders

As parents, we have one common goal — to keep our children safe. Unfortunately, every time we clean up after our children, our children are exposed to harsh chemicals that can harm them both today or years down the road. In fact, largely because of common household cleaners, our indoor air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. While you may think it's just part of life, you can take steps to reduce the amount of chemicals your child is exposed to by getting rid of many of the ones in your home.

1. Ammonia

Found in many common household cleaning products, ammonia reacts with water to produce ammonium hydroxide. It can damage cells on contact through breathing, swallowing, or skin contact. Exposure can cause immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. In high concentrations, it can cause lung damage, blindness, and even death.

2. Chlorine Bleach

A commonly used product for killing germs and removing stains, bleach is really quite dangerous, especially for infants, pets, and young children. Side effects of exposure to bleach include respiratory problems, skin burns, headaches, and vomiting. If accidently mixed with ammonia or vinegar, it can create deadly toxic fumes.

3. Alkalis

This chemical is found in oven cleaners. It can irritate the respiratory system causing difficulty breathing. It can also cause vision loss and severe burning in the eyes, ears, nose and throat. In addition, exposure to it can cause gastrointestinal problems and organ damage.

4. Triclosan

This chemical is found in everything from kitchenware to toys because of its antibacterial properties, but it especially common in antibacterial soaps and body washes. In fact, it is so common that a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found it in the urine of 75% of people over the age of five. According to the Food and Drug Administration, triclosan can alter hormone regulation, including the thyroid and sex hormones. It may also cause some bacteria to become antibiotic resistant.

5. Phthalates

In everything from cosmetics to air fresheners, phthalates have been linked to infertility, testicular dysgenesis, obesity, asthma, and breast cancer.

6. Pesticides

Even acute exposure can be dangerous, causing burning eyes, nose and throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing, coughing, and headaches. Children who have been exposed have trouble in school and with motor skills. Chronic exposure has been linked to neurological damage including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Even before we are born, toxins are beginning to build up in our bodies. Many of these chemicals can cause long term health problems including cancer. While you can't always control the outside environment your children are exposed to, you can control what's in your home. Substitute your cleaners and pesticides for organic, all natural options. Seventh Generation and Melaleuca make great cleaning products, including disinfectants without the harsh chemicals.

Permalink | 1 comment | Nancy Flanders's blog | Channel: Safety, Chores, Tips, Home Life, Health, Diseases & Disorders

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College Prep Talk: Join Our Tweetchat Today, 06/06 at 2:00 EST for a Chance to Win!

Rhonda Franz — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:00:02 +0000

By Rhonda Franz

The Squad is movin' on up to college this week for our Twitter chat. Whether the college season is a summer or years away for your family, we want to hear if you're already planning financially for your child's higher education or wondering what to do to prepare your child. Chat with us, and other moms and dads today and weigh in on the topic.

Do you expect, want, or hope your child goes to college?

At what age did you or will you start talking to your child about higher education?

Does your child have a college fund?

How do you expect to pay (or expect your child to pay) tuition?

Community college, small college, or university? Which one do you think is best?

What is the one thing you will ensure your child has at college to succeed academically?

Related Reading

Everyone is welcome to chat! Use #pschat to participate, and make sure you're following @parentingsquad for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!

Permalink | 1 comment | Rhonda Franz's blog | Channel: News & Commentary, Tips

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College, Here We Come: Helping Your Freshman Get Organized

Christa Melnyk Hines — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:00:01 +0000

By Christa Melnyk Hines

The first year away from home for a college freshman can be overwhelming. All of a sudden the checks and balances of home life with parental oversight, curfews, balanced meals and the family routine disappears. Use the summer months to help your college-bound freshman start the school year off right by providing ideas and resources to help her manage and organize her space and time.

"A plan will help [your student] keep things organized when packing and make the moving and getting settled process go so much smoother," says Pam Hagge, a family organization consultant and owner of Room for Improvement.

1. Small-space design star.

Encourage your college-bound teen to connect with her roommate before school starts to coordinate furnishings and avoid overpacking. Dorm rooms are generally small. Plan to divide the space into areas for sleeping, studying, relaxing, and snacking.

2. Raise the roof.

Loft beds lift sleeping quarters off the floor, creating additional space for study and living areas. Purchase or build your own. Or, check with students who are moving out of the dorms and are selling their loft beds through Craigslist or the dorm bulletin boards.

3. Stash it, store it, stack it.

Integrate multi-functional furnishings. If your student plans to set up a TV, for example, include a TV stand where he can also store healthy grab-and-go snacks. A storage ottoman is another great option, providing extra seating and a convenient spot to house shoes and other accessories.

4. Hook up.

With Command hooks, that is. "These hooks are great for coats, robes, wet towels, etc.," Hagge says. And, they're easy to remove when it's time to move out.

5. Stay scatter-free.

Use a portable shower caddy to keep bathing essentials together. A shower caddy is especially helpful for students who live in a dorm with community bathrooms.

6. Lay off on laundry.

Getting laundry done isn't always easy in the midst of a demanding college schedule. Hagge recommends bringing plenty of undergarments. Keep in mind that jeans, sweaters, and shirts can often be worn more than once, stretching out the time between visits to the laundry facilities.

7. Break it down.

Planning out efficient living quarters is important, but also map out schedules ahead of time. Becca Renteria, who just completed her freshman year at Kansas State University, says her planner is essential to keeping her organized. If available, she recommends purchasing the planner printed by the university. "These planners have a wealth of extra resources that can be extremely helpful such as maps of campus, drop days, athletic events, and campus events," she says.

8. Coordinate course work.

Once your student receives her course syllabuses, she can write down all the deadlines for assignments, projects, and tests in her planner. "I also like to write my course schedule at the front so I have that time blocked off," Renteria says. "After that, I add in all of the other activities such as work, practice, and leisure activities."

9. Think bright ideas.

Renteria says she uses different colored highlighters to help her manage her schedule. At a glance she can see if time is blocked off for work (blue), tests (yellow), and so on.

10. Get techy.

If a traditional planner isn't your student's style, check out a range of available apps for managing college schedules.

With a little foresight and coordinated planning, your newly minted freshman will have the mental and physical space to transition into college life successfully and invest his resources trailblazing his personal path to success.

Permalink | Comments | Christa Melnyk Hines's blog | Channel: Tips

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21 Ways Kids Can Entertain Themselves This Summer

Alyssa Chirco — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:00:02 +0000

By Alyssa Chirco

When the kids are home from school for the summer, parents can easily feel like a cruise ship director. But remember that you don't always need to direct their summer activities, and kids are often better off when you let them entertain themselves. Try out these ideas to see what works for them (and you).

1. Apps on the iPad.

Load it up with several educational apps, and relax while they enjoy some screen time.

2. Read books.

Reading is the ultimate quiet time activity. Have older siblings read to the younger ones who aren't yet reading on their own.

3. Books on tape (or CD).

Listening to a story is sometimes more fun than reading it, especially for beginning readers.

4. Card games.

Card games can get out of hand, but they're usually fairly subdued. Think Uno, Old Maid, or War.

5. Board games.

But only the ones they can play themselves without needing an adult to explain the directions or break up arguments.

6. Paper dolls.

Many children will quietly dress paper dolls for hours on end.

7. Puzzles.

But only those which don't cause a lot of frustration or require too much help.

8. Lacing cards.

Lacing cards require patience and concentration, and are perfect for developing fine motor skills.

9. Clay.

Even older children enjoy working with clay, usually more than they are willing to admit.

10. Imaginative play.

Keep a dress-up bin, and don't be surprised by imaginary friends.

11. Knitting.

Lots of kids are knitting these days; maybe yours will love it too?

12. Finger weaving.

Similar to knitting, finger weaving requires no needles — which means no worries about somebody poking an eye out.

13. Sensory bins.

Fill bins with sand, marbles, measuring cups, and more, and watch as your little one scoops and pours to his heart's content. Find inspiration from this Ultimate List of Sensory Bin Ideas.

14. Write a book.

Encourage older kids to check out Scribblitt, where they can write and publish their own story.

15. Write letters.

Have your kids write letters to long-distance family members, a pen pal, or troop members overseas.

16. Keep a journal.

Even preschoolers can draw pictures of how they're spending summer vacation.

17. Do chores.

Not exactly entertainment, but chores are a task they should be completing daily. Have them sweep, dust, and sort laundry while you enjoy some peace.

18. Put on a puppet show.

Maybe for their stuffed animals?

19. Make breakfast.

Again, not entirely entertaining for the kids, but insisting on self-serve summer breakfast gives you a much-needed break.

20. Play outdoors.

Let them climb on the jungle gym or dig for worms or plan a spontaneous softball game with the kids next door.

21. Invite friends over.

This may seem counter-intuitive if you're looking to make less work for yourself, but sometimes another child in the house is the best source of entertainment you can find.

How do your children entertain themselves when you need a break?

Permalink | 3 comments | Alyssa Chirco's blog | Channel: Tips

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4 Ways to Have Summer Camp at Home

Nancy Flanders — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:05:39 +0000

By Nancy Flanders

It's here! Another school year is done and it's time for summer vacation. While your kids are super excited to run and jump and play, you are well aware that it will only be a matter of minutes before boredom kicks in. Perhaps you don't send your child to camp for a variety of reasons, or maybe your child goes to one or two a summer. Either way, you probably can't send them off every day, but you can still keep them busy and maintain your sanity by having summer camp at home.

Set the Theme

To have camp at home, you need to be organized. Set a theme for each week of summer (or each day if you're ambitious). One could be Pirate Week. Another could be Insect Week or Arts Week or Fire Safety Week. The ideas are endless, but if you're stumped, check out Blissful and Domestic. Danielle plans 11 weeks of summer camp at home for her kiddos.

Teen Led

When I was about 12, my friend and I ran a week-long camp for the neighborhood kids. If you have older kids, this is a great chance for them to get their foot in the door for babysitting jobs as well as gain some valuable skills such as organization and teamwork. Back in the 1980s, we charged a dollar a day for each kid. We set up simple games and activities and provided a snack.

Camp Swap

This one takes some teamwork, but if planned well, it is awesome. Gather some dependable moms with children about the same ages as your children. Together, take turns hosting camp days. You can take a block of a week or two, or do a few consecutive Mondays. Each parent takes a turn hosting the kids for a themed day of fun. The kids get to see their friends and the parents each get a day to themselves while knowing that their kids are happy and taken care of. What's better than that? Writer and mom Michelle Crouch has done this for years with her kids, and has some great advice on how to make it go off without a hitch.

Day Trip

Take your camp on the road. Once a week, take the kids to have some local fun. Visit a farmer's market, a local kids' museum, a science center, or the library. You can pick a theme for each week, visit the attraction, and then spend the rest of the week focusing on and expanding on what they learned that day. And don't forget, many local attractions offer free days for kids or locals.

Summer doesn't have to mean day after day of your children begging for something to do. Holding camps at home will provide your children with fun and save you money. Whether you team up with other parents or go for it on your own, with a little planning, this could be your best summer yet.

Permalink | Comments | Nancy Flanders's blog | Channel: Tips, Home Life, Education, Babysitters & Nannies, Entertainment, Social Skills, Learning Tools, Culture, Home School, Extra Curricular

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How to Practice Patience Toward Your Children

Nancy Flanders — Fri, 31 May 2013 09:00:02 +0000

By Nancy Flanders

I've always considered myself to be a patient person. Until I had children. Children can be loud. Children can be demanding. Children could even make the Dalai Lama lose his cool. It's easy to lose your patience when you're stressed out and your kids are stuck on repeat of, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy," or "Daaaaady, Daaaaady." But it is possible to keep your composure — it just takes practice.

Empathize

We have to remember, just as children must learn how to do physical acts such as walking, talking, and riding a bike, they also must learn to master the emotional and psychological aspects of life. Children aren't able to act maturely or make wise decisions, even moments after hearing us tell them exactly what to do. They just aren't wired that way. The next time your child struggles to obey your rules or follow your directions, remember that she is learning how to behave. It's your job to help her.

Anticipate

Most children have triggers that lead to crazy behavior. It could be hunger or sleepiness like with my children. They also seem to know when you are the most stressed out, and as a result, feel stress themselves which can cause them to act out. Knowing what your child's triggers are for unacceptable behavior can help you avoid those triggers and maintain a calm home, allowing you to stay patient and in control.

Breathe Deep

No matter what we do, our children will ultimately cause us to become frustrated and angry. But no one ever feels good after mom has yelled, including mom. When you feel that frustration boiling up, the best thing to do is walk away, take deep breaths, repeat a calming mantra, or count backwards. Whatever works for you is best.

Clean Up Your Act

Children have their own personalities, but they also learn many of their behaviors from us. Chances are, many of the ways your children respond to stress come from watching how you respond to stress. Pay attention to how your child is acting, and ask yourself if they have picked them up from you. If so, try to alter the way you handle stressful moments, especially when in front of your children.

No matter how easy it is to lose our patience with our children, practice will make perfect. So even when you slip up and lose your patience, cut yourself some slack. Like all achievements, practicing strong patience will take hard work.

Have patience with all things, but first of all, with yourself. - St. Francis de Sales

Permalink | Comments | Nancy Flanders's blog | Channel: Tips, Discipline, Home Life, Social Skills, Etiquette, Conflict Resolution

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8 Ways to Communicate Better in Your Marriage

David James — Thu, 30 May 2013 09:00:04 +0000

By David James

My wife and I recently went to a counselor for a little tune-up on our communication skills.

With two little ones running around the house, we needed it. Our marriage is strong and we have a solid foundation, but sometimes our communication slips among the demands of chores, cooking, and raising our children. We needed a communication refresher.

The counselor reminded us that a marriage is like the roof of a house and everything underneath it is protected by the marriage. Therefore, if the marriage falls apart, everything underneath it will also likely fall apart. The analogy means that mom and dad need to make time for each other, each day, every day. If the marriage is strong and thriving, the children will thrive and feel secure in the home.

There are many ways to work on your marriage and each couple knows how best to communicate with their spouse. One option is to find a therapist to work with you. The goal is to understand that sometimes our communication gets out of whack as we focus on our children and their needs, forgetting about our own or our partners'.

Here are a few ideas to explore if you need a communication refresher like we did.

1. Remember the love.

List ten things that you love about the other person and share the list with your spouse. Take some time to come up with a few ideas and really examine the depth of your love for the person sharing your life.

2. Make time.

Try to find at least 30 uninterrupted minutes each day to spend with your spouse. No kids, no television, no cell phones — just quality time to talk, play a game, or sit and enjoy a glass of wine.

3. Date nights/days.

Possibly the best thing you and your spouse can do is take a break from your role as parents and reconnect with your roles as husband and wife. Date nights can be costly — hiring a sitter, going to dinner, etc. — but even just a few hours to window shop or browse in a bookstore can help breathe new life into your relationship.

4. Write it down.

With all the demands on us there simply isn't enough time to deal each issue as it arises. Don't sweep your feelings under the rug, however. If the issue is important enough, take a moment to write down a few notes so you can discuss it with your spouse later.

5. Be demonstrative.

This is a must every day. Give your spouse a kiss or a hug, especially in front of the children. It will help show your kids how a strong relationship works and give you and your spouse time to connect multiple times a day.

6. Time out.

We all know about putting our children in time out. However, this time out is for the adults. When you and your spouse are having difficulty communicating, use an agreed-upon time out sign to take a break in your conversation if things get overheated. You can finish your conversation once the kids are in bed or once things cool down.

7. Be private.

We all know the triggers that set off our spouse. It's common sense to avoid using those triggers in front of your children. When there's an issue in your marriage, try your best to keep it from interfering with your relationship with your children. Discuss issues away from the children.

8. Get away.

Each year try to build a short getaway into your calendar for you and your spouse. This doesn't have to be outrageously expensive — you can even stay in a hotel a town or two away. You also have to find a patient and trustworthy family member or babysitter to spend a few days with your children. Focus on your marriage — get back to enjoying the things that made you fall in love in the first place.

Bottom line, maintaining your relationship with your wife or husband takes time and effort. But it is the most important work you will ever do.

Permalink | 1 comment | David James's blog | Channel: Tips, Sex & Relationships

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