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Multigenerational Play

Multigenerational Play

dreamstime_l_11502595-family-playingFor many of us, holiday gatherings will include three or four generations of family members. What better way to bring family together than through multigenerational play. After our recent Thanksgiving dinner, our family decided to play Heads Up.

We took turns putting the cell phone up to our foreheads. On the phone was the word that the person holding the phone had to guess. The rest of us gave either verbal or nonverbal clues until the person either guessed or time ran out.  We don’t know if we were playing correctly, but we’ve never laughed so much. [Read more…]

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Children’s Play: Reducing Family Stress

Children’s Play: Reducing Family Stress

playground-664884__340It has rained for days with little time for the children to play at the park. Today is my babysitting day for my three preschool grandkids! I arrive at my daughter’s home early in the morning. My daughter plans to spend her time completing a tutorial on her new computer. I plan to take the grandkids on their weekly trip to lunch, the park, and on errands. I then ask if I can purchase the 14 month old twins’ first pair of shoes and drive my grandson to preschool after taking him to his doctor’s office for a shot.

All at once, my daughter looks at me and states that she will play hookie from work responsibilities. My grandson will take a day off from preschool. It will become a day of reduced family stress as we plan for our great adventure! The twins take their morning nap and my grandson picks up all of his toys. I clean-up the kitchen and plan for our trip; packing lots of food snacks and emergency supplies. [Read more…]

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Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships After Conflict

 Parent-Child Relationships

The picture I posted is one of my mother and I a few years before her descent into Alzheimer’s Disease put her beyond my reach. She taught me so much about strengthening her parent-child relationships. Even in the midst of conflict, her love and respect bolstered our relationship.  I will always treasure this gift.

By the time you read this blog, Thanksgiving will be over and the Christmas/New Year Holiday will be coming up soon. Hopefully, your Thanksgiving experience was a positive one. [Read more…]

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Teachable Moments from Conflict

Teachable Moments from Conflict

 

The election and its aftermath have showcased the anger and bitterness that come from conflict. The deep divide is everywhere. How can conflict be a teachable moment?

We have to process our own feelings. While some people will be happy, others will be very disappointed. Nonetheless, we must respect the feelings of others. Unless we find common ground, we won’t be able to move forward.  Also, remember we have an opportunity to show our children how to continue after a disappointment. [Read more…]

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Manage Conflict in the Moment: Stay Calm

skateboard-15761__340Manage Conflict in the Moment: Stay Calm

How do you manage conflict when you are in the middle of a power struggle with your child?

  • You are out grocery shopping with your three year old who starts crying for the candy strategically located at the check-out line.
  • Your teenager has just passed the driving test and wants the keys to the car but you need your car.
  • Your middle-schooler has broken curfew and not contacted you. What do you do?

Once the struggle has begun, how can you change direction? The first thing you have to do is calm down. Second, help your child to calm down. Third, move on. Here are some strategies for doing this. [Read more…]

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