Family

13 Jun

I always try to make things easy to remember, hence packaging my parenting tips as the ‘Seven Ps of Parenting’. The first P is one that you’re unlikely to find in any parenting handbook, yet one that I find crucial to effective parenting; and that is PUT YOURSELF FIRST. It sounds counter-intuitive because as parents we are meant to be selfless and self-sacrificing. The truth is, if you are not physically and emotionally healthy, then you are not able to be as effective in your parenting. Putting everyone else before you and trying to juggle several responsibilities can lead to lifestyle diseases and burnout. And think about it for a moment – if you had to be lying in a hospital bed, how would those who depend on you cope? The most effective parent is a calm parent, so you need to care for yourself enough to ensure that you can be...

14:45 / Children / Family
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10 Jan

Since it’s ‘back-to-school’ week’ here are some parenting tips to ensure you are raising emotionally healthy, well-balanced children: 1. Create a Routine Some structure and routine is necessary for everyone in the family to feel calmer, know what happens when, who does what and what’s expected of them. Examples include: time for waking up and getting ready, breakfast, time to leave for school, what the kids responsibilities are for packing their bags, emptying out lunchpacks, chores, dinner time, homework time, bedtime, etc. 2. Learn to Say ‘NO’ sometimes It’s important for children to learn from a young age that they cannot always get what they want, when they want it – even if it is possible for the parent. If you always give in to their whims and fancies, you enable them to become impatient and entitled. Know what is acceptable and what is not, agree with your partner, and maintain those rules. At...

10:20 / Children / Family
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06 Sep

On my 11th wedding anniversary, I’ve decided to share 11 tips for a healthy marriage that have worked for me and many couples that I’ve seen for marital therapy… 1. Me-Time vs We Time Happy couples often maintain a healthy balance between solitary and joint activities. Time apart is healthy and helps achieve a sense of independence so you do not lose yourself in the marriage – it also gives you more to talk about. It’s unhealthy for couples to do everything together. Having said that, both partners need to be satisfied with the amount of quality time spent together (watching TV does not count) and the activities engaged in during this time. 2. Compliment More than you Criticise It’s human nature to pick on things that our partner’s do that upset us, but we need to form a habit of showing appreciation, expressing gratitude and ‘catching your partner doing something right’. No-one wants...

12:30 / Family
6 Likes
04 Dec

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…or is it? I find holidays stressful for many reasons and particularly at this time of year I usually get stressed about finding the perfect gifts. I have a slightly obsessive compulsive personality so I really work myself up about gifts being perfect for each recipient and the wrapping being exquisite (which I’m sure most don’t even notice). However, with 2017 having been a stressful year with many demands placed on me from all sides, I decided that it’s about time I prioritised myself in my gift-giving. If gift-giving is my language of love, surely I should love myself first. I encourage you to also think about the gifts you owe to yourself. The five gifts I decided to give myself are: The Gift of Self-love and Self-compassion Permission to Say NO Distancing yourself from Toxic People The Gift of Living in the Present Moment ...

12:33 / Family / The Pursuit of Happiness
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