Finding the right time to introduce your kids to your boyfriend or girlfriend is like deciding when to give up your virginity. You only get one shot and once you do it, you can’t take it back. That’s how you should treat this delicate decision of choosing the right time to introduce your kids. Timing is everything.

3 Things to Consider:

1. The kids aren’t a package deal. They are not dating, you are. When the relationship ends, you do not want your kids to experience the break-up too. A child’s level of understanding is not able to handle the stress of a break-up. Kids easily trust when the environment is consistent e.g., the boyfriend or girlfriend comes around often or even lives with you. You don’t want your children to think the people they love will just end up hurting them. It’s not their fault it didn’t work out.

2. Kids are still learning how to have relationships and they depend on you to filter the people in their life. A casual relationship is not a permanent relationship even if it lasts for several years. Your kids are forever yours and it is their innate behavior to bond with whomever they spend time with. Meeting people who come and go teaches your children to accept rejection and abandonment as the norm in relationships.

3. Go through all of the seasons of the relationship before you consider introducing your boyfriend or girlfriend to your kids. You have to get through the ‘getting to know you’ all the way to the ‘mature and serious’ seasons before you invite your kids to be a part of the relationship. Get all the ugliness and selfishness out of the relationship first. It’s just like cleaning up the kitchen before you can cook dinner. As my foster mom would say "you can’t cook on top of a dirty kitchen."

The time is right when the person you’re dating is ready to commit to you through marriage. I’m not saying marriage is the solution to break-ups, because it is not. Marriage is a huge commitment that should not be taken lightly, but that’s another story. Just like wine, a good relationship can only mature with time. If the guy or girl you’re dating is really a jerk, time will reveal it to you and your kids will not be affected. Soon enough, you will know when it’s safe for your kids to know about that special someone in your life.

Lauryn Strange is a seasoned expert on blended families. Her blended family experience started from birth as she was raised by her maternal aunt, went through adolescence in foster care, married, then remarried with children including one adoption. Lauryn’s blog, A Strange Perspective is an online resource to empower, inform, and connect with families, parents, and children around the world.

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Moving can be difficult for older kids, and teenagers. Leaving friends behind is one of the most heart wrenching things for kids. The preteen and teenage years are when most kids are searching for themselves and friends play a big part in this quest for self identification. Moving away from their peers can cause your teenagers to act out in different ways, but there are a few things you can do to intercede.

First off you have to be aware and attentive to your kids. Pay attention to any change in mood, isolation and other changes they may display that will indicate an emotional imbalance. Secondly, communicate effectively. Do not talk to you teenager all the time, but rather, speak with them. Keeping an open dialogue will make your children comfortable talking to you, openly and honestly.Some teenagers have a hard time opening up and may remain quite while you talk. If this happens, continue to talk to them and try to touch on things that you know will spark interest in them. Let them know you’re always available to talk if they need to. It’s also good to have another adult that you trust available to talk to with your kids in case they are not 100% comfortable expressing themselves to you; maybe an aunt, godparent. This way, they will have guidance and have someone who can encourage them to be more open to you.

Keep your kids busy. Moving is stressful in itself, both emotionally and financially draining, you cannot let the cost of movers, the anxiety of your new job or anything else get in the way of you spending time with your children. The teenage years especially are when kids need the most guidance, even though they seem to be reveling in their independence and don’t want you around most of the time.

Creating activities for your children will help to keep them out of trouble, as the saying goes, “idle hands are the devil’s playground”. You can do things with your teen and also expose them to other kids their age how are doing positive things. The local YMCA or community park is a good resource. Church youth groups and community service activities are also constructive ways for your kids to spend their time. Encourage your children to join school groups and extracurricular activities at their school. Be involved by calling or visiting the school for more information if your teen is not forth coming.

Lastly, and most important, be a parent. Depending on how receptive your child is, you will have to set boundaries when necessary and follow your gut. Do not be too strict or too lax either. Children need and want structure and discipline, whether they express it or not. Sometimes, misbehaving is their way of crying for your attention and discipline when needed is the best way to prove that you love your child. To be involved and parent with rules, positive reinforcement and guidance requires some finesse, but as sure as your moving company insurance protected your items, your teen needs you to be a concerned and involved parent right now to keep them out of trouble.

Contact American Van Lines for expert relocation services throughout the United States; we have nationwide locations to better serve you. For expert movers in your area, visit AmericanVanLines.com.

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We live in a culture of excess, and this culture is a major contributing factor in today’s childhood obesity epidemic. To put it simply, kids eat too much, and this is especially true on Halloween. This Halloween, teach your kids that fun is more important than food.

When your children grow up, they won’t cherish the memory of the tenth candy bar they ate that night in 2010. You are not doing them any favors by saying "yes" to every plea for more. But that tenth candy bar – or rather, the attitude that it is okay to overindulge – could be the start of a lifelong struggle with weight. And it could lead to serious health problems. The momentary pleasure is not worth the long-term price.

3 Simple Ways to Put the Focus on Fun this Halloween

1. Make a costume together.

Instead of spending money on a plastic, store-bought costume, encourage your child’s creativity and sense of adventure by making a costume together. You can use materials from around the house or use your costume funds at a local thrift store.

2. Plan a party with Halloween activities.

Let your child be a part of the planning process. Instead of loading up him and his friends with candy and sweets, play games that get them moving around, and award fun little toys as prizes. Ask your child to search for Halloween game ideas online or at the library. Or make up your own games, like Pin the Tailbone on the Skeleton. Again, the point is to focus on the fun of Halloween, and to stop thinking of it as a holiday to eat enough to make yourself sick.

3. Keep Halloween a one-day celebration.

Allow your kids to enjoy a reasonable amount of candy on Halloween, but when the day is done, the candy is gone. Use this as an opportunity to teach your children both moderation and empathy in one lesson. Ask your children to help you think of places where they can give away their extra candy. Nursing homes, children’s hospitals, a Boys & Girls Club, even the local police or fire stations. Then take them to the place they chose so they can see how their gift is appreciated.

Be a Thoughtful Parent

The easiest way to deal with your kids’ pleas and demands is to give in, to say yes. Your kids can’t see the big picture, but you can, and that means that it’s your job to do what’s right, not what’s easy. Be a thoughtful parent. Think about what is best for your kids’ health and well-being.

Make this Halloween one your child will remember forever, not one that will get lost in a catatonic sugar haze. Make memories, not fat. Your kids will thank you for it some day.

Pediatrician Dr. Marta Katalenas is leading the fight against childhood obesity, which she believes is the number one health threat to children today. Dr. Katalenas sees patients at the Pediatric Center of Round Rock in Round Rock, Texas and is also available to speak on issues of childhood obesity and children’s health.

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What is best for your child in today’s world? Both parents work, we all are not wealthy so what choices do we have? We have to consider who is watching them; do we know them? I think we have to be more careful at what program we decide on. I believe that safety and keeping our children happy is very important.

For millions of parents around the world when the bell rings their day does not end. What I mean by that is we cannot leave our jobs to come home and welcome our children at the door. So, we as parents need to find some activity for our children to participate in to keep them happy and safe. When kids are finished with school they need activities to keep their minds and bodies busy. If you are wealthy you sign them up in dance, sports or maybe a music program but, what about the families that are not privileged? Do they go home to be latch key kids, or sit in front of the TV or video game. We need to get them involved in an after school program that can be run by the school or some other community organization. It is important for the kids involved that we make sure our government keeps these programs alive.

In these after school programs kids can get tutored or help with there homework. Do other activities like painting, music or games. These activities are good for the growth of our children and makes them feel good and important. Some communities have sports programs that are free or very affordable. As parents we need to find out what interests your child has to help you decide what program will work best for them. It doesn’t make any sense to sign them up for something just because you think its good. Besides your child will not get anything out of it and you will end up disappointed.

After school activities can thrive only if backed by sufficient parental involvement as well. What is a football or soccer game be without any parents to cheer on their little heroes. I can not stress this note enough nothing is as great when your child looks in the stands or on the sidelines and sees their Mom or Dad there cheering them on. Now make sure not to put your children in too many activities either for, they still need time to just be kids too. A little free time every day to play with there friends or watch there favorite show is a good thing. Your child may not become the next wonder-kid but, let them cultivate an interest that they enjoy. Remember, happiness and fulfillment is all that matters.

My name is Kimberly Varner I am a 46 year young woman married with two grown children, two grandkids and two dogs. I don’t have two husbands though think I would go crazy if I did! I have really enjoyed writing this article. I wrote this one and others which I will submit soon, because of all the violence and very scary things that are going on in our world today. Click on my website for more information on more safe stuff for kids and young adults http://www.1clickfindit.com talk to you soon.

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What is best for your child in today’s world? Both parents work, we all are not wealthy so what choices do we have? We have to consider who is watching them; do we know them? I think we have to be more careful at what program we decide on. I believe that safety and keeping our children happy is very important.

For millions of parents around the world when the bell rings their day does not end. What I mean by that is we cannot leave our jobs to come home and welcome our children at the door. So, we as parents need to find some activity for our children to participate in to keep them happy and safe. When kids are finished with school they need activities to keep their minds and bodies busy. If you are wealthy you sign them up in dance, sports or maybe a music program but, what about the families that are not privileged? Do they go home to be latch key kids, or sit in front of the TV or video game. We need to get them involved in an after school program that can be run by the school or some other community organization.

It is important for the kids involved that we make sure our government keeps these programs alive. In these after school programs kids can get tutored or help with there homework. Do other activities like painting, music or games. These activities are good for the growth of our children and makes them feel good and important. Some communities have sports programs that are free or very affordable. As parents we need to find out what interests your child has to help you decide what program will work best for them. It doesn’t make any sense to sign them up for something just because you think its good. Besides your child will not get anything out of it and you will end up disappointed.

After school activities can thrive only if backed by sufficient parental involvement as well. What is a football or soccer game be without any parents to cheer on their little heroes. I can not stress this note enough nothing is as great when your child looks in the stands or on the sidelines and sees their Mom or Dad there cheering them on. Now make sure not to put your children in too many activities either for, they still need time to just be kids too. A little free time every day to play with there friends or watch there favorite show is a good thing. Your child may not become the next wonder-kid but, let them cultivate an interest that they enjoy. Remember, happiness and fulfillment is all that matters.

My name is Kimberly Varner I am a 46 year young woman married with two grown children, two grandkids and two dogs. I don’t have two husbands though think I would go crazy if I did! I have really enjoyed writing this article. I wrote this one and others which I will submit soon, because of all the violence and very scary things that are going on in our world today. Click on my website for more information on more safe stuff for kids and young adults http://www.1clickfindit.com talk to you soon.

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Family stress management can be a big reason why everyone, including the children, is able to get a good night’s sleep. With a good night sleep children are better equipped to face challenges throughout the day, as well as perform better in school. By adding these simple strategies to your bedtime routine children will fall asleep easier and wake the next day refueled, refocused, and ready for the day creating a less stressful family environment.

Blowing your worries away

Before bed children often need to decompress about the day’s events. For young children a way to offer this is to blow some bubbles. Have children imagine putting their worries into each bubble and watch it drift into the evening sky. For older children journaling, worry dolls, or placing beads or any small object into a box or plastic bottle; one to represent each worry is a way to voice concerns and put it "away" for the night. Once children have rid themselves of the "weight" they can experience a peaceful rest and be ready to face the next day.

Learning to Relax

At the end of a long day, we all may find it hard to let go of the days stress, making it hard to fall asleep, get a good rest, or focus on a task. Learning to relax is a key family stress management skill that can be learned by all members of the family. Teaching children how to "let go" is as easy as pretending to be a wet noodle or a rag doll. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) walks the body step by step through each muscle, tensing then relaxing. Start by asking your child to make a fist and to straighten their arms out tight, as if they were a tall tree trunk and then release them; imagining letting go like a leaf falling from a tree. Follow with all parts of the body until the child has completely relaxed.

PMR also offers children the opportunity to learn where in their body they harbor tension allowing them to focus on that area. By taking deep breaths or imagining a soothing color offers kids a way to "wash away" the stress of the day leading to a better night’s sleep.

Picking a dream

Have your children choose what they would like to dream about. Helping children to create in their mind a sacred place can lead to increased relaxation and a better night sleep. Create with your child a sacred space that they can go to anytime. Ask them to describe it to you, what would it look? Who would be there with you? What would you eat? The more detail you ask for, the more vivid the image, the easier it is to regain those peaceful feelings associated with the memory. Some children will combine more than one memory or include things they wished had happened or make up an entirely imaginary dream. Asking children to create in their mind a special place that brings them peace and comfort offers them an opportunity to experience tranquility and safety while falling asleep.

Family stress management is crucial in the times that we live in. Today’s children are more stressed out than ever before academically, socially, and physically due to increased media, school and social pressure. Providing children with a repertoire of tools to face challenges can lead to increase self-esteem, promote creativity, and build positive relationships with family and friends. By offering children strategies for falling asleep helps them to learn a lifelong skill and manage their own stress, all leading to a decrease in parental stress and a more peaceful home.

Genevieve M. Lowry M.Ed, CCLS has been helping children and families for twenty years. As a certified child life specialist at The Children’s Hospital of NY, she worked on a general medical floor providing therapeutic activities for children facing chronic or life threatening illness. Through play and preparation she encouraged self-esteem, mastery and control over their illness, as well as promoted choice in an environment that offers little or none. She also helped children and families cope with the rigors of a cancer diagnosis in an outpatient oncology clinic.

FOR MORE MORE STRATEGIES TO HELP WITH FAMILY STRESS MANAGEMENT, CLICK BELOW:
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