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You can listen to the new show by visiting http://www.parentingmyteen.com and clicking on the ‘Listen Now’ Button.

It’s Coffee or Tea with Aurelia time!  Tune in and join me as I discuss ways to get your teen to open up and I also talk about ways that you can connect with
your teenager!

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. I know this is easier said than done, but learning to let things go once in awhile is key to finding some more time for yourself to just relax or do something that you truly enjoy.

So what if the house goes 1-2 days without getting vacuumed or the laundry is put on hold for an extra day.  It is important to alleviate some of stress that we put on ourselves to get ALL of those little things done at once.

Be sure to check out our resource for self motivation tips, motivation articles, information and products to help you reach your goals: http://www.reallifesolutions.net/personal/motivational.html

If you are looking for a breakthrough program that relieves the symptoms of stress and eliminates the causes you will truly be impressed with this program: http://www.reallifesolutions.net/Stresstips.HTML

Do you ever feel guilty when you buy yourself a two dollar bottle of nail polish? How about when you take the long way home from a quick ride to the store just to get some extra quiet time, and when you get home the kids ask, “what took you so long?” does this make you feel like you did something wrong? I am here to tell you that you shouldn’t feel an ounce of guilt!

Moms always seem to give, give, and give some more until we’re running on empty. The truth of the matter is; if you don’t take time to yourself on a regular basis, you’re going to end up feeling deprived and downright exhausted. What good are you to yourself, friends and your family if you’re too tired and irritable to do the things you need to do each day?

Here are a few tips to help you overcome feeling guilty for setting aside time for yourself:

• When your family is getting too demanding and starts questioning you as to why you aren’t at their beckon call every second of the day; simply explain to them that you’re taking time out for a bit and that mom’s need time to themselves too. You can do this by setting a day and time do to something nice for yourself and simply explain to your family what your plans are. Let them know when you are leaving and when they can expect you to be back. They will be so happy to have a relaxed, happy mom upon your return.

• Ask your husband, significant other, friend or a trusted sitter to watch your kids for a while ant then schedule a time to go meet call your friend for an afternoon of window shopping, lunch or perhaps a movie. Don’t allow yourself to feel guilty while you’re doing this. Keep in mind that you deserve the time. When you arrive back at home, don’t get all tense and think, “Maybe I should have stayed home and cleaned the toilet instead.” Let your children see how happy you are that you took time out for yourself then reward your children for their behavior while you were away.

• The next time you find yourself feeling guilty when you haven’t done anything wrong, ask yourself, “is this illegal?” or “is this going to hurt someone else?” If the answer is no, then just don’t worry about it and try to enjoy yourself. You’re more than just a mom, you’re still Y-O-U; and you deserve attention too.

• Don’t think you’re being selfish. This is the number one thing that sidetracks a lot of moms. We have no problem going out and getting a little something for the kids, husband, or friends, but when it comes to making a purchase for ourselves, as small as a shirt on the clearance rack for a few dollars, we hesitate and put it back. If you can afford to get yourself a little something then go ahead and do it. Even if all you can purchase is a new tube of lip stick, a new book or a small accessory, it will make you feel better about yourself.

• Be sure you are expressing your true thoughts and feelings to your loved ones. For instance, if you are asked what you want for your birthday and you say, “Well, I don’t really need anything” and secretly, you are expecting your family to read your mind, 9 times out of 10 you’ll end up feeling disappointed in the outcome. When your family is really trying to be nice and do something kind for you, let them! Don’t feel guilty for asking for that shiny new bracelet you saw in the mall, or a trip to a day spa for that massage that you’ve always wanted. You deserve it!

The most important things in a mother’s life, her children, are also the most influential. Children are just like sponges and everything Mom does they will, at some point in time in their lives, mimic and/or reflect upon. If your children see you constantly suppressing your needs and not speaking out and taking the time that you deserve, they will be more inclined to follow those patterns as they grown into adulthood. What you do today can determine the kind of life your child will lead tomorrow.

Life is short and motherhood goes by quickly, enjoy it to the best of your ability. A guilt free mom is a happy mom!

All moms need special pampering, but don’t forget to include your daughters in on the pampering from time to time.  This is a vital part of parenting because you will teach your daughter that pampering herself is a very important part of life.

If you have a younger daughter, you can pamper her by inviting her with you to the nail salon or perhaps by doing eachothers nails.  This is a great idea for a fun mother-daughter night. Take turns giving each other facials and manicures, rubbing lotion on your feet or combing eachothers. If you have an older daughter, you can save and plan for a special mother-daughter pampering day at the spa.

P.S. Need more pampering ideas?  Visit: http://www.reallifesolutions.net/personal/pamperyourself.html

Back To School Basics

Learn Simple Steps You Can Take To Make This The Best School Year Ever!! 

Download —>  Your Free Back To School Report and be sure to shrea your thoughts with me on it.  It is so important that we start the school year off on the right foot

We all know that stress is inevitable but did you know that  there are ways to minimize its grip on your life, starting with your diet?

Research suggests that cutting down or avoiding “food stressors” like sugar, caffeine, alcohol and chocolate really helps to lower the inpact stress has on you. 

When you are under stress it is easy to immediately turn to junk food but instead you should increase your intake of water, vegetables and fruits as they help to keep you healthy.

P.S. If you have been looking for ways to work on your Relaxation and Stress Reduction then this workbook is for you–> http://www.reallifesolutions.net/stressworkbook.HTML
 

Ahhh the joys of parenting.  Most parents have witnessed their little bundles of joy in the throws of a temper tantrum.  Even the most dignified parent has been left red-faced and wanting to be swallowed into the ground while their toddler is having a public meltdown.

Here are a few easy ideas for avoiding temper tantrums:

Don’t Let Your Child Get Over Tired – Don’t let your child become too tired.  Set a regular nap routine and try to stick to it, and make sure your child goes to bed at a reasonable time and gets enough sleep during the night.  Tiredness is often the first reason for a tantrum. 

Give Them Time – Allow enough time for activities like getting dressed, brushing their hair and getting in and out of the car.  Your child will want to do a lot of these things on his own and rushing him is a sure way to start a tantrum.  Give him a little extra time and let him try to be independent by allowing him to do certain things for himself.

Here’s to some temper free days!

P.S. Want more information on how to deal with your childs tantrums? Visit http://reallifesolutions.net/family/tantrums.html

If you are finding yourself in a pinch each month, you may want to have a work from home extra income coming into the household.  Alice Seba, an Internet Marketing
Expert, tells you how you can accomplish this in the following article:
http://reallifesolutions.net/personal/work-from-home-extra-income.html

What busy mother doesn’t love quick and easy healthy meal idea’s for her family.

I know 1st hand how frustrating it is return home after a busy day then slave over the stove or to rummage through the cabinets when you have hungry, impatient tummys waiting.  Visit http://reallifesolutions.net/personal/quick-dinner-ideas.html for your
 quick and easy dinner ideas.

A nice tie into this is learning how to do a little meal planning so that you actually spend less time cooking and more time really enjoying yourself and your familly. I am an avid meal planner and wrote this easy to follow article on how you too can plan your meals and free up your precious time: http://reallifesolutions.net/personal/meal-planning.html

As you know, I love hearing your feedback. Do you have any of your own personal tips that you’d like to share with me?  If so, just post your comments  and I am all ears

The Healthy Express Cookbook: 101 Fresh, Light & Quick Dinners.  Offers you healthy, home-cooked meals that are super fast to prepare — visit  http://reallifesolutions.net/Cookbook.HTML to learn more