June 2013, Issue 9
Parenting Teens
FUN WITH NO CONTROL CHOOSE YOUR COLORS
Skin Tone is In Kids Bucket List ACTIVITIES TO PLAN CREATIVE QUIET TIME
Summertime
Fun Checklist SIZZLING SUMMER WHO HAS TIME FOR
Timelessness Power of Productivity CONTROL TIME TO ENJOY MORE
QUALITY FUN TIME TOGETHER
Tap & hold the screen to show the top bar. HOME returns you to the App home page.
How to page through the Inner Peace Parenting Magazine!
Swipe horizonally to go to the next page
1. Tap & hold the screen to show the bottom bar with all the pages. 2. Swipe horizontally to quickly page through the content. 3. Tap selected page to view it full screen. Enjoy!
June 2013, Issue 9
CONTENTS
Quality Time based on Needs Parents Bonding Better page # 7
Who has Time for Timelessness Just Make the Time
page # 8
By Amelia DuRocher
How Long will it Take Children Getting Bored
page # 12
By Kimberly Schick-Puddicombe
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________
Kids Summer Bucket List
Top 10 Summer B ucket List:
What are the Top 10 different places; both near and far, things, games, sports, favorite activities you love doing. Making this list will help put FUN into ACTION throughout the summer. Date Completed
1._________________________________________________________________ 2._________________________________________________________________ 3._________________________________________________________________ 4._________________________________________________________________ 5._________________________________________________________________ 6._________________________________________________________________ 7._________________________________________________________________ 8._________________________________________________________________ 9._________________________________________________________________ 10.________________________________________________________________
List Top 10 Summer Ideas
page # 15
By Kimberly Schick-Puddicombe
Speci f ic Trips, Events or Festivals: What are the Top 3 adventures you don’t want to miss? Are you attending summer camp, a wedding, family birthdays, reunions, festival or trips? Event Date
Skin Tone is IN Choose Your Colors Well
page # 16
By Nathalie Chapron
Want to be Happier Book a Personalized Session
page # 18
by Diana Dentinger 3
June 2013, Issue 9
CONTENTS
The Power of Productivity Control Time, Boost Quality, Enjoy Less Stress
page # 19
By Leslie Shreve
Summertime Quiet Time Your Dream Box
page # 24
By Judith Fine-Sarchielli
What is Driving You Get to Know Your Needs
page # 26
By Diana Dentinger
Sizzling Summertime Fun Checklist
page # 27
By Lisa Fenton
Parenting Teenagers Could be Fun without Control
page # 30
By Rahma Hassan
Reach out to the Contributors
page # 33-34 4
FROM THE EDITOR
June 2013, Issue 9
FEEDBACK Your feedback is welcome. This is your magazine too. Let us know what would help you find inner peace in parenting your children. Contact Inner Peace Parenting Magazine Magazine Privacy Policy
h"p://youtu.be/GHeypzVQOJo School is finishing this week in Italy. Kids are happy it’s over, that’s for sure. And for the most part, even the parents. For over a month now, the moms have been talking about which summer camps they will be sending their kids to, everything from the local day camps to the out of town week long camps. Organizing a family for the next 3 months takes time and creative ideas. If there is too much structure and not a lot of free time, similar to the rigid school year hours, then no one feels they are on vacation. If there are no weekly plans then everyone seems to get bored.
Copyright 2012 Diana Dentinger Inner Peace Parenting Magazine Sviluppo CCT sas - Italy All rights reserved under the International and Pan American Copyright Conventions. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the unsolicited materials.
Diana Dentinger, Editor Inner Peace Parenting Magazine
As with lots of things in life, it is important to find the balance. And each person will require a different dose of structure - free time to say at the end of the summer: “Wow, I really had fun!” Sometimes younger kids are happy just to be home and spend more time with thier parents, siblings and toys. While the older kids could enjoy hanging out with their friends more. Here are our suggestions on how to plan a fun summer with just the right amount of creative fun and quality time together.
5
Simply Fun June 2013 Contributors
Amelia DuRocher
Nathalie Chapron Leslie Shreve
Lisa Fenton
Kimberly Shick-Puddicombe Judith Fine-Sarchielli Diana Dentinger Editor in Chief
PEACE IN NEEDS
Quality Time Based on Needs Parents Bonding Better By Diana Dentinger
h"p://youtu.be/4DwafnyxTI When you understand Needs, you finally understand the commonalities that unite your family and even the differences that often, and unfortunately, separate. Take this Needs Quiz now! www.dianadentinger.com/quiz
Diana Dentinger As a Neurobiology Therapist, Diana Dentinger has studied both both psychology and behavior based on emotional memory stored in the middle brain. She created the Personality & Needs Profile as the primary tool she uses to help parents understand the essence of their children. She offers complimentary consultations: www.parentbynumbers.com/session/
7
PEACE WITH TIME
Who Has Time for Timelessness Make the Time By Amelia DuRocher
To a work-at-home mom with three kids of varying ages and, therefore, varying needs, the thought of carefree timelessness seems rather absurd... and heavenly. Matthew Kelly, from whom I am borrowing the phrase, wrote about carefree timelessness in his book, “The Seven Levels of Intimacy.” He described it as: “It is time together. Not five or ten minutes, but two hours or four hours, or a weekend away. And it isn’t just a lot of time together. Carefree timelessness is time together without an agenda.” In a world where every minute is accounted for and every minute counts, because there is an ever growing to-do list, how can anyone have time for carefree timelessness? It’s too important not to make time for it. Sure it’s not urgent. That is until your kids are grown and moving out and you wonder where the time went. Or when you realize you don’t even know your spouse any more and you’re on the brink of divorce.
Then it’s urgent and important! The thing is, it’s important even before it becomes urgent. It’s important to all your relationships that you want to grow and thrive, most especially with your spouse and your children. I know I feel so connected after a period of carefree timelessness. I feel closer to my family. And the kids thrive on it too. It seems they are always a little better behaved and a little more cuddly after spending some carefree timelessness with us. And when I spend some carefree timelessness with my husband I start feeling that giddy in love feeling again.
8
You remember that feeling you had when you first fell for each other and you got butterflies in your stomach at the thought of seeing him. Because remember in the beginning we used to spend all kinds of carefree timelessness with our spouses. Then came the responsibilities, the kids, the rushing around, the errands to run, the work to complete, the bills to pay. Oh, I’m exhausted just thinking about it all. How in the world do you find time for carefree timelessness? It seems difficult but I assure you it’s not. You can plan it. Squeeze it into that schedule of yours. It’s great if you manage to accomplish it without filling the time with things to do or without it getting buried in the schedule under more urgent things. I have managed to schedule it on occasion. But I have had the most success in creating time for carefree timelessness by just dropping everything and doing it; last minute, on a whim. Call in sick for the whole family, even if that’s calling in to yourself. I know — gasp!
Drop everything? Yes. Not have a plan? Yes. Be Spontaneous? Absolutely. Ok so now you woke up and decided for whatever reason, today is the day. There is nothing pressingly urgent and you just feel like it. Now what? First ask, what do we all feel like doing right now? We’re hungry. Great, go eat. We’re hot. Great, go swimming. We feel like laughing. Great, go to a movie. We feel like being outside. Great, go to the playground. Have a picnic. It’s your choice moment to moment. Be flexible. For instance last weekend, my husband and I dropped our plans to work and took the kids on a road trip. The only plan we had was where we would sleep and that we would go to a air museum since our kids love airplanes. We fit in the museum along with some swimming and going out to eat when the hunger pains overcame us. Our schedule was led by how we all felt (and when baby brother was tired and needed to nap).
9
Carefree timelessness counts towards quality of time not quantity. It’s about connecting and sharing experiences together. It’s about remembering what is really important and spending time there. It doesn’t have to be much. A little will go a long way as long as it’s carefree and you are present in the time with your family. (Pssst. Moms, does this sound good just for you? Well your relationship with you deserves some carefree timelessness too. Sometimes it’s all we need to keep our juices up for taking care of the rest of the family and that long list of to dos. Talk about heavenly!)
Here’s my prescription as a parenting coach: Take one day off. (Your choice whether off of house or work) Spend time with your family doing what it is you feel like doing when you wake up. Be flexible throughout the day. Enjoy every moment. Repeat at least once every three months. (And here is one example of where more is better.) Side effects: Connection, more love, more cohesiveness, and, I dare say, better behaved children. Down sides: None that I have seen. Sound good? Great, then you are ready. Now, drop it! Go!
Amelia DuRocher Amelia DuRocher is a mom, coach and children’s book author. Her two award-winning “self-help” children’s books are available from stormandrock.com and she blogs at slimmama-parenting.com. 10
The time you spend together is precious! Inner Peace Parenting Magazine 11
PEACE ON VACATION
How Long will it Take I’m Bored! By Kimberly Schick-Puddicombe
With just days left in the School year the kids will soon be home…24/7 for over 65 days and parents dread the moment it happens… Mom… I’m bored. Once that begins, we take them here, there, book a play date, book another summer camp and head to grandmas for a few days. When you ask the kids, “what do you want to do?” Most kids answer – “I don’t’ know. What is there to do?” Kid leave it up to us parents to make all the plans, then they keep saying they are bored, because they didn’t’ have any input into the choice. If you’re already dreading everything after the first week of summer holiday and you want to Seize the Summer, I have a secret tool that has been working and for hundreds of families. Try it out and create the summer that changes everything for your family. It’s 2013 Kids Summer Bucket List
One thing I always hear as a Fun Finding expert is “Oh, I always wanted to do that or go there with the kids, but when we do have the time, I never think of it” and then you blink your eyes and summers over… and they still hadn’t done the things they talked about. So a few years ago, I created a Summer Bucket List that moms filled out and put on their fridge. Now when they did have time or when the kids would say “I’m Bored” they would look at the Bucket list and have ideas readily available. 12
There are three easy steps in creating your 2013 Kids Summer Bucket List and it’s a fun family activity. It gives kids ownership of things they want to do or try and it creates a high selfesteem when they can accomplish the things on their list. For parents, it allows us to ask different questions, which the kids can then answer differently as well. It also allows parents peace of mind knowing in advance them ideas and options. I always hear parents say they want more for their kids than they had. This gives parents a way to sneak in a few of our favorite things that we remember from our childhood. Use the time when creating the Summer Bucket List to connect with your kids, explore what’s important and interesting to them. Step 1: First, help them come up with a Top 10 thing to put on their summer list. Think outside your normal everyday places. Be creative at how you add in activities that you love doing. For example, if you love to go bike riding, swimming or to the playgrounds, here is how you put a new twist ...
Write down that you want to find a new bike path, ice cream store or visit a new playground every week throughout the summer. Add a Water Balloon fight, making smores or camping in the backyard, planting a garden or taking care of a family pet through the summer. Visit new museums, corn mazes, or a nature or bird sanctuary and add in doing more day trips to those places you said you always wanted to stop at. ON THIS TRIP: Do it this trip... Stop the car on while on this road trip, don’t race to the destination. Enjoy the stops on the way . When we make the stops and add in a new adventure, we provide the excitement in the trip your kids are looking for. Step 2: The second part of the Summer Bucket List covers the “Date Specific” events, places or festivals you have planned to attend. This might include an upcoming wedding, family gathering, local festival, and parade or birthday party. If your kids are going to summer camp, you can include this so they can prepare and get excited about the activities they will participate in. Mark the dates and event on the list, which you should put on the fridge or in a visual spot to refer to often. Step 3: They will look at adding in three New Challenges to complete over the summer. When a challenge is put in front them their brain tries to find out how they will get it done. The brain will automatically try to organize and find a way to make this happen.
13
This needs to be clear, specific and provide them a stretch to reach for. Whatever the challenge is, encourage them to make a plan, visualize it, practice or overcome a fear so they get used to finding the courage within themselves. It might be waterskiing, swimming, riding a horse or a bike without training wheels, learning a new bike trick or maybe reading a book for the first time or even the learning the alphabet. Each challenge should be child specific, engage their passions or talents and might require adult support or guidance. It could also be the answer to I’m Bored. It’s a great segway after that “well have you been working on your challenges? Why not go out and practice that new bike trick.” MOST IMPORTANT STEP: Remember the most critical part of the Bucket List after you take the time to CREATE the Summer Bucket List is that they must immediately put it into action. Find one of the items on the list that will be the first to check it off. If you don’t create the momentum for your children and help them unleash their lives then they will get discouraged, put the list in a drawer and you will have a summer like every other summer. They will “FEEL like you didn’t do anything.”
Make this the summer that you create a fulfilled summer for your children and family. Include one of those top ten something you will incorporate into your weekly activities, you will then be open to idea spotting and looking for other places and things to add to your live that create the connection in your family. At the end of the Summer the bucket list is a great way to look back on all the places, things, events they took part in. When September rolls around and we don’t want to be searching our brain, for what did we do this summer? It is amazing how we often forget what we did, but when it’s written down and checked off with a completion date it brings back memories, stories and provides our children with a feeling of having a fulfilled summer of fun. By reviewing your activities that you planned, created and implemented, you teach them how to create the future they want. Make and keep a copy every year and soon they will be amazed 10 or 15 years later of all they have accomplished and that they have been living a Bucket List life with their family. You will be the family that others envy, the family that has the fun that other kids want to be a part of which helps you stay connected and build a bond with your kids.
Kimberly Schick-Puddicombe Kimberly Schick-Puddicombe is the Author of three editions of The “Little Black Book” for Busy Families, founder of MomsDadsAndKids.com and LifeTimeBucketList.com. She has been helping families find fun since 2006 with tips ideas and ways to lose their boring mom status. www.lifetimebucketlist.com
14
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ Top 10 Summer B ucket List:
What are the Top 10 different places; both near and far, things, games, sports, favorite activities you love doing. Making this list will help put FUN into ACTION throughout the summer. Date Completed
1._________________________________________________________________ 2._________________________________________________________________ 3._________________________________________________________________ 4._________________________________________________________________ 5._________________________________________________________________ 6._________________________________________________________________ 7._________________________________________________________________ 8._________________________________________________________________ 9._________________________________________________________________ 10.________________________________________________________________
Speci f ic Trips, Events or Festivals:
What are the Top 3 adventures you don’t want to miss? Are you attending summer camp, a wedding, family birthdays, reunions, festival or trips? Event Date 1. ___________________________________________________________________________ 2. ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. ___________________________________________________________________________
Try Something New: What 3 things would you like to try that you have never done before?
Date Completed 1. ___________________________________________________________________________ 2. ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. ___________________________________________________________________________ Creating your child’s Summer Bucket List is about engaging your family and acknowledging the “Firsts” in their lives as “Bucket List Moments.” A Summer Bucket List doesn’t have to be expensive or just about travel. It’s a different way to look at creating new challenges, adding fun and turning the everyday things into excitement and allowing them to Capture the Memories as they happen! Place your child’s list on your Fridge or bulletin board. Coming soon ! Bucket List ideas & packages visit:
LifeTime Bucket List.Com 15
PEACE IN COLOR
Skin Tone is IN Choose Your Colors Well By Nathalie Chapron
It’s almost Summer time. Time to spend more time with our kiddos outdoor and in the sun. And with that, also comes a change in what we can wear, what we can feel good in. I could give you a lot of background and explanation as to why what I’m about to share with you works, but you and I are both busy, so I’m going to ask you to just trust me and keep reading.
So we first have to determine the temperature of your skin tone. Are you cool, warm or neutral? Ok, so go to your jewelry box and grab 2 necklaces, 1 in silver and 1 in gold (or any piece of jewelry that’s big enough so the experiment is successful. Avoid little tiny earrings for example). For bonus points, if you have a rose gold necklace you can grab that one too.
Let give you the goods right away. Ok, so this season, skin tone is IN. Lucky for you! It’s one of the most flattering colors you can wear. If you do it right, it will make you look 10 years younger instantly. It will make you look fresh and give you that youthful glow that all of us want. Not only that, but it’s a color that makes people feel comfortable with you. It’s a very approachable color, which is nice to wear when you are trying tt make new friends by the pool.
Now, go to a mirror where you can see yourself in natural light in and hold first the silver necklace up to your face. What happens? Is there a resonance there? Does it harmonize with you? How does your skin react? Is it happy? And most importantly, does it make you look healthy?
But I have to warn you, if you do it wrong, it will make you look sallow and sick. Who needs that? Right! So let me tell you how to do it right. 16
Now, do the same thing with the gold necklace. Hold it up and look. I mean, really look. What happens?
But the main thing is that when you hold it up next to your face, it should feel like it’s exactly like your skin.
And if you have one, try this exercise with the rose necklace.
Ok, now, if you have a warmer skin tone, you will look best in the peaches, apricots, and bronze colors.
Ok, so what is the verdict? Which one looked best on you? Be honest with yourself, this is really important. If the silver one was best, you have a cooler skin tone. If the gold one was best, you have a warmer skin tone. If rose gold was best you most likely have a neutral skin tone. So how does that translate in clothing? you say. I’m so glad you asked! Well, if you have a cooler skin tone, you will look best in roses and pinks. And when you are in the store looking for the perfect top in your skin tone (definitely wear this color on top and near your face!) hold it up to you and look in the mirror.
If you have a neutral skin tone, you will look best in those colors that neither too cool nor too warm (peachy-pinks for example). Keep in mind, these are broad generalizations, but it will at least get you going in the right direction. Now, have fun, go shopping and buy something in your skin tone. You will look MARVELOUS! Until next time…BE RADIANT!
What do you notice first, your eyes or the top? If it’s the top, put it back, it’s too bright or too light, or too something. If it’s your eyes, you probably have a winner.
Nathalie Chapron Nathalie Chapron's mission is to help women radiate their natural charisma so they can experience more Self-Love, Authentic Expression and abundance in their life. She does that through a very exclusive type of color and style analysis. https://www.timetrade.com/book/7RVMH 17
You want to be happier but you don’t know how!
Lighten up Play with Personality & Satisfy Needs
It’s a Coaching as a Game for you to win in Life!
Book your Personalized Session here! 18
PEACE IN PRODUCTIVE
The Power of Productivity Take Control of Your Time, Boost Quality Time with Kids, Enjoy Less Stress By Leslie Shreve
I don’t have to ask you if you wonder where your time goes. You probably wonder about it all the time. You’re a busy Mom or Dad, you’re probably working full time – or what commonly turns out to be all the time – and you’re tired, overworked and stressed. On most evenings and weekends it feels like you only have enough energy to “check the box” on dinner, help your kids with their homework, and maybe get some semblance of order in the house.
do – or it’s considered a necessary evil in order to keep up – or both.
Or maybe you’re running your kids around to sports, dance or music classes.
And what if you could be more efficient with the time you spend with your kids?
Either way, you probably jump back on your computer after the kids are in bed and you work another hour or two.
And what if, at the same time, you could boost the quality of time you spend with your kids?
My clients tell me they do this all the time and for the job, career or business you have, you’ve decided it’s either worth the sacrifice, because you love what you
Sounds like an impossible win-win-win, but it is possible. I know, because I grew up in a household run by two extremely productive and engaging parents.
And that’s fine, but what if you could streamline your time during the week?
19
If you’re interested in using your time wisely, enjoying more time with your children, and teaching your children how to be productive with their time, then I have a few tips for you. 1. Be a Planner Planning things ahead of time is one of the biggest ways to save time and be super productive. And by “things” I mean tasks and projects, but also meal times, when to do chores, and when to plan activities with your children. Planning offers a chance to pick and choose exactly what you and your spouse will do with your time, such as accomplishing tasks around the house or yard. It allows you to gather necessary materials, clear schedules and create contingency plans. Planning ahead ultimately allows you to include family time into your weeks, date nights into your months, family activities on weekends, and vacation times throughout the year.
2. Be the Authority If you tell one of your children to eat their vegetables or else… or that they must go to bed at a certain time… or you tell them to stop doing something they shouldn’t do… don’t waffle. If you promise to take away something they can normally have or do, don’t give in or switch gears back and forth. Waffling on your directive gives mixed messages to your child and it both voids the lesson for them and loses time for you. In the midst of showing your kids you don’t mean what you say, you’ll also lose time listening to their begging or pleading or you lose time to negotiations, both of which just blew your credibility. And guess what? If it happened this time, they’ll remember it the next time when you threaten repercussions you probably won’t enforce, which will cost you even more time. By sticking to your guns and knowing ahead of time what you will and will not stand for from your child, exactly what lesson you’re ready to teach and why, and precisely what you’re willing to take away as punishment, you’ll be a person in their life they respect. You are a force to reckon with and there should be no ifs, ands or buts about it. 20
It’s the waffling back and forth that undercuts your authority and costs you so much time that none of you will ever get back. 3. Be Committed to Routines Using routines and structure in your family can save you tons of time. It sets expectations for children and parents alike. The routines I’m referring to include time for meals, doing homework, watching TV, playing games, or doing chores. Routines are also good for taking showers, doing laundry, when to get up or go to bed and cleaning up rooms. When expectations for these routines are met, there’s no wasted time on guessing, wondering, figuring out, negotiating or trying to find things. As an example, kids’ bedtimes should be set at a certain time each night and one that’s early enough for each child to get the proper amount of sleep for their age.
Once your kids know what the ground rules are, that should be it. And when you get them into a routine of “getting ready for bedtime” ahead of time, for example, they’ll get in the swing of it without whining, begging or pleading to stay up later. Otherwise, you’re just asking for it and by “it” I mean wasted time, plus exhaustion and stress for you. Another example of a routine is time for dinner. If you eat most dinners at home, then you can plan a standard time for everyone to commit to – even you. If mealtime together as a family is important to you and you want to save time, you’ll make it a routine. If not, then dinner time can be a helterskelter, catch-as-catch can time-waster – especially if family members get home at different times.
They’ll be happier and more energetic during the day as a result of getting to bed early and on time, every time. There’s nothing more wasteful (of time) than trying to convince, cajole, persuade or bribe your child to go to bed. It should be one of those non-negotiable things in life. It’s bed time! Go to sleep! Good night! 21
Then you could be doing multiple shifts as cook, waiter and dishwasher and that’s a whole evening robbed of time for other things. And meals can end up being pretty unhealthy, too. When you condense meal time into one set time frame each night and stick with it, you’ll have more time for fun with your kids, helping them with homework, or time with your spouse. You can plan ahead for what to make for dinner each night, too, even when you’re working. You can get things out of the freezer in the morning in time to thaw and you can make notes about what to make when you get home. 4. Be a Recruiter Do you have hobbies? Do you have things to do around the house? In the yard? Enlist your children to help you as your assistant. Think of it as part of their room and board. It could be showing them how to set the table, how to fold laundry, how to work on a car, or how to do repairs around the house. Enlisting your kids is not only priceless for your children, but such a wonderful time-saver for you! I grew up on 30 acres in the countryside of Baltimore County, Maryland, and there was no shortage of things to do.
On weekends, as a family, we were either cutting grass, chopping wood for the wood stoves, gardening, working in the wood shop, painting walls, mending fences, or cleaning, just to name a few regular tasks. But no matter what we helped our parents do, my sister and I learned a lot about being productive and we gained experience, expertise and a work ethic we could enjoy forever. When you recruit your children to help you around your home or yard, they will… 1. Appreciate the skills they learn and the time it took for you to teach them something. 2. Enjoy the feeling of satisfaction once they’ve finished a job, no matter how big or small. And whether they did it perfectly or not, there are lessons in there, too. 22
3. Learn a great work ethic and what it means to put time and effort into doing something useful. 4. Learn how to help you, but also learn what you’re doing, too, so they can do it for themselves someday. 5. Enjoy spending time with you, whether they grumble about being enlisted or not.
In the end, being productive as a parent means taking good care of the limited time you have as a family every day. And while it takes a little time to get routines or plans in place, it’s well worth the investment, because the dividends of time well planned and well spent with your family are priceless.
6. Learn that being full of care (careful) for the things you cherish and enjoy is important and that “maintenance” on the things you want to keep looking good or running well doesn’t just happen. It takes time and effort, which pays off, whether it’s taking care of your kitchen appliances or the structure of the whole house. 7. Understand that NOT taking care of something now can cost you in the future – more time, more effort and/or more money – and that’s wasteful when it could have been avoided by careful maintenance.
Leslie Shreve Leslie Shreve is Founder and CEO of Productive Day and the creator of an interesting program called Taskology® The Science of Getting Things Done. Contact her at: leslie@productiveday.com and 410-218-4896 Visit her at: www.productiveday.com to get more information. 23
PEACE IN PICTURES
Summer time Quiet time Your Dream Box By Judith Fine-Sarachielli
How about doing something creative this summer just for yourself. A Dream Box is a creative accessory in which you collect your images and words. It’s optional and can be created at anytime. Decorate another, readymade box that is a large enough size to place your images. You can also find inexpensive, attractive boxes in specialty and craft stores. Be sure to prepare your space for your comfort. Choose a time when you have privacy and free time. Don’t do it outside unless you have a sheltered space, as everything can blow away. Find a quiet place where you will be undisturbed by people, children, or dogs. Wear loose clothing and use earplugs if absolutely necessary. a. Create a quiet space with some pillows or a comfortable chair, gather your favorite pen and paper, and brew some calming tea, put on your favorite music, and light a candle.
b. Light some of your favorite incense or spray your favorite scent in the area. Lavender works well to relax and inspire the subconscious. c. Relax in your space and breathe in deeply and then exhale a few times. Let all the stress of the day dissipate. Imagine you are in your favorite place in nature and hold the vision for a few minutes while you continue to breathe. Be aware of your surroundings and notice the shapes and colors of your environment.
24
d. Do some relaxation exercises such as yoga or stretches to open up your mind-body. e. Identify and write your six top values and choose the main one as your Core Value that will show you how to choose the theme for your mission statement and guide you through the vision board process. Use your Core Value to write about your intent for the vision board process. What do you want your vision board to manifest? Write a short mission statement or an affirmation. f. If you don’t want to focus on a specific topic, open your dream box or magazines and select the images and words that appeal to you. Don’t analyze them—let the feelings flow. You will always choose the perfect images because your subconscious and super conscious knows how to spark what you need most at any moment.
Don’t use a computer to create the look of your box. You can create dream ideas and vision board on the computer, but your dreams may not manifest as well, because the electromagnetic energy that transfers your passion moves through your hands. The computer technology can hinder the hands-on energy. Use your intuition and instinct, not technology for your creative process. Do it by yourself Don’t ask your friend, secretary, assistant, spouse, etc. to help you out with your Dream Box process. These are your dreams and your Dream Box therefore needs to be done exclusively by you. You can do a family Dream Box, where you put all of your common wishes together as a family unit. All your family members must do it together.
Judith Fine-Sarchielli Judith lives in Topanga Canyon, California in a tree-house-like studio where she creates, walks,and watches her 8-month old baby grand daughter among the hummingbirds, owls, hawks, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. You can contact her on LinkedIn. http://www.linkedin.com/in/judithsarchielli 25
PEACE IN NEEDS
What is Driving You? Get to Know your Needs
h"p://youtu.be/GfPrXbOSHVo Needs drive behavior. Dedicate 15 minutes to understanding your Needs. Get clear on what is driving your loved ones. Take the Quiz here: www.dianadentinger.com/quiz
Diana Dentinger As a Neurobiology Therapist, Diana Dentinger has studied both both psychology and behavior based on emotional memory stored in the middle brain. She created the Personality & Needs Profile as the primary tool she uses to help parents understand the essence of their children. She offers complimentary consultations: www.parentbynumbers.com/session/
26
PEACE IN FUN
Sizzling Summertime Fun Checklist By Lisa Fenton
Ahoy! The summer months are almost here. While many a teacher and child have been looking forward to June, July and August for weeks, I ask you this: Are you feeling overwhelmed with three months of keeping your children occupied and out of trouble? Worry no more! I am going to share with you my Sizzling Summer Fun Checklist that will keep you feeling calm and your children feeling creative. The materials mentioned are ones you can easily find or collect in your home. They are no or low cost and will help foster your children’s ingenuity.
June o Paint with water and brushes on a sun-warmed sidewalk. o Discover “will it float or sink?” using found items with water and a tub. o Create a mini-garden with fast growing seeds like peas, beans, and pumpkins. o Go for a hike with clipboards, paper and drawing materials. o Have a library book extravaganza!
o o o o o
July Freeze toys in water and plastic containers and find a way to chip them out. Explore water using kitchen utensils like funnels, straws and plastic bottles. Become photographers with simple digital camera exploration. Make a cardboard box city using tape, markers, cereal, and used food boxes. Build your own outdoor fortress using old bed sheets and clothes pins. 27
August o Paint on each other with non-toxic paint and create body parts prints. o Collage using found tree leaves and flowers on contact paper. o Make a kid and parent car wash with hoses, sponges and bath soap. o Plan a recipe list for healthy and homemade school lunches. o Get prepared for ‘back to school’ by creating school supplies collages. o Write family stories using your summer fun digital photos. I invite you to print out my Sizzlin’ Summer Fun Checklist and put it on your fridge. When your children are bursting with energy and you are ready to pull out your hair, you can give offer them 2-3 fun activity choices then guide them into their creativity. Their energy will be quickly routed and you will maintain your full head of hair! If you have Summer Fun ideas to add to the list, please be in touch with me at Happy Home FamilyCoaching.com
Lisa Fenton, M.S. Lisa Fenton is on a mission to help families go from chaotic to calm and cohesive with tools that children respond to and parents love. Visit Lisa for more tips on parenting: HappyHomeFamilyCoaching.com 28
Design your day with brightness
Like and Share us on Facebook Inner Peace Parenting Magazine 29
PEACE WITH TEENS
Parenting Teenagers Could be Fun if You are not in ‘Control’. By Rahma Hassan
In the other issues I wrote generally about parenting. I feel in this issue, I should pay special attention to parenting teenagers. There are great deals of myths on parenting teenagers and majority of people with whom I have discussed parenting teenagers have found it the most challenging experience of their lives. It is very rare to read positive stories about teenagers in the headlines, even though, according to a Child development expert, the fact is that 9 in 10 teenagers do not get into trouble. Nobody makes headlines with this 90% of well behaved teenagers. In order to adequately address parenting teenagers, I will break the teenage years (the period before adolescence) into 3 phases: preadolescence (age 9 to 13), middle adolescence (age 14 to 16) and late adolescence (age 17 to 20). During preadolescence, children feel disorganized, and their growth is rapid and uneven. They are not quite adolescents yet because their sexual maturity has not fully completed, and they are between the stages of childhood and teen years.
Children try to meet the expectations of both parents and friends. Parents of preadolescents may feel less ready to face the new challenges than when their children were younger. They may feel more worried about the number of dangerous situations and substances to which youth are exposed. Parents should meet this stage with warmth, fairness, and even a sense of humour. Below the age of 9 years, your children have had little influence from others apart from you. Beyond being children, these little Angels become bigger in size and start feeling they are on the same level with you. 30
During late adolescence, there are many decisions to be made. Teens are beginning to disengage, and they often prepare to leave home about the same time their parents are reflecting on their own lives and needs.
That is fair enough, because your children do not know that you know other things than those you taught them! What parents must not do at this stage is to start comparing themselves with their own parents and the child as themselves when they were teenagers. This is where a lot of parents start a ‘war’ with their teenagers. Parents tend to say to their teenagers: ‘when I was your age, my parents ......’. Please spare the child! You are not your parents and your child is not you. The game and players have changed; as such the rules must be different now. During middle adolescence, children may go ballistic over a few extra pounds, hair that won't stay in place, spots, or issues with friends. During this time, parents may take on more a role of counsellor. The warmth, affection, and positive communication of a counsellor, however, must be balanced with the teenagers’ needs to be independent and in charge. One researcher found that teenagers seek information from friends on social events, dating, joining clubs, and other social life aspects while they turn to their parents for information on education, career plans, and money matters.
At this time, authority with children is redefined and there is a gradual shift toward economic and emotional independence. A new adult-adult relationship must emerge. During all these phases, parents must be focused on empowering their teenagers through activities that will lead to strengthening them physically and emotionally. Sometimes, it is better to observe and learn from your children how they want to be treated. Children have their own divine intelligence and it will be helpful if parents guide them on tapping on this precious gift as they grow. They may not necessarily be Grade A students, but have a creative vision. Help them explore this vision as you may be parenting a Steve Jobs (the Apple inventor). If Steve Jobs parents insisted he learns from the limited knowledge in the classroom, he would not have built Apple that has revolutionised the whole world. During teenage years, parents have to become more alert to the changes in their children’s emotions. There are many issues to be addressed. Your teenagers will have to learn a lot of stuff, from domestic issues, (washing up, cleaning their room, cooking etc) to handling relationships with friends, teachers, school issues, thoughts of college, what field of study to engage in what profession to pursue, and many more issues that are the realities of life. 31
In order to build a good relationship with your teenagers, you need to realize these emotional changes your teenagers are going through.
Before that, you were their best friend and teacher. Do not let your teenager replace you with outsiders to carry out those roles.
Give your teenagers more and more responsibility and allow them to make guided decisions about their lives. Give them enough space to develop, while standing by to help if need be. At this stage it will be more appropriate to adjust your parenting style to a coaching or managerial approach. With this type of approach, you are likely to build a better relationship with your teenagers that are based on respect and trust, and you will experience less arguments resulting from frustrations of both yourself and your teenager.
Parents must make sure they stay active in your teen's life. When my daughters were teenagers, I watched most of the programmes they love with them on television. I watched for example ‘Top of the Pops’ and we discussed all the Artists and their lives. We watched the ‘Cosby’ shows together as well.
As your teenagers grow older, treat them like the individual that they are. Respect their space; be honest and truthful when you have discussions concerning the family. There is nothing like a ‘white lie’, a lie is a lie. Do not lie to them. Sometimes, promising what you cannot fulfil to the teenager becomes a lie. When they do something wrong, it is better not to judge or elaborate on your teenagers' failures. Instead, help them by having open honest discussions on the issue that is problematic. If you do not have a solution for them, tell them so and together, explore the solutions through dialogue. Listening is a very important tool in parenting teenagers. Give them ample time when they need to discuss an issue with you. Remember that they know nothing apart from what you have thought them before they start socializing in school or with friends.
While programmes like ‘Top of the Pops’ was for them, we have a common interest in watching the ‘Cosby’ show. During this period, I learnt various ‘crazy’ dance steps from my daughters because I was teaching them how to dance to African music! It was great fun learning from each other. They taught me how to be a ‘parent’, while I taught them how to be ‘children’. Of course there were activities like ice skating, horse riding, swimming that I was not able to participate in because they happened in school, but I was able to ask them about these activities and follow their progress to sustain their interest.
32
Following your teenagers’ progress at school is very vital to their development. The fact that while they are in school, they are the responsibility of their teachers does not mean that your parenting role is suspended for the time they spend in school.
This is my angle of parenting teenagers, what is yours?
Take interest in following teenagers’ progress report and have a good link with their teachers. If your teenagers know that you will not only visit their school on parents’ evening, but also pay impromptu visits to the Head teacher, enquiring about their progress, they will take their studies more seriously. Parents must take their teenagers progress report seriously. Discuss it with them and give them praises where need be. Let them share areas of problems with you and help as honestly as you can. Finally, when your teenagers start showing signs of independence, please respect their need to be so. After all, you empowered them to be confident and independent, why would you not give them a chance to practice these qualities. With this foundation in place, no external pressure, be it peer or media can derail your child.
Rahma
!
Rahma is an Intuitive Life Coach. She assists her Clients to find the truth, love and light in themselves, so that they can become their authentic selves. She also works with Eric Pearl's Reconnective healing technique to compliment her work. Find her at: http://www.rahmathassan.com
33
CONTRIBUTORS
June 2013, Issue 9
REACH OUT TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Judith Fine-Sarchielli is a hyphenate who has more than one branch of her business, Brainstorming for Success. Judith is a Certified Vision Board Educator, Certified Transactional Analysis Practitioner, WANT Institute Graduate, Gluten-Free Chef and Cooking Teacher, True Livelihood Advisor and teaches Visioning and Brainstorming techniques and Gluten-Free Cooking online. She is also an Author, Citizen Journalist, and Artist who lived in Tuscany for 20 years. www.cuttingedgecommunicaitons.com.
Lisa Fenton, M.S., is on a mission to help parents shift their home-life from crazy and chaotic to calm and cohesive. Lisa brings her vast experience in childhood education to the home with unique and powerful parenting tools that children respond to and parents love! Experience Lisa's parent coaching first hand by scheduling a "Recharge your Batteries Booster Session" at Happy Home Family Coaching. Sign up now!
Amelia DuRocher writes from the heart based on what she has learned delving into the world of personal growth. She has written two award-winning “self-help” children’s books empowering young minds with positive beliefs to move their lives to new heights as they grow. Amelia is a certified strategic interventionist, aka coach, and has had NLP (neuro-linguistic programing) and leadership training. Most importantly, she is mother to three children. Get her books at: stormandrock.com
Leslie Shreve is a productivity expert and founder of Productive Day. Her unique, branded system, Taskology® The Science of Getting Things Done, teaches simple, logical and easyto-use strategies for best management of tasks, time, e-mail and more. Since 2003, Leslie has been teaching executives and motivated professionals how to get more clarity, confidence and control back in their work day so they can enjoy more time, freedom, focus and success. www.productiveday.com 34
June 2013, Issue 9
CONTRIBUTORS
REACH OUT TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Nathalie Chapron’s philosophy is that each one of us is a unique work of art with our own unique colors, design and body shape. Growing up in France, one of the most fashionable countries in the world, influenced her sense of style and aesthetics from a very early age. She is sought by top speakers, trainers and small business owners to create looks that help them translate their message more powerfully, increase their revenue by a more polished professional image. Appointments: https://www.timetrade.com/book/7RVMH
Kimberly Schick-Puddicombe is the Author of three editions of The “Little Black Book” for Busy Families, founder of MomsDadsAndKids.com and LifeTimeBucketList.com. She has been helping families find fun since 2006 with tips ideas and ways to lose their boring mom status. www.lifetimebucketlist.com
Could this be YOU? Would you like to be part of an upcoming issue and contribute an article to the Inner Peace Parenting Magazine? Are you a Parent, Coach, Trainer, Teacher or passionate about making parent’s lives easier with both practical tips and inspirational messages. Let’s hear from you now! The July issue is on Energy & Protection The August issue is on Smarts and Intelligence
Like us on Facebook: Inner Peace Parenting Magazine Email: Contact the Inner Peace Parenting Magazine Blog and Big Picture: The Inner Peace Parenting Project 35