Order Mouthwatering Gifts for Any Occasion 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED giant strawberries | #1 seller | over 35 million berries dipped
HANDBE DIPPED
from
RRIES
19 99
$
+s/h
Save 20%
*
Treat anyone in your life for less!
To redeem this offer visit www.Berries.com/Cookie or call 1-800-425-0732 *20% off discount will appear upon checkout. Minimum product purchase of $29.00. Discounts do not apply to gift cards or certificates, same-day delivery, shipping and handling, taxes or third-party hosted products (e.g. wine) and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Discounts not valid on bulk or corporate purchases of 10 units or more. Offer expires: 6/30/14.
Tons of SAVINGS!!
Back to school issue | August 2014
CONTENTS 18
FEATURES
POSITIVE PARENTING TIPS FOR POSITIVE THINKING: Sometimes parenting can become a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips to create a new atmosphere in your home.
16
HOME IS WHERE THE SCHOOL IS...? WIth schoools becoming increasingly violent over the years, is home schooling the best option for your child?
12
FASHION
VINTAGE STYLES FOR A NEW GENERATION: With all of the new trends these days, this one is sure to not only make an impact but save a tremendous amount of money as well.
07
PARENTING
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: How to these activities can build the relationship with your child.
22
WAYS TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR TEEN: Best forms of communication when dealing with teens.
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
3
Urban Parenting Magazine
Back to School -------------------------It’s almost that time of year! The Summer is almost over and our kids will be returning back to school before we know it. Let’s enjoy the final days of the summer sun, beaches, pools and BBQ’s. Visit us online for all of your parenting, Back-to-school needs.
UrbanParentingMagazine.com
Urban Parenting
DEALS! •----------------------------
•-------------
50 % OFF AT CRAYOLA
Want more from Urban Parenting when you’re on the go?
Crayoloa is having a HUGE 50% off storewide* sale that is going You can like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/UrbanParentingMagazine now right now – just in time for Back to School season! Customers must You can follow us Twitter ate enter the code SUM@UrbanParentMag MER50 at check out to receive the savings. Free shipping on orders over •------------------------------------------------------------------WIN BEACH OUTELT $49 is also available for standard shipping withTHE SHOPPING in the Continental U.S. Urban Parenting Magazine and the Palm Beach Outlets have Links are available below. teamed up to provide you with the best that South Florida has to *Already reduced / sale offer in fashion and accesories! With stores that include DKNY, items are excluded from Forever 21, Men’s Warehouse, Gymboree, Banana Republic and so additional discount. much more! Contact info@urbanparentingmagazine.com for •------------------------- more information on how to win your FREE voucher for 100’s of dollars in SAVINGS!
PALM
4
EXPERIENCE
•-------------------------------------------------------------------
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
Urban Parenting Magazine
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
5
Urban Parenting Magazine
LETTER from THE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
It’s back to school time once again! For some of you- you’re on year five or ten, for others this is your child’s first or last.
Yet, what’s different about this year? What passion or drive will you send your children to school with that will bring out their best? What lasting words will they keep in their memory banks for years to come and then recall in priceless times of personal contemplation? Well, as the summer winds down, here are a few words of inspiration to share with your children that have inspired generations: “In all of your deeds the proper value for respect and time determines success or failure.” – Malcolm X
6
“No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.” -Althea Gibson “Don’t feel entitled to anything you didn’t sweat and struggle for.” -Marian Wright Edelman “Winners never quit and quitters never win.”- Michael Jordan In the end, no matter what quote or verse you choose to share with your beloved, the words that will always matter the most are your own. Remember, you are your child’s first role model, best friend, teacher, mentor, and leader. Shine on,
Debbie Manigat |
Proud Wife & Mommy of 2
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
After School IDEAS & PARENTING TRICKS
RELATIONSHIP building activities for you and your child Want to be a great parent? Want to raise a happy, healthy, well-behaved kid? The secret to this is to provide well rounded activities for your child on a daily basis.
photo courtesy of BST12 Stock
A
fter school activities are the rage of the day. With about $500 million invested in these programs and more than 10 million children attending them in America alone, the popularity of these activities cannot be overlooked. Everyone understands the need to develop new skills, gain more knowledge and keep the children safe when parents are working. The most important factor in the success of any program is the relationship between the children participating in the program and the adult members who work with these children.
“activities that are managed professionally by people who are successful in their own fields of expertise will produce children who are more enthusiastic and successful.� Often, children may confide in an adult member who is not a teacher. This kind of emotional interaction
is a must when children are struggling to make sense of the whirlpool of emotions that assail them. Direct contact with professionals can be an inspiring experience. Children are very much impressed by the knowledge and experience of these adults. Young people gain a lot of knowledge and experience when they deal with experienced adults and older youth who serve as teachers or mentors in these programs. These mentors are different from the teachers in the school and children are more likely to draw inspiration from them. After school activities that are managed professionally by people who are successful in their own fields of expertise will produce children who are more enthusiastic and successful. Meaningful interaction with adults is a learning experience in itself.
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
7
E V A S % *
20
SEND BOUQUETS FOR ANY OCCASION anniversary | birthday | just because
Hurry! Order now for unbelievable low prices, with flowers from $19.99 +s/h Visit
www.ProFlowers.com/summer or call 800.375.6608
Join Over 12 Million People Who Have Found a Better Way to Send Flowers *20% off discount will appear upon checkout. Minimum purchase of $29.00. Does not apply to gift cards or certificates, same-day or international delivery, shipping and handling, taxes, or third-party hosted products (e.g. wine) and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Discounts not valid on bulk or corporate purchases of 10 units or more. Offer expires: 6/30/14.
Does your child need
C
P re s ch o o l ?
hildren don’t need preschool to gain admission to kindergarten or to succeed in life. In fact, the wrong preschool experience could potentially set a child back by creating a negative perception of school, learning, and socializing. However the right preschool experience can give a child a head start academically and socially over peers without preschool. In order to make the right choice for your child you need to look at what a preschool program should do for children. Ideally, preschool should help integrate children socially so they learn about the rules and structures of society in general and school society in particular. In addition, preschool helps
students begin a foundation of academic knowledge including literacy, numbers, and culture.
The actual content, focus, and structure of preschool programs varies widely from community to community (and often even within communities) but most programs achieve these two primary goals for students. However a parent can easily accomplish similar goals without the confines of a specific preschool program. Obviously many families need to arrange some type of day care for the preschool age children and if this is the case then it often makes sense to combine day care and preschool.
Urban Parenting Magazine Children who regularly attend day care programs with other children are less likely to need the social aspects of a preschool education. They likely learned how to play with others, the rules of sharing, and how to follow instructions and other key social lessons. Similarly children who belong to a large family or live in a neighborhood where a group of children regularly interact need less social
“...the wrong preschool experience could potentially set a child back by creating a negative perception of school, learning, and socializing. However the right preschool experience can give a child a head start academically and socially over peers without preschool.” education than children who do not regularly interact with their peers. Parents can replicate these social situations by seeking out play groups and community activities. It is fairly easy to create a home preschool program for children. There are packaged curriculums available for purchase, materials available from local libraries, and information available on the internet. You can choose a program created entirely by someone else or create your own individual program to suit you and your child. Some television programs even offer additional material on the internet to supplement programming that would be suitable for a homeschooling project. A motivated parent can certainly create a quality preschool program for their child that exceeds the results of any professional program. It is simply important to keep in mind your primary goals. What do you want your child to learn? What skills do you want your child to master? Do you simply want to prepare your child for kindergarten or do you have more advanced goals in mind?
10
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
The right preschool program can definitely give children a head start on long-term educational success, but not all programs are created equal and sometimes even a wonderful preschool program isn’t right for certain children. Some children may benefit more from spending another year or two in a more nurturing atmosphere, such as home or a small day care. When making the preschool decision it is important to consider the individual child as well as the individual programs available. It is
“A motivated parent can certainly create a quality preschool program for their child that exceeds the results of any professional program. It is simply important to keep in mind your primary goals. “ not a one-size-fits-all decision.
YOU Choose The Deal! Urban Parenting Magazine
Promotional Packages Starting At
mo
FOR 12 MONTHS
Join Without a Contract!
Commercial-Free TV
✔ NO Term Contract. ✔ NO Credit Check. ✔ NO Commitment.
Get a Hopper from DISH and instantly skip commercials
Not eligible for Hopper or HD.
Upgrade to
DISH TODAY!
*
Available with qualifying packages. Monthly DVR and receiver fees apply. *Feature must be enabled by customer.
Not eligible for promotional pricing
CHOOSE ONE OF THESE GREAT OPTIONS!
PROMOTIONAL OFFERS: NO ONE CAN COMPARE TO
DISH!
THE COMPETITION DOESN’T STACK UP Instant commercial skipping feature* The most HD channels Lowest all-digital prices nationwide FREE installation in up to 6 rooms
LARGEST CABLE PROVIDERS
YES YES YES YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
ADD HIGH SPEED INTERNET AS LOW AS ....
* Feature must be enabled by customer.
OVER 30 PREMIUM MOVIE CHANNELS
SAME DAY INSTALLATION IN UP TO 6 ROOMS Where available.
mo. where available
For 3 months.
Offer subject to change based on premium movie channel availability.
CALL TODAY INSTALLED TODAY!
Offers above require 24-month commitment and credit qualification. Remote viewing requires Wi-Fi connection or use of Hopper Transfer feature. Commercial skipping feature available with qualifying packages.
CALL NOW - SAVE UP TO 50%!
with qualifying packages (ask for details)
1-800-906-7103 Call 7 days a week 8am - 11pm EST Promo Code: MB0614
Important Terms and Conditions: Promotional Offers: Require activation of new qualifying DISH service. All prices, fees, charges, packages, programming, features, functionality and offers subject to change without notice. After 12-month promotional period, then-current everyday monthly price applies and is subject to change. ETF: If you cancel service during first 24 months, early termination fee of $20 for each month remaining applies. Activation fee may apply. Additional Requirements: Hopper: Monthly fees: DVR service, $12; Joey, $7, Super Joey, $10. With Prime Time Anytime the AutoHop features available with playback the next day of select primetime shows on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC - Both features are subject to availability. Requires Super Joey to record 8 shows at once. Recording hours may vary; 2000 hours based on SD programming. Equipment comparison based on equipment available from major TV providers as of 6/13/14. Watching live and recorded TV anywhere requires an internet connected, Sling-enabled DVR and compatible mobile device. HD Free for 24 Months: Additional $10/mo HD fee waived for first 24 months. After promotional period, then-current everyday monthly price applies and is subject to change. Premium Channels: 3-month premium offer value is $165; after 3 months, then-current everyday monthly prices applies and are subject to change. Blockbuster @Home requires Internet to stream content. HD-only channels not available with select packages. Installation/Equipment Requirements: Free Standard Professional Installation only. Leased equipment must be returned to DISH upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Upfront and additional monthly fees may apply. Miscellaneous: Offers available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. State reimbursement charges may apply. Additional restrictions and taxes may apply. Offers end 1/16/15. © 2014 DISH Network L. L. C. All rights reserved. HBO®, Cinemax® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. STARZ and related channels and service marks are property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. All new customers are subject to a one-time processing fee.
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
11
Vintage
Styles With all of the new trends these days, this one is sure to not only make an impact but save a tremendous amount of money as well.
I
t’s the hottest thing to hit the streets! Some say it’s even hotter than that video of the Disney kid. Yes, that’s right hotter than that! But what is this hotter than hot new fad that’s sweeping the streets and every crevice of the country’s high society? It is none other than Vintage Clothing. That’s right, something that old is the newest hit of the modern fashion scene and almost everyone is hooked. What makes it so special? Well, aside from the fact that it is not as hard to find as the last piece of clothing Beyonce wore to the Grammy’s, it is also as good as free (that’s if you could find old clothes mom and dad wore when they were hitting it up back in the days). That and probably because even Hollywood big names are getting in to it as well. Vintage is all the rave of people especially the new generation of individuals with a good fashion sense and a good eye for a beautiful piece of clothing.
Urban Parenting Magazine
But what kinds of clothes can we actually call vintage clothing and what are those that are not. Well, one fact remains true for the generation that was then and that is now, whatever looks good and has good quality can be qualified as vintage clothing. The reason behind this is because there is no actual rule that applies to what vintage clothing is and what is not. Basically the main principle in finding and using vintage clothes is all up to the person looking at it. But if there are no rules then it may come out as something that anything that we can dig up from the attic can be vintage item. Well, for that matter it’s a yes. Anything that we dig up our house’s attic has the potential to be called a piece of vintage clothing. It’s really up to us to carry it around and make it look good. But here are a few tips on how and what we could put on that people can say that it’s vintage clothing. Age-the year that the clothes play a major distinguishing factor to the “Vintage-ness” of it. Age pertains to the year that the piece of clothing was made and originally sold. Basically, the older the material the better, as many would agree.
“Vintage is all the rave of people especially the new generation of individuals with a good fashion sense and a good eye for a beautiful piece of clothing.” It’s not really rocket science if you want to get yourself a good find when it comes to Vintage clothing. All you have to have is a lot of patience, a good eye and a sense of personal style. Remember that it the man that makes the clothes and not clothes making the man.
Quality-if the piece of clothing is as good as the day it rolled of the assembly line the better the value. If you are planning to have Vintage clothing as a form of business then quality is definitely something you have to consider. Functionality-regardless of the style, age and quality of the material if you can’t really use it then it’s as good as trash to anybody. Make sure that the material you choose is still functional and not a total waste of effort. Uniqueness-of course you also have to consider the uniqueness of your vintage clothing. If there are other people with the same print or design then it may be a good idea to look for other materials that you could use.
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
13
Protect Your Family From Identity Theft It is our promise to provide the most comprehensive identity theft prevention and response products available! You and your family’s privacy and protection is our #1 priority!
IDENTITY THEFT AFFECTS 10 MILLION+ AMERICANS EACH YEAR Your personal information is constantly at risk. When you sign up for cable, utilities, and insurance or go to the doctor’s office or shop online, you share your personal information with the outside world. A thief armed with information such as your address, social security number, credit card number, or date of birth can do the following: • Open store or bank credit cards in your name • Deplete your savings and retirement accounts • Commit a crime and file false tax returns in your name. You could be denied employment.
TRUST PRIVACY PATROL TO PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY Privacy Patrol will help protect you against the perils of identity theft. Privacy Patrol’s ID Early Warning System is a proprietary early detection and warning system which scans billions of data sources at various daily, weekly, and monthly intervals for common links in identity theft cases. Our system also includes: • • • •
30-Day FREE Trial PLUS a $25 Store Rebate Gift Card* Just $18.95 per month after trial period
$25,000.00 Identity Theft Insurance Identity Recovery and Restoration Service 24/7 Fraud Alert Call Center Free Credit Reports Reminder
PRIVACY PATROL KEY BENEFITS $25,000 Identity Theft Insurance
Early Warning System
Security Freeze
Identity Recovery Service
Lost Wallet Service
Available 24/7
SIGN UP AND START PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY TODAY!
Call 800-605-3081
today to get 30 days free plus a $25 Store rebate card* *Please call for complete terms and conditions.
monitorin
g starting
around
per week
*with $99 customer purchase of alarm inmstallation charge and onitoring services.
• A burglary occurs every 14.6 seconds. • 1 out of every 5 homes will experience a break-in or home invasion. • A home without a security system is 3 times more likely 1
2
to be burglarized. 3 • 85% of Police Officials4 surveyed believe home alarms deter burglary attempts.
1. Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2008 National Crime Report http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2009/june/ucr_stats060109 2. http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/press/vdhbpr.cfm 3. FBI, 2008 National Crime Report http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2009/june/ucr_stats060109 4. http://www.beyondidentitytheft.com/home-security-statistics.html
Call Now and Receive
FREE
FIRE AND EMERGENCY PANIC ALERT EXPIRES IN 30 DAYS • RESV. CODE 102012
Call Now and Receive
FREE WIRELESS REMOTE
EXPIRES IN 30 DAYS • RESV. CODE 102012
Fire, Theft, Flood, Emergency Front and back door protection Window coverage Infrared Interior Motion Detector Control panel with battery back-up Interior siren
Call Today, Protect Tomorrow!
1-800-914-9088 Mon-Fri 8am - 11pm • Sat 9am - 8pm • Sun 10am - 6pm EST
$99.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $36.99 per month ($1,331.64). Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Licenses: AL-12-1104, AK-35221, AR-E08-014, AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DE-07-212, FL-EC13003427, EC13003401, GA-LVA205395, HI-CT30946, IA-AC-0036, ID-39131, IL-127.001042, IN-City of Indianapolis: 80988, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1082, MA-1355C, MD-107-1626, ME-LM50017382, MI-3601205773, MN-TS01807, MO-City of St. Louis: CC354, St. Louis County: 53328, MS-15007958, MT-247, NC-25310-SP-FA/LV, NC-1622-CSA, NE-14451, NJ-34BF00021800, NM-353366, NV-68518, City of Las Vegas: B14-00075-6-121756, C11-11262-L-121756, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Department of State UID#12000286451, OH-53891446, City of Cincinnati: AC86, OK-1048, OR-170997, Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration Number: PA22999, RI-3582, SC-BAC5630, TN-C1520, TX-B13734, ACR-3492, UT-6422596-6501, VA-115120, VT-ES-2382, WA-602588694/PROTEYH934RS, WI-City of Milwaukee: 0001697, WV-042433, WY-LV-G21499. 3750 Priority Way South Dr. Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46240 For full list of licenses visit our website www.protectyourhome.com. Protect Your Home – 3750 Priority Way South Dr., Ste 200, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
Urban Parenting Magazine
Home is where the
H
ome is you and your children’s primary school. In it cognitive, emotional, spiritual and social aspects are developed and honed. In fact, home contributed to the totality of your persona.
in private or public schools, they resort to home schooling.
Home schooling is legal in all parts of the United States. However, said laws may differ from one state to another. In fact, home schooling evolves around three Home never ceases to be a school. categories. They are private school It continues to be such in order laws, equivalency laws and home to make and mold you. It can be a education laws. Inquiry must be school ad infinitum. done first in order to know which of the three laws are suited to you Children are devoted to learn new and your children. things. This hunger for education exists within and outside the Home schooling is the focal point school. It is long-lasting and it of a substantial minority in the follows the children. Thus, even if United States. This minority is they are out of the basic institucomposed of parents who desire tion for education they can learn to give their children the best a lot. education that they can get. Even if you are not enrolled in a university, you can still acquire knowledge. In addition, this learning can be had without traveling much. Yes, you can have same knowledge that other students acquire even when you just stay at home. This system is called home schooling. Home schooling, otherwise known as home education, is a curriculum designed for children to study at home. This is in contrary to the usual education offered by an education institution like the parochial or public school. When parents feel that complete education can no way be acquired
16
Home schooling is also given to gifted children who are given special attention in connection with their talents and abilities. Most school failed to meet the attention necessary. Thus, parents resort to home schooling as a remedy. Another reason for home schooling is the preservation of values and religion. Undeniably, home schooling is the most thrilling innovation in education nowadays. Making your kids stay at home to study will not make them social misfits. This is because a crowd is not necessary to learn to adjust socially. Adequate exposure and
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
proper guidance are the things necessary to make your children acquainted with the world.
The concept of home schooling has started way back in 1850 when most of the American children learned their lessons at home. It has been 156 years since its inception but said concept continue to astound both parents and students. Great changes have occurred in the past 25 years. In fact, said revival in the concept of home schooling has resulted to more and more children learning at home. In fact, the number has increased to three million and still growing... With home schooling around, you can select the subjects that you can teach your child. You need not worry about several fields of concentration since they can take care of them when they are already young adults or teenagers. Learn first what your child is interested in learning. Also discover their skills and talents. From there, you can have the idea where to start. You will also be given the idea on what lessons and activities to give emphasis. Teach your children to live their dreams. Start by giving them a good home schooling background.
Urban Parenting Magazine
e School is...?
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
17
20
Urban Parenting Magazine
Tips to positive thinking
for parents
Sometimes parenting can become a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips to create a new atmosphere in your home. 1. Start the day with cheers and smiles. Your whole day depends on how you greet the morning. Therefore, as long as you welcome it with energy and high spirits, everything will go okay. You don’t want the rest of the day to get ruined, do you? Come on, smile! It doesn’t cost anything but is worth everything. 2. Ask for guidance. Only God knows what we will be having on the day ahead of us. He will surely appreciate a few minutes of praying and asking for guidance from Him. Also, have faith on Him that He is more than willing to grant our requests as long as it is for our own good. With God as our guide, we don’t have any reason not to say and believe in the thought that I can do this. I can make it through this day. Nothing is impossible. After all, God is with me.
18
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
Urban Parenting Magazine
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
19
Urban Parenting Magazine 3. Plan the day ahead. To avoid mistakes that will cause negative output on your daily activities that will later on become negative thoughts, it is better to plan your work first; after which, work your plan. Make sure today’s goals are clearly defined and absorbed by your mind. This can be done even before you get out of bed each day, just so immediate addressing issues as they arise can be avoided. 4. Keep your mind focused on important things. Set goals and priorities for what you think and do. Visualize practicing your actions. Develop a strategy for dealing with problems. Concentrate on things that need to be taken seriously, but at the same time, take time to relax and enjoy. This way, favorable results may take place. 5. Be detached from the outcome. They say that life is like a Ferris Wheel; sometimes, you’re on the top, and sometimes at the bottom. This means that there will be times in our lives
20
where some things would not turn out according to what we want them to be. Don’t be annoyed if you don’t get what you desire. However, do your best in everything you do. Only, don’t get too attached on the probable results that may only cause disappointments and upsets. 6. Try new things and challenges. See learning and changes as opportunities. There’s nothing wrong in changing attitudes and routines as long as they are for the good and improvement of who you are and what you do. Doing new things may include considering more options for a project, meeting new people from different places, asking lots of questions. Through this, the flow of thinking is directed to improvement and negative thoughts will be easily eradicated. 7. Balance your desires. We live in a place of opposites and duality ñ gain and loss, pleasure and pain, light and dark, male and female, love and hate. This is how the cycle of life goes. We can never have all the good things in life at the same time.
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
In love, there will always be someone who gets hurt. In wealth, there will always be people who will not be fortunate enough. Measure and moderation is the primary key.
how far you can keep believing. Know yourself. There is
8. Be realistic. Make sure that what you want is something possible. Hoping for something to happen which would never really materialize in real life will only bring you disappointment. For instance, you wish to lose weight. Therefore, you have to set a goal and act on appropriate measures within a period of time to achieve what you wish. Hey, No one can get slimmer overnight. 9. Keep track of your mental and physical health. This way, you will know
no other person in the world who can tell who you really are. Know your passions, favorites, and principles. Spend some quality time by yourself ñ reading, listening to music, day dreaming, and the likes. If you know yourself completely, you will be aware of how far can you go physically, mentally, and emotionally. 10. Love yourself. Before you expect for other people to love and adore you, it is always you who needs to love your-
Urban Parenting Magazine self first. Make a positive commitment to yourself, to learning, work, family, friends, nature, and other worthwhile causes. Praise yourself as much as you praise others once in a while. When you start feeling confident about yourself, positive thoughts will naturally flow to your mind. 11. Laugh. Enjoy. Have fun. Looking at the brighter side of life starts with entertainment and pleasure. Laughter is the best medicine, so they say. Whether your illness is physical or emotional, a few laughs and giggles can help you throw away heavy baggage such as anxiety, disappointment, or nervousness. 12. Keep a list of your goals and actions. Familiarize yourself with things you want to accomplish and with the ways you must undertake to complete them. By the time you are certain of what you want to do and
carry out in your life, a stronger mind and will power will exist within you. 13. Associate with positive people. In every classroom, work place, or simply anywhere you go where there are groups of people, look for optimistic ones. There are lots of them, Iím sure. Associate with them, hang-out, discuss matters. They can help you build self-confidence and self-esteem. 14. Make it a habit to ask questions. This is not equal to dumbness and ignorance; rather, it is associated with seeking more information and understanding matters clearly. With more knowledge, there is also more power. 15. Be open. We have to accept the fact that we don’t know everything. And that we are continuously learning in every place we go, with every people we meet as everyday passes. We should not close our minds to new ideas and information that comes our way. Our mind is so
spacious that it is impossible to fill it up completely. Thus, we should accept worthy things that may help us become better and brighter persons. 16. Have trust in other people. Although it may seem difficult and risky to give trust to just any people, when you believe in them or confident on what they are doing for you, doubts and negative judgments on them will be unnecessary. Also, it will bring harmonious relationships between you and your colleagues. 17. Forgive and forget. Mistakes and failures are the root causes of negative thinking. If we somehow learn to let go of all the pain, agony, and fear we try to keep inside our hearts and minds, then there will be nothing more to block our clear thoughts from being expressed. Forgive yourself for committing mistakes and forget these mistakes. 18. Learn from experiences. Learning inside the classroom is different from learning outside it.
In school, one learns the lesson first before taking an exam; while in real life, one takes the test first before learning the lesson. This test in the real life is our experiences. If we failed in that test, i.e. the experience is not so good, we study the situation and learn the lesson. From here, we can avoid committing the same mistake twice. 19. Count your blessings. Focus on what you have rather than what you don’t have. Absence of our desires will only bring discontentment and disappointment that will only waste our time. Instead, be thankful and appreciative with all the blessings we receive. 20. Kiss your worries goodbye. At the end of everyday, before going to sleep, there is no need to keep bad experiences and unhappy moments that had happened in the day within you. Let them go, throw them out of the window and kiss them goodbye. Dream sweetly. As a new day unfolds, new hope arises. Keep believing. Always have faith.
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
21
Urban Parenting Magazine putting them on the defense or causing them to withdraw. While this can be challenging, the rewards of doing this are great. There are a few key strategies you can adopt to ensure that you foster strong communication and good ties with your teenagers. Ask Indirect Questions to Facilitate a Conversation. If you ask your teenager a direct question you’ll probably end up with a one or two word response. Your goal should be encouraging them to talk about things from a broader perspective. To engage your child in a conversation about a particularly issue, consider asking them about something related but not directly tied to the subject you are getting at. You’ll help them ease into a discussion of what is on their mind.
GOOD ways to communicate with your TEEN
T draw.
he teenage years are confusing for parents and teens alike. Kids that once seemed open and full of sharing suddenly with-
As a parent, your primary concern may be fostering communication with your teen. Most parents struggle to get something other than a one word response from their teenager. It’s important to understand that you have to be delicate when approaching your teenager. You want to engage your child in conversation without
22
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
Talk With Your Teen About Their Interests. Take an active interest in your teens interests. If they are doing something you don’t know anything about, consider learning more about it so you can ask them interesting and exciting questions about their hobby or activity. Listen to Your Teen and Avoid Lecturing. Most teens will shy away from conversation if their expectation from that lecture is simply a lecture. You want your teens to know that you are interested in what they have to say. Withhold judgment at first and allow them to speak their mind. Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Language. Your teen can send you many messages about what is on their mind through their non-verbal communication. You can also engage them in communication by putting your arm around them or patting them on the back, encouraging them to open up to you. Remember your goal should be sending the message to your teen that you are providing a safe and
Urban Parenting Finding SeniorMagazine Housing can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be.
“You can trust A Place for Mom to help you.” – Joan Lunden
nurturing environment where they can share their deepest concerns, fears and interests without fear of immediate reprimand or judgment. Always take the time to accept your teen’s feelings even if you don’t agree with them. You have to listen to your teen if you want them to open up. Avoid jumping in and offering suggestions immediately. Instead encourage your teen to look for answers in a positive way. You can also encourage your teen to share more by sharing with them daily tidbits and insights into your life. Consider occasionally asking their advice or opinion on things. You’d be surprised how much easier it is to get teens to open up once you adopt a few time tested strategies. Provide your children with a nurturing and loving environment, and they will more easily welcome you into their life.
Call A Place for Mom. Our Advisors are trusted, local experts who can help you understand your options. Since 2000, we’ve helped over one million families find senior living solutions that meet their unique needs.
A Free Service for Families.
(800)378-9151
A Place for Mom is the nation’s largest senior living referral information service. We do not own, operate, endorse or recommend any senior living community. We are paid by partner communities, so our services are completely free to families.
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
23
Urban Parenting Magazine
24
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
Urban Parenting Magazine
Missed opportunities are the parents to
Blame?
Being that this generation of individuals have been unofficially dubbed the “most entintled and narcissistic” of all generations. Would they than be responsible for the actions and opportunities that their children miss out on? Is that the child’s responsibility? When and where do parents draw the line between dependence and independence? Parent’s have undying love for their babies which grows stronger and stronger each and every day. The infancy months where four hourly feeds are followed by the hand aching task of burping baby. Dribbles of milk flow through your fingers as the infant rests his/her weary scrunched up face in the palm of your hand fighting off the land of nod. What is baby thinking? As he/she loses the battle to stay awake. Then we have the nightmare months of the toddler years where mum and dad need eyes in the back of their heads. It is at this time we teach the toddler
to walk/talk, and when they do we tell them to shut up and sit down. It only takes a second for baby to scale the stairs, and then it is panic stations while you negotiate and try to convince the child to stay put till you manage to reach out for them. What a relief when you have them safe in your arms smothering them with affection while you chastise them at the same time. What is the child thinking? Being loved and shouted at, at the same time. We have the first day of school where many a mothers’ heart is broken leaving their child behind. Some children adapt easily to their new school and we have the ones that don’t. Thus making it harder
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
25
HAVE YOU RESORTED TO THIS? for mommy/daddy to leave as teacher tries coaxing the screaming child tugging at the apron strings. What is the child thinking? Teenage tantrums have to be controlled and the best person for the job is the parent. We are there to lend a shoulder to cry on all because they can not have Justin Timberlake or Brittany Spears on their arm. Then as parents we struggle with Once upon a time there were the birds and the bees. Parents are the first to see danger signs. Whether it be the wrong choice in boy/girlfriend or maybe the people they hang out with. so when they receive a clip around the ear for doing something they felt was right and mum and dad didn’t, then what was that child thinking? The wedding ring exchange between your child and their partner tells you the parent it is time to let go now they have all grown up. But do we ? I don’t think so. Whatever the age of your kids you will find they will always be your babies. What were those children thinking? Well let me tell you, mum and dad it because they cared. Want to know what the married kids were thinking? Well I think you may have guessed that one yourself. So you see as protective and caring parents we could not let go if we wanted too because someone has to look after the grandchildren. It is cruel world out there and in some sad cases children have lost their parents to illness or misfortunate events and have no one to point them in the right direction. If you want to help your kids then further their education. This way they have a chance to get on in life. An educational background works wonders in the career world. You can find more information about online education on the internet. Don’t have your kids thinking they missed out on an opportunity because mum and dad chose not care anymore.
26
www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com
Over 5 Million Sold!
P R O
Introducing no!no! PRO
• NEW Technology • FASTER than Ever • Up to 35% More Powerful • Up to FIVE Treatment Levels
Say No to Waxing and Shaving... The Hottest Concept in Hair Removal!
Makes a Great Gift!
No Pain: Like waxing & other methods Easy To Use: Just glide over skin Great Safe: To use on facial and body hair fo r Men For Women & Men: And all skin types To o! Smooth Results: No nicks or cuts It’s Guaranteed: Or your money back! Affordable: Compared to other professional methods
60-Day MONEY-BACK Guarantee! If you don’t LOVE your no!no! PRO, simply return it within 60 days and we will refund all your money PLUS pay the cost to ship it back.
Call for details
AS SE
TV
EN ON
no!no! in The News
Call: 1-800-485-0168
a moment of clarity
Be Passionate “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.� -Harriet Tubman
one call could save you 28% on car insurance* Call 1-800-392-1373 to see how much you could save.
*National average annual savings based on data from customers who reported savings by switching to Esurance between 12/1/11 and 4/30/12. Š 2012 Esurance Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved. CA License #0G87829