| Parenting Question | | | | and that you think enough of yourself to put someof |
| "At my recent baby shower, one of my favorite gifts | | | | your needs first. Although this may mean spending a |
| was your book When You'relove that it is so | | | | little less time withyour family, the time you do spend |
| easy-to-read. This may be a silly question but, as a | | | | together will be more fulfilling andrewarding for |
| mom whohas not yet given birth, I am wondering if | | | | everyone. |
| there are any proactive strategiesfor preventing | | | | 2. Put your marriage first--for the sake of your kids. |
| behavior problems down the road that I could start | | | | In order to maintain a joyful partnership and marriage, |
| focusing on orlearning now. Thoughts? Thanks again | | | | make sure you take thetime, at least once each week, |
| for your book!"--Soon-To-Be Momma | | | | to just be together as a couple. No time? Makethe |
| Positive Parenting Tip for Preventing Behavior | | | | time! This one act alone can strengthen your |
| Problems | | | | relationship and give yourchildren a model of a healthy |
| Dear Soon-To-Be Momma: | | | | partnership. We need more healthy couples inthis |
| Good for you for wanting to find proactive strategies | | | | world! Choose to become one. A solid family starts |
| for preventing behaviorproblems now! When You're | | | | with a solid couple! |
| About To Go Off The Deep End, Don't Take Your | | | | Remember that, once your children have left home, |
| Kids | | | | you will be left with oneanother. Making certain your |
| With You offers over 200 proactive strategies for | | | | significant other is one of your best friends now |
| preventing behaviorproblems that are simple and | | | | (instead of just a roommate who is like a stranger) will |
| effective. Allow me to share with you three of | | | | significantly decreasethe chances of a rough road |
| mymost powerful proactive strategies for preventing | | | | during the "empty nest" stage of life. |
| behavior problems: | | | | 3. Put your faith first--for the sake of your kids. |
| 1. Put yourself first--for the sake of your kids. | | | | Our connection to the divine acts as our compass, |
| During my parenting workshops, I often say, "We've all | | | | guiding us to safety duringlife's storms. It protects us |
| heard it before, 'Whenmomma ain't happy, ain't nobody | | | | with its light and helps us make choices that arein |
| happy!'" Dozens of dads nod in knowingagreement. | | | | alignment with our hearts. Believing there is something |
| When "Super Mom" turns into "Super Stressed", the | | | | larger than ourselvesgives us the strength to make the |
| results can bedevastating for the entire family. That is | | | | changes we know we need to make. Our faith isalso |
| why I believe if you love your kids,you need to start | | | | an essential "true north", an immovable constant we |
| putting some of your needs first. I've seen it all too | | | | can turn to for helpduring those challenging "deep end" |
| often:moms burning the candle at both ends headed | | | | moments that come with the territory ofparenting. |
| on a one-way train for burnout. | | | | These three proactive strategies for preventing |
| Self-care needs to be a necessity, rather than a | | | | behavior problems can be theglue that holds your |
| luxury. Ask for help and accepthelp when it is offered. | | | | family together, the basis for making life's decisions, |
| Modeling for your child what a happy, healthy | | | | andthe way to dramatically decrease behavior |
| adultlooks like is essential. It is also essential for your | | | | problems in your children. |
| child to know they arenot the center of the universe | | | | |