Body Language: Clues for Communication

Originally published on 11/26/2008 - 3:25 p.m. GMT

Shrugs, sighs, eye rolling, sneers, slumped shoulders, ignoring, mumbling are all gestures of non verbal communication. But then, so are smiles, winks, hugs, spontaneous eye contact and a relaxed stance. The problem with trying to read people, and especially your children, is that body language can have multiple meanings, depending on the culture, past experiences and willingness to share emotions and feelings.

One unconscious signal is open to interpretation. However, if the gestures occur in clusters or with similar clues, then it is usually interpreted by others as an attitude.
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Cultivating Positive Thoughts

Originally published on 10/31/2008 - 3:00 p.m. GMT

How and why do we believe what we believe? Most belief systems are established before 6 years of age. How do we arrive at our underlying set of beliefs, attitudes, assumptions and prejudices? Who planted the information in our minds? Was the information nurturing or toxic? What did we hear, see or experience that established our life’s action patterns?

Examine the process to determine if an accepted truth is actually true. A distant memory may need to be pulled out, much like removing weeds in a physical garden. Whatever you plant in your subconscious and nourish with conviction and emotion will one day become a reality. What you think about you bring about.

How and why do we believe what we believe? Most belief systems are established before 6 years of age. How do we arrive at our underlying set of beliefs, attitudes, assumptions and prejudices? Who planted the information in our minds? Was the information nurturing or toxic? What did we hear, see or experience that established our life’s action patterns?
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Parent-Child Learning Styles: Are you speaking the same language?

Published 10/20/2008 - 12:46 p.m. GMT

“Do you understand me?” “Are you listening to me?” “Didn’t you see the toys all over the stairs?”

Sometimes does it feel like you are having an international gathering at your house with everyone speaking a different language? That idea may not be too far fetched, as we all gather and process messages in different ways. Each human has a dominant method for learning; visual, auditory or kinesthetic, but most have adapted to responding to all three.

Check the learning styles below and see which looks, sounds, or feels like how you like to learn. Now do it for your child? Perhaps you are speaking in different languages.
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Complain, Criticize or Change

Originally published on 10/07/2008 - 5:54 p.m. GMT

“So you watch yourself about complaining, Sister. What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is to change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain.” Maya Angelou

This advice given to the small girl by her storekeeper grandmother helped form her character. It became a fiber of her being and strength of her will. Because of the teaching moments from her youth and the ability to see truth when it was presented, Maya Angelou has become a beloved leader of many people throughout the world.

She has represented to me a wise woman. Her ability to see the life lesson in any situation, no matter how intolerable it may seem to others, reminds me to do the same. She leads us to change the things that are unfair or unjust, not just complain about them.
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Parenting Communication: Listen Then Talk

Originally published on 09/17/2008 - 12:05 a.m. GMT

Keeping lines of communication open between family members can make the difference between a house of harmony and a house of horror!

How much of our talking to our children actually consists of: giving instructions, correcting behavior, nagging, criticizing, lecture, arguing, drilling for answers, ridiculing, and threatening, badgering, questioning judgment, giving assignments, blaming, telling them to be quiet or warning them that you hope they have a child just like them some day and then they will understand!
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Encouraging Phrases to Build Confidence

Originally published on 11/03/2007 - 2:26 a.m. GMT

Oh, wouldn’t a world without discouraging words be wonderful! Unfortunately, most parents and bosses tend to feel instead that criticism and pointing out what is wrong will make others want to do what is right.

The truth is that people cannot improve unless they feel good enough about themselves to believe they are capable of improvement. An encouraging parent uses methods, words and actions that indicate a respect for the child and a faith in his abilities instead of negative comments.

Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, often cites a study completed by graduate students who followed a group of normal two-year olds around for a day. These typical kids from typical homes received 432 negative statements and only 32 positive statements daily.
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Smile Awhile, Forever

Originally published on 03/03/2008 - 6:35 p.m. GMT

People touch our hearts and influence our lives in a number of ways. Pivotal people are drawn into our sphere to teach and guide us along the journey of life. Most are completely unaware of the impact they have. The relationship may be momentarily and one sided, or it feels as though it has lasted for eternities. One of the most important lessons we learn from others is not about them, but about who we are when we are with them.

A Smile:
Many times it is the “bit players” in the play that set the stage for the action and usher in the “main stars.” They may say just the right word, give a bit of encouragement or simply smile to acknowledge your presence. In retrospect, most people can remember a bus driver, teacher, co-worker, neighbor or stranger who aided them physically, emotionally or spiritually when they needed it most. Never underestimate the power of a smile or wave.
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51 Ways To Have Fun!

Originally published on 06/28/2007 - 8:08 a.m. GMT

Here’s 51 ways you can have fun with your family this summer for little or no money!

Take a hike.

1. Take a hike. Go around the block, up the mountain, down the trail or under the elm trees. Ideally, we should all be walking 10,000 steps a day.

2. Ride bikes. If the adults don’t have bikes, borrow them from the neighbor kids.

3. Have a scavenger hunt. Divide in teams and look for items in your house, yard or neighborhood that begin with the first letter of your name.

4. Have a treasure hunt. An adult hides clues all over the neighborhood and the rest of the family searches for them and a treasure that everyone can enjoy.
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