5 TIPS FOR NEW MOMS

The Child Who Loves to Exaggerate - How to Put a Stop to It

Do you have a little exaggerator in your family?  This is the child who makes stories better or worse than what they are.  The fantasy always sounds and looks better than reality in his or her eyes.  The little person seeks attention with her story-telling, enjoys the reaction he or she receives from listeners, and is testing his or her communication skills on anyone willing to listen.  The individual may one day be a writer, teacher, actor, or someone in a creative field.  Yet, exaggerating something is not good when it comes to basic communication. 

For instance, when a parent is looking to seek the truth about a matter, exaggeration is no different than lying.  Most people don't want to hear anything that makes something look worse than what it is.  Someone who is already upset about something doesn't want to have to hear things that are simply untrue whether the story-teller is a child or not.  Those who have been offended by a child's exaggerations will expect the parent to deal with the child.

So what to do?

Parents will need to teach children the difference between fantasy and reality, nonfiction and fiction, and the difference between lie and truth.  Test the child to see if what you have said resonates in his or her little brain.  Parents will also need to train your child to not only communicate better, but utilize good listening skills.  This might include reading and writing exercises, listening to recordings and then allowing for discussion, and question and answer sessions. 

You may or may not know whether your child is exaggerating an event; therefore, you will need the child to repeat the story.  Stop him or her mid-sentence when something doesn't sound right and ask him or her, "Why did you just say that?"  This will challenge him or her to think before he or she speaks.  You will also need to question others who may have witnessed what the child claims to have experienced.

When the child refuses to tell the truth, you should scold him or her and take away favorite items for each lie told.  You should also tell your son or daughter to think about what he or she said and make apologies whether verbally, through service, or in other ways to make wrongs right with offended individuals.

It is unfortunate that so many parents don't bother to admonish or correct children who exaggerate circumstances, stories, and more, but when you know that you have an exaggerator in your camp, don't hesitate to expose him or her before things get out of hand.

Nicholl McGuire is the author of When Mothers Cry, Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate, and other books.  You can visit a parenting blog that she maintains here.

 

7 Ways Successful Parents Save Money

Have you ever wondered how some parents can set goals to save money while you can't?  Well, the following tips were inspired by those parents who successfully did it and are retired happily.  Instead of putting children's wants above goals, like many financially challenged people do, successful parents examine what is best for family while encouraging an atmosphere that is self-less rather than selfish.

1.  They don't take their children everywhere they go.

Most often when you go somewhere that caters to families, a little person in the group is going to want something.  To avoid the headache of "I want," from a child, it is up to parents and grandparents with little money and even less patience, to leave children at home when shopping for essentials.  Parents who are going through a financially difficult time, leave children's wants out of conversations, and focus on priorities like keeping utilities on and a roof over the family's heads.  If a child should want something, the financially successful parents make the child earn what it is that they want by doing chores and once older seeking a job.

2.  They turn down any invite that they consider an unnecessary expense or not worth their time.

An event that might churn up an offer to babysit for free is a good deal, but an event that costs more to plan to attend plus additional charges like tickets, hotel, gas, etc. might be a waste.  People who believe in saving money don't bother to attend too many activities, especially kid-related, if it is going to cost much money and hassle to get there.  Children can produce major headaches, why have another one over how much something costs?

3.  They don't sign up their children for extracurricular activities "...just because."

Unless you can afford to sign up a child for a certain activity "...because she just wants to do it..." why spend the money?  Parents who often complain about not having any money tend not to tell themselves or their children, "No."  As a result, they suffer financially sooner or later.  They fail to look beyond the registration cost, the equipment that needs to be bought, workdays missed, gas expenses to attend games, and more.

4.  They don't buy brand names when they shop and choose to only focus on sale items.

Not all merchandise labeled is really "on sale."  There are inflated manufacturer prices that are printed on labels and then a price markdown.  Why not shop around for additional price mark downs or wait?  Money conscious parents know how to shop for cheaper alternatives or wait until the price is right for their budget, but those who have spoiled children feel pressure to appease.

5.  They don't make promises to children that involve spending money they don't have.

How many times have you heard a parent say, "Well, I am doing this because I promised..."  Money doesn't grow on trees and just because a child says, "But Mommy you said..." doesn't mean that you are obligated to do everything that you say or else.  A parent might want to check his or her bank account before saying anything to a child about buying something for him or her.

6.  They look for freebies and discounts on things like health care, toys, places to visit, clothing and shoes.

Think of the money you can save if you just take the time to research (I personally use ebates, see link on top right corner of blog).  Parents who have a tight budget can't afford to waste money.  Some parents will spend much money walking across the street to buy certain items rather than driving a little further down the street to find the same goods on sale.

7.  They buy goods that they need now and save for future wants.

Children can put pressure on you to buy now rather than later.  Don't fall for the cries, exaggerations, lies, promises and everything else they come up with to force you or someone else in your family to do what they want.  A stressed parent who is trying to pay bills, celebrate holidays, and plan family vacation may want to consider cutting some things out while remaining positive about saving money.  The more negative the attitude is about putting money away for unexpected issues, the less likely one will do it, so stay positive and teach your children to do the same!

Nicholl McGuire  

Mothers all over the world can speak up about more than just family related issues

Tina Louise's Speech - Mother's Against Fracking Rally 30.03.14.



A good example of making a public stand against government actions.  When you are aware of an issue, research it, gather those who aren't fearful to stand in agreement, and expose the issue for what it is!



"A slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracking refers to the procedure of creating fractures in rocks and rock formations by injecting fluid into cracks to force them further open. The larger fissures allow more oil and gas to flow out of the formation and into the wellbore, from where it can be extracted."-- Investopedia.com

Mothers Rally Together About a Variety of Issues - Get Some Ideas Watch 2014 Videos

Mothers rally to push for breastfeeding as valid exemption from jury duty







Mothers rally to reduce C-section birth rate








Stop Common Core in New Your State