Just read this funny blog about a Northern mom who remarried, relocated to Georgia and planned a family camping trip in an attempt at family bonding. Sounds like it wasn’t the experience she had hoped for, but they adapted expectations and lived to tell the tale.
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Archive for the ‘Parenting issues’ Category
Is Camping Quality Time? Depends Who You Ask
Friday, July 15th, 2011Health Tip of the Week: Focus On Family For Your Family Vacation
Monday, July 4th, 2011
It seems obvious that you want to focus on your family while you are on a family vacation but too often, this is not necessarily what happens. Thoughts of work, the ever-present need for Americans to check email regularly or even the socializing with other adults you may vacation with can cut into that precious family time. But equally important is really making the effort to be in the moment with your kids at least at some point during each day of vacation. I wrote earlier in the year that this was my New Year’s Resolution and I’ve had spotty success with achieving this goal, but I thought it was a worthy one to bring up as vacation season is upon us.
So think of some engaging questions to ask your children, look at your vacation destination through their eyes or make sure to leave time to simply be with them, doing whatever it is they want to do. This will make the time away from the daily routine even more special.
To your health -
Xigo Mom
ellen@xigohealth.com
Happy Fourth of July!
Thursday, June 30th, 2011
As we go into the Independence Day weekend, I am still getting in the swing of summer since — unbelievably— this is the kids’ first full week off from school. But we are all looking forward to the long weekend, with a State Fair, Summerfest celebration at our lake, a neighborhood BBQ and fireworks in the weekend plans.
It does seem worth reminding my children, though, what this weekend is all about. My fourth grader studied the Revolutionary War this year so we had several discussions about Patriots, Loyalists, “taxation without representation” and the Boston Tea Party but I don’t think they have made the connection to what independence really means. I am glad we live in a free society where they can feel safe and speak their mind when they feel like it, but I guess this is a good weekend to have a conversation that points this out to them and makes them appreciate how lucky they are. Do you share with your children the significance of holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day? I’d love to hear what your traditions are. In the meantime, have a wonderful holiday weekend!
To your health -
Xigo Mom
ellen@xigohealth.com
Health Tip of the Week: Don’t Be A Couch Potato
Monday, June 27th, 2011
I am a pretty avid TV-hater, a fact which my kids know all too well, and I see the detriment of America reflected in the screens of video games, televisions and Xbox 360’s everywhere. An exaggeration, of course, but now especially with summer and more down time, I remain determined to keep my children outside and active and not glued to the electronic babysitter. They only finished school last week so we are still figuring out the rules of engagement for summer fun, but they’ve heard me say often enough how “screens rot your brain” so they know the more relaxed summer months do not necessarily equal more time in front of the tube.
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Happy Father’s Day
Friday, June 17th, 2011
With Sunday as Father’s Day it seems only fitting to recognize the fathers who have made a difference in my life and this starts with my own father. While he was a typical dad of the era (I doubt he knew how to change a diaper and he continued to proclaim his ignorance as Grandpa as well) he was there for us throughout our childhood. I am the oldest of five and can remember playing basketball with him on the driveway of my childhood home – a fact that amazes my children – and at an even younger age, balancing on his knees as he lay on the floor with me and my younger brother.
