Advice for Dads

First Time Parent Advice

Posted on 25-03-2011 | By: nigel

First Time Parent Advice

Congratulations! Welcome to the wonderful world of parenthood! Now, sit back and relax while I inform you of just what you got yourself into…

-Crying

-Sleepless nights

-Barely any free time

-Loads of money spent on something you will be constantly throwing away

-Confusion

-Concern

-Crying (Did I already mention this?)

Am I being too honest for you? Well, if you are to survive what lies before you, you must be prepared with the tools and skills gleaned from the experiences of those who came before you (i.e. me… and maybe a few others!)

So instead of sugar-coating the truth with exaggerated imagery of angels singing the praises of your newborn, I figured I’d just ‘hit you upside the head’ with a huge dose of reality…

Parenting is not easy! Especially if you’re a first-timer!

Okay, this introduction was a bit ‘tongue-in-cheek’. But most slapstick is based on reality, right? The truth is this: if you recognize the struggles that come with the territory and have the right perspective going into parenthood, the less surprised, better prepared and more fulfilled you will be.

As a parent of two beautiful children myself, I am here to tell that every single struggle you go through is all worth it! Every time you have to pull yourself out of your precious sleep to tend to your crying baby, every time you have to clean your baby’s vomit or poo, every time you have to battle your baby’s propensity for rejecting solid foods… it’s all worth it.

Because your baby is a part of you!

If your first baby has not been born yet, then it is impossible for you to comprehend the following sentence…

Looking at your very own baby, touching your baby, holding your baby will open up feelings of love and compassion inside of you that you never knew existed!

Before having my first baby, I remember how I looked upon other children, such as my nieces and nephews. Of course, I would have feelings of love for them and think “Awe, they’re so cute!” But when it comes to your very own child, your own flesh-and-blood, those feelings are multiplied by infinity!

It is this indescribable love that trumps all! All the sleepless nights, all the crying, all the banging-your-head-against-the-wall frustrations… they all mean nothing when you realize the precious miracle that is your very own baby!

So my first-and-foremost advice for new parents is to harness the feelings of love for your baby within your heart. Try to absorb and live in the very first moments that you gaze into your baby’s eyes and never forget what that feels like. Recognize and appreciate the feelings throughout your entire body. Forget about the impending responsibilities and focus and your baby and your spouse. Building the bond of love between all of you in those first few moments, and those first few days, will serve as the foundation upon which you will stand that will eventually allow you to conquer the inherent struggles of parenthood.

Needless to say, this brief article cannot cover all, or even most, of the trials (and sometimes tribulations) you and your spouse will have to deal with in raising your new baby. It’s not a new baby checklist or a comprehensive parenting guide. There are countless resources, both online and off, that can address parenting issues more adequately than I can. But what I hope to convey are some basic principles that, if understood and applied, will make your life so much easier and will help you to triumph over any obstacles you may face regardless of its specific nature.

So here are just a few parenting tips for new moms and new dads:

Family
If you are at all blessed with the nearby presence of family members, take advantage of them! Don’t be shy to ask for their help. Even if a cousin, uncle or aunt, ask them to come over for a few hours to entertain the baby while you get some rest. Surely if it is the baby’s grandmother or grandfather they would be honored to do so.

Selfishness
Remember what the airline stewardess says to those passengers with children: “In case of emergency, put the oxygen mask on yourself before your child.” In other words, take care of yourself first! Sure many things you used to enjoy like free time and loads of energy will have to be sacrificed. Quiet romantic dinners and/or movie nights with your spouse, weekend get-a-ways, a relatively carefree schedule will also be sacrificed. But don’t sacrifice the bare essentials! Eat regular nutritious meals, hydrate yourself with liquids (preferably water), and sleep when your baby sleeps, if possible.

Marriage
What many couples don’t realize until it’s too late is the potential negative effect a new member of the family can have on one’s marriage. As difficult as it may be, don’t forget about your marital bond. Don’t forget about your spouse! Just as you would make time for food and rest, make time to reconnect with your spouse. Engage them in a conversation to see how they’re dealing with the stress, be sure that their needs are being fulfilled, and make an extra effort to counter any feelings of jealousy that may arise with so much attention being given to the new born.

Read
Obviously you’re already doing this by reading this article in the first place. But don’t stop here. Read books on parenting, magazines, articles and websites that provide help with parenting. Parenting blogs, forums and online groups will allow you to connect with other first time parents or veteran parents who can lend advice, support and other resources you can look in to. The more you do this, the more you will learn and also understand that you’re not alone in your struggles. Perhaps you can start with a small handbook entitled “The Essential Parent Handbook: Advice and Help For the First Time Parent” which can be found at http://www.TheEssentialParentHandbook.com/baby

Style
Are you aware that there any many different tried-and-tested parenting styles out there? My wife and I have chosen Dr. Sears’ method over Dr. Ferber’s method. However, each method has its pros and cons and there’s not a ‘one size fits all’ solution, since everyone’s situation is different. The important point I want to convey here is that you have to do the research yourself and determine what style best suits your preferences and lifestyle. And perhaps more importantly, neither try to impose your way on others who may have chosen a different method nor look down on them for doing so. Recognize that there are pluses and minuses to all approaches and that your choice suits your specific circumstance and preference, not others.

Payback
Things may get really difficult at times and you will feel unappreciated and unrecognized for your service. Just remember that you are simply doing for your baby what your parent(s) did for you. You are, as they say, ‘paying it forward’. When you accept this reality, you will become more grateful and realize the responsibility you have towards your child. And this will allow you to press on no matter what.

Counseling
Of course every situation is different and unpredictable. Postpartum depression is always a possibility, especially for new mothers who are exhausted and, in some cases, hormonal and/or depleted in essential vitamins. In this case, don’t be embarrassed or afraid to seek help. First talk with trusted friends and maybe even close family members. If all else fails, express your feelings to a professional counselor. The worst thing you can do is not talk about it at all. Ignoring the feelings of depression will not make the feelings go away. If you fear that counseling is too expensive, many organizations and professionals will provide free services in cases of financial hardship. You can research online or have your spouse or a friend do it for you.

So never forget that good parenting is all about perspective. With these small bits of new parenting advice it is my hope that you are beginning to construct a rock solid foundation for a healthy and happy family life. One that is built on an appreciation for the miracle of life itself!

Adam Wolfer is a video producer and article writer. He is the father of two children and currently lives in Northern Virginia. Check out his other eBooks for parents of toddlers, pre-schoolers, school age kids and teenagers at http://www.TheEssentialParentHandbook.com

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Part Time Jobs for Teenagers – Economic Recession Is Not a Hindrance

Posted on 23-12-2010 | By: nigel

Category : Parenting Tips

Tags: Economic, Hindrance, Jobs, Part, Recession, Teenagers, Time

Part Time Jobs for Teenagers – Economic Recession Is Not a Hindrance

There are ways for teens to make money and finding part time jobs for teenager are one of the best ways to help them generate an income of their own. There is actually variety of ways for teenagers to have a job at their young age. Aside from the income, another benefit that these jobs will give to teenagers is by setting them up so that later in life they can be responsible and learn how to make money even more.

During trying times, teenagers also feel the certain need of looking for jobs on their own in order for them to purchase the things that they need and want. This will keep them from asking money from their parents. There are times when jobs for teens are hard to find. However, there are some employers that are hiring in a wide variety of industries. In order for you to find a job, you need to assess your skills first and take a look at the legal components for teenagers to work for themselves.

Using an online job application is also one of the things that you have to learn. There are many companies that are constantly recruiting and searching for talents most particularly when summer approaches. All you have to do is to list all of your skills. Surely teens will find it a lot easier to do all of these because they are socially adept and most of the part time jobs for teenagers are focusing on the development of social skills, strategies in getting the work done and in working with the management. It is possible for teenagers to find job with the use of technology such as Facebook to search for jobs and be aware of the posted ads that are hiring teenagers.

There are many states that are requiring teens to be sixteen before they can start working. In fact, there are some cases where teenagers need to have worker’s permit and their working hours are limited due to regulations. If the teen has already all of the legal qualifications to work, the next thing that they will have to think about is to decide the things that they like to do best. There are certain activities that teenagers are good in doing and most of these are learned at home. This includes folding clothes, helping customers, communicating and sales assistance in grocery stores and malls.

Despite the fact that our economy has just recovered from the recession, there are always places that need teenagers to work. Part time Jobs for teenagers are one of the basic steps that they can take to become prepared and independent in the world. Also, this allows them to become aware of the things that they will learn when they became adults. The world ahead is challenging once they get out of their box, but they should not give up and plan. It may take months to find a job, but there are ways for teenagers to work and secure a job for themselves where they can be financially independent and realize a sense of responsibility which is one of the most important benefits of all.

Ken Wynn helps students find work. For a free mini course with more great tips on part time jobs for teenagers visit http://helpput5millionstudentstowork.com

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Dating For Single Parent – Tips To Identify The Right Time To Date

Posted on 12-12-2010 | By: nigel

Category : Parenting Tips

Tags: Date, Dating, Identify, Parent, Right, Single, Time, Tips

Dating For Single Parent – Tips To Identify The Right Time To Date

Dating For Single Parent – Tips To Identify The Right Time To Date

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Dating For Single Parent – Tips To Identify The Right Time To Date

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Posted: Jan 26, 2009 |Comments: 0

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Dating For Single Parent – Tips To Identify The Right Time To Date

By: Abhishek Agarwal

About the Author

Abhishek is a family counselor and he has got some great Single Parenting Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 65 Pages Ebook, “Single Parenting – Becoming The Best Parent For Your Child!” from his website http://www.Better-Parent.com/126/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

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Becoming a single parent isn’t an end. It’s a beginning. Your new lifestyle is full of responsibility and challenges. It may be more important now than ever that you find time for yourself. You need to relax and have fun. It may have been a while, but you can date now.

You may not be ready to enter into a new relationship, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go out and have a good time with friends. Dating old friends is a great way to re-enter the single world and renew old friendships. They already know you, and they’re easy to talk to. You need someone now to talk to and to ask for advice. Old friends may also be a source for help around the house or at work.

But if you’re interested in meeting new people and getting into a more serious relationship, you may want to do some real-life dating. But dating as a new single parent can present unique challenges. Demands on your time may already be great.

Taking care of the kids, earning a living, and maintaining your household are time-consuming chores. That makes it even more important to make time for your own fun and relaxation. But time management skills will definitely be needed to keep your life from being chaotic and stressful.

You may be emotionally raw at this time. Whether you’ve lost your partner through separation, divorce, or death, you’re going through some really big life changes. You need to be careful not to jump into the first relationship that comes along. You need to have fun, but you also need some time to heal and become independent again.

Here are some things to consider:

Am I ready to date yet?

Re-entering the single scene can be frightening. You may not feel self-confident about your looks, or you may feel that you’ve lost some important social skills. But fear of dating shouldn’t be a deciding factor. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to take that big step to have a normal life again.

There are some things to think about, though. You’re coming through a difficult time, and you may be emotionally vulnerable and confused. You may not have the judgment to see your dates’ flaws. You must take care to protect yourself and your children from predators and people that will use you.

Are you prepared to tell your children you’re dating? Your kids are also going through a big change, and they may be insecure or jealous if a new adult is introduced to the family. Have you prepared them for this? Do they understand your feelings and support you? If your children aren’t ready for you to date, you may not be. But there’s a limit. The important thing is to be honest and open with them about what you need and want. After all, they aren’t dating the person. You are. Just keep the lines of communication open and clear.

Getting into relationships too soon is a common mistake for newly-single parents. You’re accustomed to being part of a couple and feel awkward and self-conscious going out alone. You may not be finished with the old relationship. Losing a partner, no matter how, involves going through a grieving process to heal emotionally and re-establish a normal life. Studies show that it takes at least a year for people to process their loss and move on. Be sure you’ve given yourself enough time to heal.

You may also need to tie up loose ends from the previous relationship. There may be financial and legal matters still open that must be closed. If your partner passed away, you’ll need to settle the estate, dispose of property, and finalize insurance issues. Better to focus on the business at hand while you’re grieving than to introduce a new complication into an already-complicated life.

You also need to take time to help your children grieve the loss. They may be feeling abandoned, and they’ll need your love, support, and encouragement to move forward. And they need to build a new relationship with you, one where you’re the only parent. Dating too soon can cheat them of this important time with you and create behavioral problems that are not easy to solve. Take it slow for their sake and for yours.

How do single parents find people to date?

It’s probably been a long time since you were in the dating scene, and you may have lost touch with your single friends and activities. One way to meet new people is through your friends. Perhaps your best friend knows someone they think would be perfect for you. Take a chance. Go on a blind date.

You also have a constraint that many singles don’t: time. It’s important for you to plan your social activities well in advance so you can get a baby-sitter or make other arrangements for your children. So, whatever you do to meet new people can’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Many areas have singles groups where you can meet other unattached people. As long as you don’t have to make commitments, this is a great way to meet people. Group social activities are fun and safe. You get a chance to get to know people before being alone with them.

You may even be able to find social groups specifically for single parents. This way, you’ll meet people whose lives are more like yours. They have the same challenges and problems. You may find it easier to relate to another single parent, and certainly they will be more understanding when something comes up at the last minute.

What about relationships?

You are the only person who knows if you’re ready to start a serious relationship. Of course, you are not alone, and your children will influence your readiness and willingness to get into a relationship.

You need to be very clear in your own mind about where you are and what you want. Perhaps you only want companionship and social contact. If you’re not ready to get serious, let your dates know. Don’t allow yourself to become more involved than you can handle emotionally. Your first few dates shouldn’t be serious, and you don’t need to involve your children with your casual dates.

But if you’re lonely and feel you need someone to love, you may be more interested in getting serious. First, you must ask yourself why. Getting into a serious relationship because you’re lonely isn’t a great idea. You want to get involved with a person, not just fill a hole in your life. Be sure of your motives before you allow things to get to serious.

What to do when on a date?

You’ll want to know that your dates will be both fun and safe. Your family depends on you, and taking chances to date isn’t wise. Always be sure someone knows where you’re going and who you’re going with. Let them know when you’ll be home, and take your cell phone with you in case of an emergency. Let your date know about your family and that you might get a call. No surprises is a good policy.

When you go out, you’ll want to do something that helps you get to know each other. Look for places where you can talk and activities that encourage conversation and interaction. Movies aren’t a good idea for those first few dates because they don’t provide a good get-to-know-you environment. Better to go bowling or play miniature golf than to go to a movie.

For first dates especially, it’s important that you go to public places. Your personal safety is very important, and you don’t want to take chances with people you don’t know. You might even want to arrange to meet your date somewhere so that you aren’t dependent on them for your ride home.

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First Time Parents – Tips and Guidance

Posted on 05-12-2010 | By: nigel

Category : Parenting Tips

Tags: First, Guidance, Parents, Time, Tips

First Time Parents – Tips and Guidance

First Time Parents – Tips and Guidance

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First Time Parents – Tips and Guidance

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First Time Parents – Tips and Guidance

By: Info Arrow

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Consultant with interrest in many fields.

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – First Time Parents – Tips and Guidance

Parenting is no easy task, ask any one who has raised a couple of kids and they will raise both their hands in acceptance. It is not for the faint hearted, especially in this day and age of television and advertising. Nevertheless, it can be a very rewarding and loving experience, if it is done intelligently and with care. Parents must closely observe their child’s personality and nature, assisting them in overcoming their weaknesses and building upon their strengths. Choosing the correct system of education for your child is very important as it will determine, to a large extent, how their future is molded. There are many books in the market which assist in this process, and one can refer to them for guidance.

Parent’s must understand that they are in the best position to guide and nurture their child, as there is a very special bond between parents and their children. A large portion of their’ lives are spent together, creating a strong bond. In order for your child to grow up to be a content and fulfilled individual, it is important for parents to follow a few guidelines. The following are a few:

1) Observe your behaviour towards your child. Children tend to copy their parents’ behaviourial patterns. If you are a highly optimistic, positive person, they will most likely grow up to be the same.

2) Do not use abusive language in front of them or towards them.

3) The way in which you deal with yourself and other people is also important. If you maintain a calm presence of mind and deal with situations in an appropriate manner, befitting an adult, they will surely grow up to be mature and balanced individuals.

4) Understand your child’s unique nature. Try and support them in the growing up process. Do not enforce your ideas upon them, although sometimes it is necessary, usually it has the opposite effect. Instead try and explain to them your understanding and guide them in reaching their own conclusions, helping them discriminate right from wrong.

Children have their own dreams, and it is the duty of the parents to help them achieve them. As you watch your child succeed in life, be it in school or college, later in their work lives and careers, you will be overcome with feelings of love and satisfaction..

When your child is a new-born baby, you will have to deal with many things you have never dealt with before. Changing nappies, feeding the child and waking up in the middle of the night to comfort them are just a few of the exciting things awaiting expecting mothers and their beloved husbands.

For more information and Tips on First Time Parenting, visit … <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.firstparent.com/”><b>First Time PArents</b></a>

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How To Find The Best Teenage Diet Plan And Lose Weight In No Time

Posted on 07-09-2010 | By: nigel

Category : Parenting Tips

Tags: Best, Diet, Find, Lose, Plan, Teenage, Time, Weight

How To Find The Best Teenage Diet Plan And Lose Weight In No Time

A teenage diet plan can state a risk for the teenager’s health, especially when a certain medical condition is the case. It is really crucial, because of this fact, that you consult with your family doctor before you begin with such a plan. Nearly all the time your doctor will be against the teenage diet plan, because in most cases it is unnecessary.

Teens are at a vulnerable stage and they are taking peer pressure very seriously. They worry about their appearance which can cause those who do not have a weight problem to take drastic measures. Skipping meals is not the answer.

The best teenage diet plan that will give you the required nutrients to keep you healthy and helps building healthy bones, is the plan you are looking for. Your family doctor usually knows the most suitable plan for your individual requirements.

Consistent junk food consumption will keep you away from experiencing the rewards of a teenage diet plan. Instead, you will be at risk of developing weight-related health problems that include diabetes and heart disease.

Don’ forget that weighing a little more is normal for your age. Most folks are losing the extra weight naturally while they grow. And – not one person is the same as the other. What might be a good weight for someone else might not be right for you. You have to consider your bone size, your height, and what is a normal weight for your family.

Just by keeping away from junk food, which includes nearly no nutrients and eating nutritious meals you will see a benefit. In case you are overweight, you can find a good teenage diet plan below. Follow it and it will help you reduce the excessive weight.

A necessary part of a good teenage diet plan is exercise. Sometimes, this is enough. It assists the body in digesting the food you are eating. It builds muscle which naturally burns calories. With regular exercise you are burning energy that would turn into fat cells otherwise.

We’ve already talked about avoiding fast foods and any high carbohydrate and sugar-based foods such as candy bars, potato chips and sodas. There is very limited nutritional value in them. When you eat these foods your body can easily digest them and turn them into unhealthy fat, that can clog up your blood vessels and arteries.

It’s best to create your teenage diet plan with your doctor’s or parent’s help, especially if you are extra heavy. Refer to healthy eating books and magazines for advice and ideas. Putting together a teenage diet plan that will get you results is relatively easy.

Fruits and vegetables: Eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruits will make sure you are getting the natural minerals and vitamins you need. Some vegetables, like green beans, will actually help you with losing weight. Always take some fruits and/or vegetables with you for a healthy snack.

Lean meats: Lean meat needs more energy to digest, so eating small portions of it can be helpful in losing weight. Don’t eat much red meat though, it has more fat then the other meats and your body needs a lot of time to break it down. Choose white meats or seafood instead. Only eat a small amount of meat daily.

Milk and cheese: Your body needs a lot of calcium and these 2 foods supply it. Skim milk contains less fat then 100% milk, but still has all the goodness in it. Eating cheese is boosting your metabolism, it can actually aid you to get rid of the extra weight.

Water: Water is very important, drink lots of water – especially during exercise. Water is about the only thing that is guaranteed non-fattening.

Instead of eating the usual large three meals daily, try switching to 5-6 small portions daily. This will keep your body’s metabolism working and prevent the food from turning to fat.

Don’t forget – the best teenage diet plan always includes that you exercise a lot and eat less more often.

Overweight? Feeling ugly because of this? Lose that excessive weight and get the amazing body you ever wanted. Start with your teenage diet plan today.

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First Time Parent Advice

Part Time Jobs for Teenagers – Economic Recession Is Not a Hindrance

Dating For Single Parent – Tips To Identify The Right Time To Date

First Time Parents – Tips and Guidance

How To Find The Best Teenage Diet Plan And Lose Weight In No Time

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