As the world engages in a global homework debate, there are many parents whose major concern is not public policy, but what will happen at home tonight. They are not Tiger Moms, but ordinary parents who simply want the best for their children. These parents start out with the full intention of supporting the teachers…
Your kids are growing up in a new world; here’s how to help them navigate it. The internet has changed everything for our kids, and without any precedent to go on, most parents find themselves making up the rules as they go. There are many successful strategies to help your kids develop a safe and…
One of the first places to look at “greening” your life is your home. There are easy ways to integrate a ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ philosophy into a home improvement project. Whether you are actively tackling a project and looking for a green approach, or just seeking ways to save water, electricity, and other resources,…
It is possible to raise kind, well-mannered children with no yelling, no spanking, and no time-outs. When I created the Privileges System three years ago, my daughter needed boundaries… fast. I always said, “I won’t have a brat,” but I had to admit that if I didn’t act soon, I would indeed have one. Now…
[Adapted from "The Nature Principle"] Boredom has its benefits. So does solitude, that lost art in the age of wall-to-wall media. To occasionally be alone — not lonely, but alone — is an important part of parenting and of marriage. One time, my wife Kathy rented a room at the beach, and spent a weekend…
Nothing beats the flavor of a fresh-from-the-garden tomato; warmed by the sun, plucked right from the plant and eaten in the garden. And the good news, you don’t need much space. Many gardeners have and more will continue to grow food in containers or mixed in with their flowers, shrubs, and other ornamental plantings. Save…
One day I got a call from an old friend who invited me to join him with some friends on the following Saturday to view a Walipini. “Sure” I said, having no earthly clue what he was talking about. I had to quickly Google the word after the phone call to see what this exotic…
Every April 22nd, when Earth Day rolls around once again, we see the public renew its interest in protecting the environment and finding practical solutions for sustainability. There are benefit concerts, clean-up days, and eco-rallies; all dedicated to spreading the word on ways everyone can help preserve our planet’s natural resources. However, one way we…
The colloquial term “whiplash” refers to a constellation of injuries to neck muscles, tendons and ligaments. Rear-end auto collisions stand-out as by far the leading cause of whiplash injuries, but falls and sports accidents also cause serious neck injuries. Typically, whiplash patients experience sudden, violent force to the head followed by equally sudden force in…
So you’re braving the fee increases and planning to make the move to uni this September. This is the first time in your life that you are free from the folks and able to live exactly as you choose. And when it comes to moving into your new crash pad you want to make your…
A family needs a working budget to be able to run the household smoothly. Without a budget, the family finances will undoubtedly go awry. An effective budget should consider certain important elements such as: income, necessities, lifestyle, emergency budget and retirement savings. Here are some important tips that can help keep the household running smoothly:
