Now that the kids are more used to the computer and the internet, we need to be more careful. Don’t let them see what they are not supposed to see at their age. And, yes, that’s our responsibility.

Some parents think that the thing they should do is simply telling the kids not to go to certain sites. But, would it always work? Remember when we were little and our parents told us not to go but then our curiosity won and we went anyway?

It might happen again to our kids.

That is why we have to build the limit without them knowing that they are limited. Get the Parental Control Software that can help you:

• Get perfect control of websites your children browse, software they use, and folders they access.
• Regulate the time when they can use your computer and connect to the Internet.
• Hide content on your computer that you don’t want them to see.

Be active and creative. And, I suggest that you make sure not to let them know that they are limited.

I decided to make an ‘interview’ with my husband on this crucial subject. I’d just like to know what he has in his mind about his role as a father…

Me: So, how do you feel being a father of two kids?

Him: Happy, of course, what do you expect? It’s a lovely unconditional love. When I saw each of them in your arms minutes after they were born, there was this huge love flushing into my heart…

Me: Oh, you’re being so sweet. *I kissed his cheek* Now, let’s move on. You are working hard outside. What makes you want to spend lots of time helping me with the chores?

Him: Thats’ easy, honey. I love you and the kids. And, I don’t want you to feel depressed–I don’t like it when you do–so, it’s also for my own good, besides for you and the kids.

Me: Good! *We laughed* Now, tell me. How do you picture the future of this family?

Him: I picture us living in a small city and having our kids live in a bigger one, not far from us with their own family.

Me: Sounds like lots of honey moons for me. *We laughed*

Him: I like this interview…go on…

Me: Let’s say, you are offered a great job, but you have to travel a lot. What would you do?

Him: *He laughed* I know where you’re heading to. Let’s say, if I’ve got no choice, I’d be just like your Daddy. Even if I have to travel, I’ll try my best to be there on special and important occasions. Yet, if I have to choose, I’d rather not take the job.

Me: Yeah, I know you’d do that. Why do you think I married you in the first place?! You’d prefer be with the family…no matter what!

*End of the interview*

• “A divorce is like an amputation: you survive it, but there’s less of you.” (Margaret Atwood - Canadian Writer)
• “The worst reconciliation is better than the best divorce.” (Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra - Spanish writer)
• “Mom hates dad, Dad hates mom, it all makes you feel so sad.” (Kurt Cobain - American Musician and Singer)

What do you say?

It’s just a few years away and I still totally don’t know what to do.

Olivia, my daughter, is very shy. She doesn’t talk much–she does to me, but not to her father–, she is quiet. I’m quite the contrary.

When I was her age, I talked a lot. So, I think that’s why it was easier for my Mum to talk about ‘getting period’ with me. When I had it, I was on my way home from school. I felt something wet, there. So, I walked faster, I even ran.

I went straight to the bathroom. Mom was so calm. She seemed to know that ‘it’ finally came.

She told me everything about it. What I should do and all the ‘risks’ of being a woman. We went shopping that day. It was unusual, because normally we shop on weekends. She said, it was a special day for us to celebrate.

Well, that’s beautiful, isn’t it?

Let’s compare it with my friend’s experience. It was awful. The mother ran to tell her father and she got so embarrassed, she hated being a woman.

What did you do when your daughter had it? Would you mind sharing?

A relative of mine has a 13 year-old son, a very nice young boy. Yet, I was surprised when I found out that he still sucked his thumb!

I talked to the mother. I asked her why she didn’t stop it.

Then, the story rolled.

She has been trying to stop it. So hard. But, it seems to fail, again and again. The reason is simply because the little boy still doesn’t feel comfortable with himself and his surrounding. Especially, knowing that the mother is working.

She planned to quit. It’s just, she got divorced and she had to support the family. And, the divorce made the thumb sucking worse.

All she can do now is to take the son–who has dental problems–to the dentist. And, she plans to take him to a psychologist to build his confidence.

That is very sad, for me. That could have been prevented or stopped earlier. It is harder to make him stop for he has been doing that for more than 10 years.

What parents can do to help their kids stop thumb sucking:

• First, make it easy. Don’t expect them to just stop right away. Start with an hour without thumb sucking, a day, a week, a month…and before you know it, they stop.
• Rewards. Challenge them. If you don’t see them sucking the thumb for one week in a row, promise them a toy or a dinner at the child’s favorite restaurant.
• No yelling, no bad words! This is important because the reason they do it is simply because they don’t feel comfortable. If you yell or say bad things, it means you encourage them to do it again for they need solace.

Have a nice try!

Look, it is meant to be that every mother should be happy. If you think that you are not a happy one, well, sorry to say, there might be something wide of the mark. Find out what seems to be hiding your motherhood happiness.

While doing so, try these actions—some that are easy and fun:

· Forget the errands for one hour, think as if you’ve got nothing to do! Enjoy yourself…

· Grab your phone. Call a friend…if your pre-teen girl can do it, so can you! (more…)