Tuesday May 15, 2012
According to a recent study, researchers have found that children are safest under the care of grandparents. Working moms and single parents often turn to their own parents for assistance in raising kids. Having near and dear ones to look after young ones is beneficial for all parties concerned.
The grandkids are happy, as grandparents tend to be softer, and more sympathetic. As for the grandparents, well, what better than spend their days in the company of grandchildren?
Though it is a bit early to celebrate Grandparent's Day, it is never too early or late to express your love to your grandparents. Grandparents often feel neglected when family members are busy with their own schedules. You can occasionally remind them that they are loved, and cherished, by doing something special for them. Perhaps you can take your grandparents to the local church. Or perhaps you can give them a relaxing massage. If your grandparents have a hobby, join them in their activities and share their insights and joy. Create an environment of love and make room for your old folks in your heart.
Monday May 14, 2012
Recent US census data has revealed that many couples are putting marriage on the back burner. Reason: apart from scores of commitment-related phobia, new age couples are afraid of breakups.
Now why would couples think of ugly matters such as divorce when they are in love? Isn't love meant to last forever? Whatever happened to 'till death do us part'?
Call it pragmatism, cynicism, or a relationship of convenience. But the statistics are up there for everyone to see. Couples prefer to have no-fuss arrangements that give them the benefits of marital relationships, without the burden of legal tangles. Thus live-in and casual relationships are becoming popular.
Then why go in for a marriage? Is marriage a dying institution?
Family counselors and psychologists strongly advocate marriage to loving couples. While it is true that marriage is a bond that involves a lot of adjustment and sacrifice, marriage also liberates the couple, and allows them to explore their individuality. Without the constant threat of breakups, marriage allows couples to take the relationship to a higher level.
Marriage also protects the rights of children. Couples in wedlock take every effort to save the marriage from disruption. They don't abandon the relationship at the first sign of trouble. Marriage as an institution is also good for society.
If you are married, respect your marriage. Protect your marriage from jealousy, infidelity, and boredom. A couple that understands each other can weather any storm. If you have friends who plan to get married, wish them well with wedding toasts. As the best man, you can give your friend pearls of wisdom with best man wedding toasts to cherish forever. Here are some beautiful marriage wishes you can share with your spouse. Use these wedding anniversary wishes to please your beloved on your wedding anniversary.
Sunday May 6, 2012
Recently, I visited the dentist and he commented, "You have beautiful, healthy teeth. It's a good thing that you took care of them early in life."
My thoughts raced back to my childhood, when my mother hounded me to brush my teeth well. She would just not let go if my teeth weren't brushed properly. She made it a mission to ensure that I brushed and flossed regularly. Like every kid, I hated my mom for being such a persistent nitpicker. I threw my tantrums and tried to sneak out of the punishing rigor of good brushing. Thanks to her, today I can proudly display my pearly whites.
Sink your teeth into these beautiful Mother's Day quotes. Remember your mother for all the blessings she bestowed upon you, even when you didn't want them.
Saturday May 5, 2012
First came a hot-shot career with a swanky office, power lunches, and cocktails with the movers and shakers of the corporate world. Then came love, followed by a dream wedding. After a couple of years of romantic getaways, you started planning for a family.
From then on, life becomes a roller-coaster ride. You see the ups when you give birth to your baby, after months of labor. You see the downs, when you juggle between soiled diapers, night feeds, potty training, and colic. And when you have barely taken a breather from baby management, you have another baby. This time, you are sure you are prepared. But surprise, surprise! The second baby, along with the first one, turn your life into a circus.
And just when you are squeezing yourself into this new role of motherhood, you meet an old colleague from work. She looks ravishing, with manicured nails and an air of importance. No screaming babies or disheveled hair for her. She is doing exactly what you would have been doing, had you chosen to stay single. Does that feel like you just got stabbed?
Many new moms get panic attacks when they see their life careening out of control. They are forever plagued by the question: Did I do the right thing by choosing kids over a career? The truth is that one can never know which side of the grass is greener. To your swashbuckling friend, your life may actually look wholesome and complete, while you whine about dirty diapers and runny noses. Whatever you choose, you will end up wanting the other life. You may consider balancing a career with family by being a work-at-home mom or a part time worker. In either case, a lot of compromise and sacrifice will be called for.
I too had my share of doubts and depressions. Though, I was a work-at-home mom, I missed socializing with work colleagues, or attending brainstorming meetings. But I reconciled to the fact that I have succeeded in raising two smart boys, giving careful attention to their mental and physical development. I did not compromise there, and I am happy to say that I am satisfied with the result.
Salute the spirit of motherhood that has changed the hearts of millions of women around the world to lead a fulfilling life as mothers. If you chose to forego your career to raise kids, be proud that you took a difficult stand and stuck by it.
If you have had a great career because you stayed unattached, cherish your freedom and live life responsibly. Make the most of your single status, and seek a fulfilling life with myriad experiences. If you are like me, who chose to work from home, you have a tough life ahead. Keep a rigid discipline and stick to your schedule. Try to compartmentalize your life such that your career does not interfere with family and vice versa. Here are some quotes that have helped me keep my head above water. They may help you too.
