In The Crook Of My Arms – by: Marsha Maung

His head is tilted back, mouth slightly open. His breath is slow and steady and his eyes almost all-closed but slightly open. His neck nestles over the crook of my arm and I stare at his face as he breathed in and breathed out. A feeling of overwhelming love washed over me. I was totally at peace as I watched my son sleep in my arms.

I must say that there’s absolutely nothing quite like it at all.

When was it that he got so big? He’s almost too big to fit into my arms as his legs dangled off the edge of my other arm. He speaks almost in adult-fashion now but in child lingo. He has mastered the art of writing and drawing a very funny and ‘individualistic’ sketch of the sun and a smiley face. He is old enough to tell me that his favorite color is red and favorite number is 4. I know I am his mom but the effects of being a protector, a caregiver; a mom has never failed to astound me.

Sometimes daily needs outweigh the needs of our children. Their need to have us by their sides to kiss the wounds and to heal the tantrums. They need us – now what else can be more important than that. They need us to tell them that it’s OK when others are not nice to them and that they don’t have to avenge the bad behavior of others. They need us to tell them that it’s OK to feel bad when they’ve made a mistake and are asked to say sorry for the mistakes. They need us to bring them out in the playground and teach them about nature, about living and about the world. They need us. Period.

There are times that I wonder if I should just give up the working arrangement that I have fiercely fought for for the past 5 years and go back into the rat race. There are weak moments when I wonder if I have done the wrong thing and have pampered them by trying to be an overly ‘positive’ parent. I wonder too, if my kids are good kids or bad kids. But now I know, there’s no such thing as a bad kid; and a good kid is a stroke of luck.

Everything becomes worthwhile when he runs over to me and shouts, “Mommy!!! My mommy!” and come crashing into me, bumping my nose and cracking my lips with his forehead. He buries his head into my shoulder and I bury mine into his. We stay in that position for a full minute before we peel apart and start planting wet kisses all over each others’ faces. We don’t care about germs, do we? I just want to kiss him until the day I die – just kiss him senseless and no one can tell me that I can’t kiss my own baby that way.

But till when will this luxury last? Our kids are borrowed treasure for we know they won’t remain babies for very long. My babies won’t need me for very long now. Soon, they’ll be old enough to prefer their friends to me. Soon enough, they’ll want to go out with their friends and won’t want me to tag along. Soon enough, they’ll only speak to me when they want my car or want me to pay their cell phone or Internet bills for them. Soon enough, they’ll have a life of their own and mine is kicked aside.

So, for now, I treasure this 3-year-old baby in my arms, lying so soundlessly sleeping in the crook of my arms. He fits just perfect right now.

How I wish he would fit into my arms like that for the rest of my life….and his. But I know he won’t. And that’s one BIG, FAT reason to treasure the moments now.

About The Author Marsha Maung marshamaung.com

Choosing The Perfect Area Rug For Your Child’s Playroom – by: Mark Lambie

Are you thinking about putting an area rug in your children’s play area? These rugs can be great fun for kids. Many have fantastic colors and designs on them. Some have games or puzzles that the kids can play. Our favorite are area rugs are the ones with race tracks on them, the kids can race their play cars around the city. When choosing the perfect area rugs for your kids play area keep the following tips in mind.

Kids are more prone to getting the carpet dirty. Of course you already know that! The best way to combat this is to select a carpet with a lower pile. This will help make the carpet easier to clean should it get dirty because the vacuum can get right down there a get all the dirt out. As a general guideline aim for a pile to longer than 1/3 of an inch. An added bonus if a low pile is the increased durability it brings.

Note the fiber the rug is made out of. Is it natural or synthetic? Synthetic fibers such as nylon or polypropylene are made from a type of plastic. We recommend these types of fibers are they are more durable and can help avoid stains.

Also take note of where you are buying it. If you choose to purchase the rug online make sure you check out the merchant before buying. Confirm that they have a return policy in case you are unsatisfied with the rug. Also check their shipping charges, some merchants charge more than others. One final tip is to check weather or not they charge tax, if your buying an expensive rug this can equal substantial savings for you.

About The Author Mark Lambie Are you thinking of buying a rug online? Be sure to visit http://rugs.shop-expert.com to find the best rug retailers on the net.

Creative Ideas for Easing Separation Anxiety – by: Nicole Brekelbaum

Does your child exhibit separation anxiety at daycare drop-off? Do you spend more than fifteen minutes struggling to calm your child’s fears? You are not alone. All parents at one time or another have experienced guilt, fear and remorse at the very thought of leaving their hysterical child in the arms of a non-relative.

Separation anxiety affects both parents and children. Children display their discontent and fears by throwing temper trantrums, clinging onto parents for long periods and ignoring attempts by their daycare provider to calm their fears. Parents display separation anxiety by hesitating to exit the daycare, clinging onto their child for prolonged periods and performing disappearing acts when their child is not looking.

To help ease separation anxiety, change must start with the parents. Parents must first calm their own fears and insecurities. When children see parents more relaxed and confident at drop-off they begin to slowly warm up to their daycare provider and adjust to their new daycare setting. Parents can plan ahead of time by using some of these creative ideas to help ease separation anxiety.

Temporary Tatoos …

Visit your local grocery store and ask your child to choose a temporary tatoo of his favorite cartoon character. At bedtime discuss going to daycare with your child. Offer to place the tatoo on his hand as a special reminder that you are with him always. Remind him at drop-off that when he looks at the tatoo, he will know that you love him dearly and will soon pick him up after work.

Popsicle Treats …

Popsicles, especially on hot days, are a great treat for children. Purchase a pack with a variety of primary and secondary colors. Use the popsicles to teach him about secondary colors. Show him that two primary-colored popsicles can combine to form a secondary-colored popsicle. At daycare drop-off ask your child which color he would like to have at the end of the day. Ask him which flavor he thinks is associated with that color. Reassure him that he will be receiving his treat at the end of the day and that you will share precious time with him after returning from work.

Surprise Boxes …

Keep surprise boxes in your vehicle. Explain to your child that he may open the surpise box if he is good throughout the week. The surprise box may contain baby photos of your child, his favorite storybook, a favorite snack and a simple craft item that he can quickly put together.

Healthy Snacks …

Visit your local grocery store with your child and ask him to choose a variety of healthy kid snacks that he will pack and carry to daycare. Many children who are adjusting to daycare need something familiar to hold onto as they try to feel secure and comfortable being away from parents. If your daycare provider prepares meals, gradually reduce the number of snacks in your child’s lunch box until your child starts eating the foods prepared at the daycare.

Bedtime Stories …

Visit your local library and borrow books that focus on children going to daycare. Read these books at bedtime. From the pictures in the storybook your child will see other children going to daycare and will understand that he is not the only one experiencing separation anxiety. Ask your child about his day at daycare and try to determine if he is adjusting slowly or not adjusting at all. After a week or two most children adjust nicely to new daycare settings. For some children it may take longer.

If you suspect that your child is still not adjusting try to drop by the daycare unannounced to see if your child is interacting with the other kids. Look at his interaction with the daycare provider and the types of activities he is engaged in. Discuss any of your concerns with your daycare provider and allow time for adjustment. If there is no change after about a week or two try looking into other childcare options which may be better suitable for your child.

About The Author Nicole Brekelbaum is the director at Young Achievers Inc. – A home-based learning center for aspiring youth located in Pflugerville, Texas. She has been providing childcare in her home since her career switch from working engineer to childcare director and mom. Visit her company’s website at http://www.youngachieversinc.com nicole@youngachieversinc.com

8 Tips To Save On Child Care Costs – by: Jeffrey Strain

Child care costs are are one of the most expensive costs associated with going back to work. Finding ways to cut down on child care costs without sacrificing quality child care is a top priority for all working parents. Here are a few ideas that can help trim your child care costs without sacrificing child care quality:

See if your employer has a child care flexible spending account. This is a special account that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq-kw87.html – created that allows you to set aside money for child care expenses with pre-tax dollars. You ask your employer to take out a certain amount of money each month from your paycheck and you can use this money tax free for child care related expenses.

Inquire if your company has partnerships or offers discounts for certain child care provider services. some larger companies will sometimes negotiate discount plans with local child care providers to help offset child care costs.

See if your public school district offers a half day pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds. These programs are usually free and by signing-up your child, it will reduce your child care needs to a half day from a full day.

Check to see if your employer would be open to flex hours, job sharing or telecommuting. If so, you may be able to use these to juggle your schedule and cut your child care costs.

If both you and your spouse work, see if it’s possible to arrange your work schedules so they overlap as little as possible. This will allow you to reduce the number of hours your child has to spend at child care.

See if there is a relative or good friend that can help with child care.

Consider hiring a nanny and sharing the cost of child care with a few good friends. This will allow you to pay less individually for child care costs and the nanny will make more money overall.

For a list of child care resource and referral agencies, you can visit the Child Care Aware website – http://www.childcareaware.org – which is a nonprofit organization that helps parents find quality child care in their communities.

About The Author Copyright Jeffrey Strain. He is owner of http://www.savingadvice.com – a website dedicated to saving you money. info@savingadvice.com

Do You Love Your Child? Child Car Seat Safety Is A Must! – by: Derrick Pizur

Child Car Seat Safety

We know you love your children, but so many people do not follow these simple car seat safety principles. By following these easy steps you can ensure your child is completely safe in your car.

Just to get one thing straight, there is no one best child car safety seat. The best car safety seat is determined by various factors that you as the parent need to take into consideration. The seat needs to fit your child’s height and weight, as well as be able to fit properly in your car.

Another common misconception is price. More expensive, does not always mean better quality or the seat is better safety wise.

The first step of proper car seat safety is of course determined by the age of your child. Any child that is under the age of twelve should be kept in the back seat of a vehicle. This is especially true if your car has passenger side air bags.

Infants should be in a rear facing car seat until they are at least one year old and twenty pounds. After they are twenty pounds they can be placed in a front facing car safety seat until they are around forty pounds or they have reached the maximum height recommended for the specific car safety seat in question.

Once a child reaches forty pounds, they should be placed on a belt positioning booster seat. The vehicle’s normal seat belt should not be used until they are around eighty pounds or 4ft 9 inches tall.

As always read your car’s owners manual as well and any manuals with the car safety seat.

About The Author Derrick Pizur This article may be reprinted as long as the below About the Author Box remains intact. Brought to you by ChildSafetyInfo.com – Sign up for our FREE child safety newsletter today.

If You’d Like to Know Why Reading Matters – by: Barbara Freedman-De Vito

Here Are Some of the Reasons Why Reading Is So Important for Children

Why Do We Tell Children to Read ?

We’re always telling children that books and reading are good for them, but have we ever really thought about why that’s true ? Exactly what do older children get out of reading novels ? What do younger kids get from reading children’s stories and being read to ? Does reading matter ?

The purpose of this article is to say that, yes, it’s true, reading really is important, and that there are some solid reasons why that is so. Let’s begin with the practical benefits and then move on to the less tangible rewards of a life filled with reading.

Books Help Children Develop Vital Language Skills

Reading is an important skill that needs to be developed in children. Not only is it necessary for survival in the world of schools and (later on) universities, but in adult life as well. The ability to learn about new subjects and find helpful information on anything from health problems and consumer protection to more academic research into science or the arts depends on the ability to read.

Futurologists used to predict the death of the printed word but, ironically, Internet has made reading more and more a part of people’s daily lives. The paperless society is a myth. The computer’s ability to process and analyze data means that endless variations on reports and other types of documents can be and are generated. Internet, itself an enormous new source of information and recreation, is based on the humble written word. To effectively utilize the web and judge the authenticity and value of what is found there, both reading and critical thinking skills are of prime importance.

The more children read, the better they become at reading. It’s as simple as that. The more enjoyable the things they read are, the more they’ll stick with them and develop the reading skills that they’ll need for full access to information in their adult lives. Reading should be viewed as a pleasurable activity – as a source of entertaining tales and useful and interesting factual information.

The more young children read stories and are read to, the greater their interest in mastering reading. Reading out loud exposes children to proper grammar and phrasing. It enhances the development of their spoken language skills, their ability to express themselves verbally.

Reading, by way of books, children’s stories, magazines or websites, exposes kids to new vocabulary. Even when they don’t understand every new word, they absorb something from the context that may deepen their understanding of it the next time the word is encountered. When parents read aloud to children, the children also hear correct pronunciation as they see the words on the page, even if they can’t yet read the words on their own.

Reading Can Open Up New Worlds and Enrich Children’s Lives

As mentioned above, reading opens doors – doors to factual information about any subject on earth, practical or theoretical. Given the wealth of available resources such as Internet, libraries, schools and bookstores, if children can read well and if they see reading as a source of information, then for the rest of their lives they will have access to all of the accumulated knowledge of mankind, access to all of the great minds and ideas of the past and present. It truly is magic !

Through books and stories, children can also learn about people and places from other parts of the world, improving their understanding of and concern for all of humanity. This, in turn, contributes towards our sense that we truly live in a “global village” and may help us bring about a more peaceful future for everyone. This can happen through nonfiction but, perhaps even more importantly, reading stories that are set in other places and time periods can give children a deeper understanding of others through identification with individual characters and their plights.

Through stories and novels children can vicariously try out new experiences and test new ideas, with no negative consequences in their real lives. They can meet characters who they’ll enjoy returning to for comforting and satisfying visits when they reread a cherished book or discover a sequel. Books also give kids the opportunity to flex their critical thinking skills in such areas as problem solving, the concepts of cause and effect, conflict resolution, and acceptance of responsibility for one’s actions. Mysteries allow children to follow clues to their logical conclusions and to try to outguess the author. Even for very young children, a simple story with a repetitive refrain or a simple mystery to solve gives a confidence boost. Children can predict the patterns and successfully solve the riddles.

Children are influenced by and imitate the world around them. While a steady diet of violent cartoons may have a detrimental effect on children’s development, carefully chosen stories and books can have a positive influence on children, sensitizing them to the needs of others. For example, books can encourage children to be more cooperative, to share with others, to be kind to animals, or to respect the natural environment.

Reading Can Enhance Children’s Social Skills

Although reading is thought of as the quintessential solitary activity, in certain circumstances reading can be a socializing activity. For example, a parent or grandparent reading a story aloud, whether from a traditional printed book or from an ebook, can be a great opportunity for adult and child to share some quiet, relaxed quality time together away from the rush and stresses of the business of daily living. They share a few minutes of precious time, plus they share the ideas that are contained in the story. In addition, older children can be encouraged to read aloud to younger ones as a means of enhancing their relationship.

At school or at a library story hour, books can bring children together and can be part of a positive shared experience. For some preschoolers this may be their primary opportunity to socialize and to learn how to behave around other children or how to sit quietly for a group activity. Make the most of this experience by encouraging children to talk about what they’ve read or heard.

Reading Can Improve Hand-Eye Coordination

It may sound funny, but ebooks can be a way for children to improve their fine motor skills and their hand-eye coordination, as they click around a childfriendly website or click the backward and forward buttons of online story pages. They may also be picking up valuable computer skills that they’ll need in school and later in life.

Reading Can Provide Children with Plenty of Good, Clean Fun

I’ve saved the most important point for last. Reading can provide children with endless hours of fun and entertainment. All of the pragmatic reasons above aren’t at all necessary to justify reading’s place in children’s lives. Stories can free up imaginations and open up exciting new worlds of fantasy or reality. They allow children to dream and may give them a good start on the road to viewing reading as a lifelong source of pleasure; so read to your young children every day.

Inspire your older children to read. Give them access to plenty of reading material that they’ll enjoy and discuss it with them. Sample everything – traditional printed books and ebooks on Internet, classic children’s novels and fairy tales, as well as more modern stories.

If a child wants to hear the same story over and over again, don’t worry about it. Children take comfort from the familiarity and predictability of a beloved story that they know by heart. There’s no harm in that. Reread old favorites and, at the same time, introduce your children to new stories. Your child’s mind and heart have room for both.

So Reading Really Does Matter After All

There are so many ways in which reading continues to be both a vital skill for children to master, and an important source of knowledge and pleasure that can last a lifetime. Nurture it in your children. Make the most of all the resources that are available and waiting for you: printed books, online stories, magazines and so forth. Encourage follow-up activities involving creative writing skills and the arts, as well, so that your children can reflect upon or expand on what they’ve absorbed and, at the same time, develop their own creativity. As you help your kids appreciate the magic of reading, you’ll find that there’s a whole wonderful world full of children’s literature out there that YOU can enjoy too.

About The Author Barbara Freedman-De Vito © 2005 Barbara Freedman-De Vito, children’s librarian, teacher, professional storyteller, and artist, writes and illustrates animated children’s stories which are available at http://www.babybirdproductions.com which also has free games and educational activities for children, teachers and parents. Clothing and gift items decorated with artwork from the stories are also available. mail@babybirdproductions.com

10 Positive Discipline techniques for children – by: Kenia Morales

Do you feel your child is out of control? Punish him or her often and get no positive results? It might be your discipline strategy that is not working. Try using positive discipline techniques which are highly recommended by the child development professionals and see the changes in your child’s attitude. See him or her actually making efforts to cooperate with you.

1. Let child know what you expect from him or her.

2. Let child express feelings, even crying.

3. Redirect children to other games,you,toys etc when misbehaving.

4. Praise child’s efforts and improvements.

5. Offer child simple choices.

6. Be reasonable.

7. Make deals.

8. Be flexible.

9. Time out

10. Be reasonable and patient – Always keep in mind that children can not behave like adults. So make sure your expectations are not too high

About The Author Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine http://kpatra.com “For Every Aspect of Today’s Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics” click here http://www.kpatra.com/keniascolumn.htm to find Kenia’s little piece of heaven her inspirational column keniamorales@kpatra.com

7 Powerful Ways to Show Love to Children – by: Steve Brunkhorst

Our children are our most important legacy to the world. However, our love is our most important legacy to our children. Here are seven ways to show love that will help children build sturdy foundations for the future.

1. Spend Time with Your Children.

Time is the most loving gift we can give to our children. It allows for the mutual exchange of ideas, emotions, actions, and words that help our children develop and learn to communicate.

Enjoy a toddler’s tea parties as well as a teen’s ball games. Help your children build things and create art. Begin new family traditions that you can enjoy together each year. Ample time spent in mutually enjoyable activities will create memories you will always treasure.

2. Be the Primary Role Model for Your Children.

Children need examples to follow. Teach practical values to your children by modeling those values. Admit when you have made a mistake and apologize. Model being committed to the ideals you embrace. Demonstrate the advantage of integrity over peer pressure.

We teach and influence children more through actions than words. We are our children’s first heroes; the ideals that we live today are the ideals that will influence our children throughout life.

3. Listen to Your Children.

A child’s message is one of his or her most essential gifts. We build self-esteem in children when we show interest in what they have to say. Children need to communicate their pride of accomplishment as well as their needs.

Get down at eye level with very young children and listen with your eyes, ears, and heart. Listen most of all to the feelings conveyed through a child’s eyes and expressions. If you listen to your children deeply, they will grow up listening deeply to you.

4. Provide Your Children with Loving Discipline.

Children need guidelines and safe boundaries without being constrained unnecessarily. They need to learn the value of being accountable for their choices and actions.

Let your children know that you disapprove of hurtful actions but will always love them as sons and daughters. Loving discipline enables them to recognize the best in other people. It allows children the freedom to explore the world safely and reach their highest potential.

5. Give Your Children Encouragement.

Encouraging words are powerful emotional deposits of confidence and self-esteem. Verbally acknowledge your children’s special talents and accomplishments. Catch your children doing something great, and tell them what a great job they have done.

Children need to know that we recognize and support their hopes and dreams for the future. Encouraging children to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually provides the foundation for living a balanced life.

6. Share Your Experiences with Your Children.

We each have valuable stories to tell, unique maps of our journey through life. These stories tell how our reactions to events created the life we are living now. Sharing the benefit of your experiences — the roadblocks and rewards — is a very loving way to guide your children.

Your children may face many of the situations you faced. Your experiences can help them make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Among the most worthwhile possessions that we can someday leave for our children are journals filled with the stories that shaped our lives.

7. Love and Support Your Children Unconditionally.

Love is an unconditional gift from the heart; it is not a reward for good behavior. Let your children know that you will love and support them in any situation. This message creates a sturdy bond of trust. Your children will grow to feel safe in coming to you with any problem they face.

Children need the freedom to make decisions, try new things, and learn that life requires personal responsibility and persistence. They need the freedom to fail and learn from mistakes without being judged. Unconditional love helps them to acquire the decisiveness and resiliency required to become successful.

If you could sum up all of our children’s needs, hopes, and expectations in one word, that word would be love. We share love when we play a central role in our children’s world of learning and discovery. Our legacy of love will have a guiding influence upon our children and grandchildren for many generations.

About The Author © Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com

Reality of Habits & Traits – by: Nilesh Gore

We are always concerned of our-self & our children about habits traits & behavior. So I thought traits(character) & habits are not just the words but as the powerful weapons & can be good and bad, that why I elaborated it with explanation in this article.

Emphasis on the consistent behavior, which is a characteristics of all traits, may lead one believe that traits & habits are same. Both, Its true, are learnt pattern of behavior. Both consistent in that similar situation it is possible to predict that the persons behavior will be similar to the behavior in past. & both imply that learning has resulted in behavior that occurs so automatically that the person does not have to plan his act and behavior & often not aware of what is doing until after has done it.

THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HABITS & TRAITS is that habit is narrow & limited determining the tendencies while on other hand traits are more generalized determining tendencies. And because they are more generalized, traits are more variable in expression than habits. Traits are more often the result of the integration of several specific habits that have the same adaptive significance for the person.

EXAMPLE:

:- Through parental guidance, Child learns specific polite habits like saying “Sorry “ or “Excuse me” when he inconveniences others. And to giving proper respect to elders. Child learns that his habits are socially expected & approved. Child also discovers that they lead to the greater social acceptance than other behaviors. In this process & time child also sees & realizes the relationship between these specific habits & favorable social concepts. Consciously or unconsciously child learns to act consistently & responsibly in manner in which polite or valued acts plays an important. Then he is judged by others as “polite person”. One of the outstanding traits is “POLITENESS”.

EXLUSIVE FACT:

Child’s traits are blueprint of parents personality and habits. Habits has direct impact on “GENES” and mystically transfer via hereditary. In our society there are many accepted norms of society(or “follow the crowed” behavior), few of them bad as well. Which affects child very drastically directly and indirectly. (just like Drinking, smoking & other bad addictions including premarital sex, teasing – harassment – molestation of females / adolescents and so on.)

Only you can decide how your generation next will be.

Only you can decide what kind of habits you have to keep.

Only you can decide what kind of habits you want to develop in your CHILD.

Only u can decide how u & ur child & your country will be recognized by ur

Quality of traits in society & world.

Thanks for your Time & Consideration,

By Nilesh Gore – ng411002@rediffmail.com

About The Author Name : Nilesh B Gore Profession : Graphologist (Hndwriting Analyst) & SW. Eng. Email : ng411002@rediffmail.com Web : http://www.brendynamics.com/gr Country : India, Ms Copyrights : © Nilesh B Gore.

Too Much to Do? Too Little Time? – by: Aurelia Williams

Have you ever felt like someone just pressed the Fast-forward button on your day and before you know it the day is over and you are sitting there wondering what you’ve accomplished?

I love to organize and with working Part Time outside of the home and FULL-TIME at home with my business, 4 children and Husband I really rely on a schedule and many time management tips to keep my sanity (ok, so some of you think I am already insane, I won’t argue with that) but at least I am organized

Here are a few of my favorite Time management Tips:

1. Meal Planning: Try planning 1 – 2 weeks worth of meals at a time and write them down on a calendar. Do your shopping accordingly and prep tomorrows dinner today. You will be AMAZED at what a time saver this is.

2. To-Do Lists: I know most people HATE them but they actually do work. Just take a few moments out of your day (either in the morning or in the evening) to make a list for that day or the following day. Be sure to only put down the items that you MUST finish on this list.

3. Delegate: Do you have friends, a husband, children that can pitch in and do a few things for you? If so, be sure to use all of your resources.

4. Morning Rush: Scooting the children out of the door can be a huge time eater! Be sure to prepare lunches, lay out clothes and plan your breakfast the night before. This will make your mornings run a tad smoother.

5. Just say “NO”!: Such a small word that carries a might punch! If you truly can’t fit something into your schedule and it is not urgent, just say No!. Keep a list of non-urgent things that you can do on hand for when you do have some down time.

Well, those are just a few of my time management tips. I personally set aside about 15 minutes a night and sit down with my Palm Pilot and make a short TO-DO list for the following day and it is amazing at the time this save.

Also be mindful of your own body. Are you a morning, afternoon or night person? Try to schedule your most time consuming tasks when you have the most energy.

Take Care!

About The Author Aurelia Williams is the mom of 4 busy children, a Personal Life Coach and the owner of Real Life Solutions, which is an informational site that also offers products, low cost advertings and a great newsletter. You can visit her site here: www.reallifesolutions.net wah_momma@yahoo.com