101 Ways To Be A Solid Mom - Step 8: Snack Right!

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

“Grocery shopping is a land of temptation for children, and adults as well.  It’s easy to give in to the colors and smells and sweet taste.  Sugar is the enemy, Mom!  Let’s provide healthy snacks for healthy kids!”
Kids will eat right, if good  choices are put before them.  Got Junk Food?  Get Rid of It!  [...]

101 Ways To Be A Solid Mom - Step 7: Discipline Now

Wednesday, August 20th, 2008

Remember the Leave It To Beaver TV days, when Mother’s discipline was “Wait ”til Your Father Gets Home?”
“If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot, indeed.” - Albert Einstein
Moms can’t get by with waiting until Dad comes home to “punish.” Not only does it not make [...]

101 Ways To Be A Solid Mom - Step 5: Talk About the Rough Side

Sunday, August 10th, 2008

“The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.” -Henry Ward Beecher
Life seems to be changing rapidly, getting tougher all the time.  We should not think for a moment that our kid’s aren’t noticing. 
They hear the news, the comments of adults, they hear us.  They see the look on our faces, they witness our anger at the [...]

101 Ways to Be A Solid Mom - Step 4: Know Their Friends

Thursday, August 7th, 2008

Kids need friends, but kids need their family more. Until they are about the age of 18, they are still very influenced by peers, coaches, music, teachers, preachers. Not all of these people will give the guidance of which you approve. Be involved, but don’t be bossy.

101 Ways To Be A Solid Mom ~ The Mad Zone of Parenting

Monday, August 4th, 2008

Dancin’ With The Devil
Are you living in the Mad Zone of Parenting?  Do you find yourself caught in anger and dealing with temper fits, yours and the kid’s?
I’ve been there, and I learned how to get off the hot seat.  It’s hard, but it can be done, and it’s much easier when you do a [...]

101 Ways To Be A Solid Mom ~ Step 3: Loving Discipline

Sunday, August 3rd, 2008

Step OUT of the Mad Zone!
Are you consequencing out of anger and impatience?
You’re going to be frustrated, expect it.  That’s a parent’s common emotion.   You want your children to do the right thing.  Frequently, they don’t.
Don’t give up on them, or yourself.  Step out of the moment, regain your composure, think it out.  Don’t shout.
I [...]

It’s 10 O’Clock - Do You Know Where Your Car Is?

Friday, March 28th, 2008

Kids, Cars and the Bizarre

by Marisue Alsobrook
Introduction: This pre-teen started the engine alright, only it wasn’t his engine, it was ours and it belonged to a white Ford in our driveway. Meet Johnny. He was 8 when he was placed in our home, a product of family incest and a victim of family sexual abuse. [...]

Parenting Shortcuts? There Are None

Wednesday, March 19th, 2008

by Marisue Alsobrook
Are You Parenting in the Fast Food Lane?  Do you find that your parenting time seems Hit and Miss?  These 5 Parenting Basics can keep your family from melting down from busy schedules, stress, and life’s daily trials.
Introduction: No one is any busier than a working parent, unless it’s a single working parent.  With [...]

A Note About Parenting

Thursday, March 6th, 2008

by Marisue Alsobrook 
I’ve been climbing the tall ladder of foster parenting for the last 18 years, have parented over 250 children (not all at the same time, of course) and have 3 children of my own, two of whom are adopted.  My three sons are pure joy, my husband and I are devoted to them completely [...]

Step Parenting: 10 Steps For Success!

Sunday, January 13th, 2008

By:  Marisue Alsobrook

Step Parenting 
  No “wicked step-mother” allowed!  You don’t have to birth a child, to love them deeply, and as if they were ‘your own.’  As a mother of one biological son and 2 adopted, I know that love is individual and unique with each person in your life.  My kids are alike, yet [...]