Relationships – Page 9 – Personal Growth Cafe

March 22, 2018January 7, 2018

How to Promote Healthy Behaviors in Your Children

Health should be a top priority for you as you raise your children.

When you start young, you can set your child up for a long and healthy life, just by promoting healthy behaviors now.

Childhood Obesity

Statistics have shown that when a child is obese, they’re more likely to continue to struggle with the problem during their adult life.

You can combat this by concentrating on a healthy diet and an active lifestyle for your young ones.

Keep these items in mind as you promote healthy behaviors in your children:

1. Children learn by example.

Look to your own habits first.

Are they up to par?

Your children watch every move you make and they’re likely to repeat your behaviors.

While a family pizza is a nice treat every once in awhile, if it becomes a habit, your children will continue to expect it all the time.

Be a model for your children by maintaining a balanced diet.

Show them that they must exercise by exercising yourself.

2. Make it fun.

If you make healthy behaviors fun, your children will look forward to engaging in them.

Get excited about brushing your teeth.

Play sports with your children, instead of just walking and running.

Do what you need to do to keep the excitement alive.

3. Use repetition.

Fight the urge to slip up when it comes to continuing your healthy behaviors.

If you do something every day for 21 days, it becomes a habit.

Healthy habits are easy to maintain once they’re ingrained in your brain!

For example, if you brush your teeth every single morning and night, your teeth will feel “dirty” if you miss a brushing session.

4. Buy fresh healthy snacks.

Everyone enjoys a good snack.

Have plenty of healthy snack options available to your children.

You can put out plates of fresh fruit and veggies.

When your children are hungry, they’ll make do with what they have, even if it isn’t their favorite.

5. Turn off the TV. In this day and age, the TV plays a large role in life.

If you find that your children are spending too much time in front of it, establish a no TV or video game policy during certain hours and encourage your children to go outside or read a book.

6. Stay involved.

Get actively involved in your child’s life.

If you continue to encourage them when they’re doing something good, they’ll enjoy the attention.

Getting involved in this way will give your children the confidence to continue with their healthy habit.

7. Sign up for activities.

Your community likely has a variety of activities to choose from in order to remain active while having fun.

Discover what your children like and sign them up for those activities.

When Things Go Wrong

People lead busy lives and sometimes you’ll realize that you’ve let some bad behaviors take over.

In these situations, it’s important to stay on top of the problem and search for a solution.

Define the problem and develop an action plan that will help you get back on track.

For example, if your family has fallen into a pattern where you start to eat out too frequently, perhaps you can find some quick and healthy home recipes or search for healthier places to eat out.

Following these tips will keep you and your children on the right track and enable a healthy lifestyle for years to come.

What behaviors do you want your children to develop?

How can you be a good example to your children?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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March 7, 2018January 7, 2018

How to Help Your Children Develop a Positive Outlook on Life

When you equip your children a positive outlook, you’re setting them up for a happy and successful life.

Don’t believe me?

Well, who do you think would be most successful?

The person who believes he can achieve anything, become whomever he wants, and follows up with swift action, or:

The person who complains about anything, is indifferent about everything, and gets nothing done out of feelings of hopelessness.

Obvious, huh?

You see, children have such an amazing ability to learn.

They’re babies one day, and the next they’re learning language and life skills at a rate much faster than any adult can.

This gives us, as parents, a very important and sometimes overwhelming duty: to teach our children every day.

There are many things you can do each day to foster a positive outlook in your kids, but having a positive outlook yourself is the most important thing you can do to help your children grow.

Let them know they make a positive difference in your life and love them unconditionally.

Keep the following tips in mind to help your children develop a positive outlook:

1. Lead by example. From a young age, your children pick up on more than you know.

While you may live by the notion that you should always put your kids first, you also have to concentrate on your own self-development.

Because, when you think positively, so will your kids.

2. Watch your reactions. Just as with leading by example, you must watch your reactions, especially when things go awry.

If someone gets hurt or you learn some bad news, fight the urge to have a negative reaction. If you yell or outwardly worry, you’ll affect your children.

Teach your children that sometimes things don’t go our way, but eventually the tides will turn.

3. Find the silver lining in challenges. As your children learn and develop, they’ll be faced with all sorts of challenges.

Some of them will be easy, while others are more challenging.

Be sure to point out the silver lining in any challenge your child may be facing.

It’ll help them to see your point of view when they’re facing challenges alone.

4. Help them change their thinking. When you’re child is in the midst of a tough challenge, he may bring up the idea of giving up.

Do your best to bring wisdom to the situation to know when your child simply needs to be pushed further.

Perhaps there’s an angle to the problem that your child hasn’t tried yet.

Nudge them in the right direction until they find the success they seek.

5. Promote laughter.

Laughter breeds happiness and positive feelings. Your children will each have a unique sense of humor.

Play into your child’s humorous side by promoting situations that your child finds funny.

You can play games, go to shows, or simply have a good time together as a family.

A Happy Healthy Home

When you remember to treat your children in a calm and loving manner, they’ll be more likely to do the same.

If your child tends to panic, don’t scold them for this behavior.

Put them at ease as best as you can and show them that there’s a solution to their problem.

If you panic, the situation may spiral into an unhealthy cycle.

In the end, there’s no right or wrong way to raise your kids.

Do what’s best for your family in the way you know how.

When you maintain a happy and healthy home, your children will learn to have hope and think positively!

When was the last time you spent time with your kids?

How do you teach them about being positive in life?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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March 5, 2018January 5, 2018

Coping with Anger from a Loved One

Coping with anger from anyone can be tough.

However, when anger is coming from someone dear to you, it can be especially difficult to deal with.

If someone you love is showing anger now, or continues to show anger on a frequent basis, you must resist the urge to fight fire with fire.

Fighting back will only make the situation explode and you and your loved one will find it increasingly difficult to come to a resolution.

Keep the following tips in mind as you deal with anger from someone you love:

1. Avoid reacting immediately. You shouldn’t let yourself explode with a burst of emotion.

Anger can get heated quickly and you don’t want to respond rashly, whether it’s with anger, sadness, or resentment.

2. Allow yourself time to cool down so you can approach the situation calmly and rationally.

3. Refuse to take things personally. There’s no doubt about it, this is hard to do when a loved one is hurling mud your way.

It’s easier to avoid taking it personally from colleagues and strangers, but for those close to you, it’s hard not to take their opinions personally.

Talk to your loved one about what they said.

Explain how you see their actions as personal attacks.

If they didn’t intend it as one, they’ll have a chance to explain themselves.

If they did mean to personally attack you, it’s important to work out the issue.

What can you do to improve the situation so these outbursts won’t happen again?

4. Admit the problem. It’s also important for your loved one to admit that they have a problem with anger if it’s recurring.

They may say they have control over it, but it’s only a matter of time before it flares up again and causes deeper wounds.

5. Help them cool down. Whether the anger is directed toward you or another person, step in and help them cool down before they lose control and let anger take over.

While you may like them to develop these skills independently as they practice on their own, they may need your assistance in the beginning.

You can help them reflect on their thoughts and feelings before they act.

6. Identify feelings. People don’t just immediately burst out in anger without a flood of emotions first.

Help your loved one identify their triggers so they can put a halt on anger before it starts.

7. Teach healthy anger expressions. Anger is a part of life. However, it’s how we react and deal with anger that’s important.

Here are some healthy ways they can express and cope with anger:

Write in a journal.
Exercise – go for a jog or run when anger arises.
Count to 10 and take several deep breaths before reacting.
Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
Express anger through art.
Focus on the good of a situation.

It’s important to discover a coping mechanism that works for your loved one.

At the same time, you shouldn’t get lost in your loved one’s struggle with anger.

You can go over some of the healthy anger expression techniques and implement them yourself as well.

By becoming a model for your loved one, it just may be what they need to change.

But if their anger turns violent, remove yourself from the situation immediately and seek professional help.

By helping your loved one learn and grow, you just may be able to strengthen your relationship and developer a lasting bond.

How can you continue to show unconditional love to those who matter to you despite the things that they do?

How can anger hinder us from forgiving freely?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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February 26, 2018January 5, 2018

Eight Tips to Create a More Loving Relationship

Your relationship with your partner has the potential to be the most fulfilling experience in your life.

However, there are snags that can happen at every step of the way.

No one ever said that relationships were easy!

The good news is that if you stay proactive, you can foster a loving relationship no matter how many weeks or years you’ve been together.

When you create a more loving relationship, you make both you and your partner happy. You won’t find much better than that!

Here are some tips for creating a more loving relationship:

1. Show your gratitude. If you love your partner very much, than you’re obviously grateful for them.

However, you need to learn to express your inner feelings.

Your partner needs to know that you’re grateful. It shouldn’t be something that goes unsaid.

You can show gratitude by being more open in your conversations or by taking loving actions by buying gifts or suggesting ideas for quality time.

Also, remember the words: “Thank you!”

2. Incorporate more fun into the relationship.

You two may have separate ideas of what fun is, but try doing things together that you both enjoy.

It doesn’t have to be anything big and extravagant, just try to find something simple, yet exciting.

The key is to do something where you both won’t know exactly what to expect.

This adds that “special spice” to the relationship and helps stave off boredom.

3. Go out of your way. Yes, going out of your way for your partner may take some extra work, but it’ll be worth it!

Decide to make a grand gesture for your partner.

Do this out of the blue and your partner will really see that you care.

For example, you could throw them a party or take care of something that you know they don’t like doing.

4. Do activities they want to do. By making the sacrifice to do something you’re not all that interested in, it’ll make your partner feel loved and honored.

Of course, there’ll be interests you share, but make it a point to join in for an activity they really enjoy more than you do.

If your partner has always wanted to go ballroom dancing with you, perhaps it’s time to bite the bullet and go through with it.

5. Keep their needs in mind. As the years go by, it’s so easy to fall into patterns and restricted comfort zones, but you mustn’t forget about your partner’s needs.

If they enjoy an extra hug every once in awhile, go give them a hug.

If they like to talk about feelings and plans, sit with them and talk.

6. Say: “I love you” regularly. It seems that you can never say these three simple words enough.

Say it, text it, email it, record it, show it.

Do what you have to just to remind your partner of your true feelings.

This little phrase actually helps communication, lightens the mood, and fosters a more loving relationship for many years to come.

7. Listen actively. While it’s important to express your own feelings, it’s also critical that you truly listen to your partner’s feelings.

When you actively listen, you’ll begin to understand your partner in a new, deeper way.

They’ll also feel loved because they’ll see you being attentive and they’ll feel like their thoughts and feelings matter.

8. Support their ideas. When you agree with your partner’s ideas, make sure that you fully support them in both words and actions.

This feeling of support will help your partner feel loved.

When you don’t agree with your partner, it’s still important to remain loving.

Don’t shoot down your partner’s ideas or become overly critical.

Accept what they’re saying and suggest alternative ideas if needed.

Follow these tips, encourage your partner to do the same, and you can’t help but have a more joyous, loving relationship!

How can a loving relationship be a source of greater joy?

What will you do for you partner today?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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February 16, 2018January 5, 2018

I take time to listen to others.

I listen to others, not only because I care about them, but also because I know that it is in my own best interests to do so.

I still have much left to learn about life.

I have learned much already and will continue to do so through my experiences.

When I open myself up to the thoughts and instruction of those who have more life experiences than I do, I equip myself with greater knowledge and understanding than I would have been able to attain on my own.

By listening to others, I protect myself from possible pitfalls.

Sometimes other people’s pasts give them a valuable perspective on my life.

They can alert me to dangers or dead-ends that I may not be able to see.

I remain open to their advice, knowing that those who love me speak out of a desire for my own good.

I also believe in community.

I am confident that we are all better off if we have a firm base to fall back on.

And such a base takes time, effort and compassion to create.

We all have our ups and downs.

While I may feel self-sufficient and content with my life right now, my life may be different next week, next month or next year.

So I take time to listen to others, knowing that I can also expect compassion and support if I have taken the time to give it.

How have you listened openly to others?

How has an active approach to listening helped you in the past?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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February 14, 2018January 5, 2018

It feels good to be open and honest with loved ones.

Opening my heart and emotions to those who are close to me gives me a warm feeling.

I nourish my soul when I share it with my loved ones.

I know my feelings and thoughts are safe with them, and I can be completely honest and open with them.

By sharing in this way, I am made stronger and feel loved and appreciated.

I enjoy the feeling of community and the strength that comes with sharing myself with others.

When I am able to share my feelings and thoughts openly and honestly, I am also better able to receive open and honest dialog from my loved ones.

When others trust me wholeheartedly, I am honored to feel worthy of their trust.

I respect their needs and offer open and honest guidance.

Building this trust is essential. I am proud to be trusted and worthy of trust.

Today I will open my heart and share openly and honestly with others.

I will also open my heart to receive open and honest communication from others.

I will lend my ear and my heart and I will be a part of a giving and loving community.

How have you been open and honest with those you love?

How have you opened yourself to receive open and honest communication from others?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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February 11, 2018January 5, 2018

My family will benefit from my positive transformation.

As I grow and better myself I become a better spouse and parent.

As I look out my window I can see the beautiful oak tree with its branches stretched wide and strong.

Although I cannot see the roots, I know that they run deep into the ground to anchor it securely and sustain its growth.

Looking closely, I see a family of squirrels that have nested in a crook of the tree; they are offered shelter and security.

The birds are given a roost and the tree offers cooling shade to anyone who is near.

I am like this oak tree; as I grow in spirit I have more to offer to my family.

As I transform my spirit and continue to grow, I become strong and my foundation is able to sustain whatever comes my way.

I am a more attentive spouse and a gentler parent.

In nourishing and sustaining myself I continue to better my own life and therefore I bring more benefits to my family.

I am strong and my spirit stretches wide and can offer strength and shelter.

A gentle and encouraging word, a smile to warm the heart and arms to wrap around those I love are things I have within me to offer.

Today, I can ensure my betterment through nourishing my body and allowing my spirit to grow.

I am a better spouse and parent because I continue to grow and transform myself.

Everyone around me benefits from the positive energy I emit as I continue to grow and transform into a more enlightened being.

How have you created a strong foundation to support your transformation?

How have you become a place of shelter and rest for your family?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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February 6, 2018January 5, 2018

I can rescue myself from the quicksand of stagnation with the support of my family.

There is little that I cannot do with the support of my family.

My family gives me the support and strength I need to rescue myself from standing still or spiraling downward.

The support of my family helps me to continue to grow, even when it gets difficult.

I am a strong person who is strengthened by my family.

It shows great humility to be able to accept the love and support of my family.

I can pull myself up from the sticky mire of life because I have an awesome family that gives me support and encouragement.

I feel strong and supported, validated and vindicated by my family.

We have gone through life together and no one knows me like my family knows me.

No one accepts me like my family accepts me.

No one loves me like my family loves me. No one supports me like my family supports me.

Today, and every day, I appreciate the love and support that my family offers me.

I appreciate my ability to pull myself up in life because of the support from my family.

Today I will let my family know how much I appreciate them.

How have you been strengthened by your family’s support?

How has the support of your family allowed you to rescue yourself?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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January 16, 2018January 5, 2018

Family time is my treasure.

January 16, 2018January 5, 2018

Regain Important Family Time by Leaving Work at the Office

On days when your spouse comes home from work irritable and grumpy from a bad day, try telling them jokingly, “Go back and come in again.”

In our high-stress society, sometimes it’s hard to keep work and home separate.

Work worries follow us home so we’re never really free of them.

Even though work is such an intertwined part of life for everyone, it’s essential to leave your work problems at work so your home can be your sanctuary.

Here are some effective tips to help you leave those work issues back at the office so you can enjoy your time at home:

1. Schedule your day.

Plan ahead for how long you’re going to be at work.

When you’re “closed” be closed, even if it means ignoring the phone or emails.

The world won’t stop spinning if you sit down to dinner with your family and let the machine get the phone.

You know that you’ll pick things up the next day, so accept that the work can wait until you get back. Train yourself for this.

If you have to initially schedule family time or alone time, do it.

You’ll soon begin to enjoy the rewards of scheduled time off.

Turn off your cell phone, blackberry, or beeper when you walk in the door.

Your messages will still be there in the morning when you start your workday again.

This idea might prove a little tricky for stay at home moms, but learn how to set boundaries for your children.

After you put them to bed, tell them Mommy hours are over, and it’s time for you to relax.

Most children respect these parameters, and other people who need you will learn to respect your boundaries as well.

2. Change your clothes.

Work attire has certain standards and, when you change into comfortable clothing at home, you give yourself a chance to relax.

Whether you wear a uniform or business wear, changing your clothes is a mental indicator that work time is up.

Keep a cozy pair of slippers by the door so you can get comfortable immediately after you come into the door.

3. Give yourself time to de-stress.

You can just sit in the chair, read a good book, or fix a drink.

Whatever your method is to de-stress, make sure you’ve spelled out ahead of time that you aren’t to be interrupted until you’re ready.

If you know you don’t want to be pummeled by your kids the moment you walk in the door, arrange with your spouse or kids to allow a few minutes to de-stress.

Use your commuting time to de-stress, especially if you use public transit.

Listening to your iPod or just daydreaming out the window can make a world of difference in your mood once you get home.

Don’t stay in de-stress mode, however, for the entire evening!

Still take part with the family once you’ve cleared your mind for a bit.

4. Separate your work area.

As more and more people begin working from home, it’s harder to separate the two lives.

In order to help you distance yourself from work once work hours are over, keep your work area physically separate from your family area.

Establish your work area in a dedicated workroom, or separate your work area with a wall or a room divider so you’re not pulled back to your work area when you’re interacting with your family.

If you work with a laptop, don’t be tempted to bring your work into your family space.

It’s too easy to get distracted by work when your family needs you at the end of the day.

You’ll find so much peace of mind once you realize that you’re in control of your schedule!

Don’t let the boss run your world outside of work.

You’ll be happier, healthier and more productive when you take time for yourself and your family.

Treat yourself with the respect you deserve!

How can you carve out more time to spend with your family?

What can you do today to show your family that you appreciate them?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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