The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands

by Dr Laura Schlessinger. This book gave a lot of examples of people who wrote in or called expressing frustration or joy in their marriage. It gave me a greater respect for my husband who wants what is best for me and my family. It also gave me some areas to work on, such as allowing my husband to get his needs met and politely asking him to do the same. I love that Dr. Laura was not afraid to speak honestly about the feminists who want everything, but are not willing to give anything in return. I highly recommend this book! Your husband will love it too.

Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld

I have now started adding pureed vegetables into all kinds of recipes from pizza crust to smoothies! I normally don't cook, but I can buy a box of cake mix for instance and add sweet potato before I put it in the oven. Simple! And it takes away guilt from so much carbs.

Introducing a New Toy

When my first daughter was little I would try to teach her how to use a new toy. Now I allow her to explore it her own way. I rediscovered this while teaching her to decorate with icing. After trying to show her, I gave her a picture with wax paper on top and a bag of icing and let her go.  It was great!

New Rules

What better place to learn parenting than from God. In Moses chapter 5:6 it says, "And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam saying: why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not save the Lord commanded me. I usually wait until I can explain a rule before I give the rule, but that is backwards. How do you present a new rule? Sometimes I wait until the negative consequence has been experience to give the new rule.

Einstein Never Used Flash Cards

By Hirsh-Pasek & Golinkoff This book has amazing data! It shows child development and the data that backs up their suggested techniques. It even clarifies studies that are often quoted by the media. The techniques are simple to use ways to educate by age. Interesting: a professional family hears 6 affirmations to 1 disapproval, working class hears 2 affirmations to 1 disapproval, and welfare homes hear 1 affirmation to 2 disapproval! Wow! The power of the self-fulfilling prophecy!

Finding a Trusted Parenting Source

As a new parent the first thing we feel is anxiety to do everything right. We seek advice from every direction. Then we start to resent advice because the opinions we hear are so different. We try to go with our gut, but even that doesn't seem very concrete. Now that my children are toddler and preschool age, I have found the sources I trust. Step one is identify your parenting style. It helps to look at your parents' styles too. Next we look at our childrens' personalities. Finally, we look at which parenting styles historically produce the best results. For more ideas on which parenting styles historically produce the best results, read Kevin Hinckley's book about the Strong-willed Child.

Feeling Bad?

When we feel bad it motivates us to change. When we are depressed we think about others who are suffering and wonder how we can help others. When we are sick we search for the ailment and the cure. When we are bored we look for activities to do. I wonder if people seek a quick fix for feeling bad. I think many people want to be entertained all the time. Boredom gives us a chance to think about what our priorities are.