In this quick-to-read book by Doug Hewitt ($16.95 from Hatherleigh Press, the author discusses 101 creative, affordable and fun weekend activities to do with your children. Many of the ideas can be used with just about any age child.

My favorite—one that I used when Erin was little—is the “Make up a story” activity. Hewitt calls it “Round Robin Stories.” Erin loved it. I would generally start the story. Something like:

“Once upon a time there was a little brown bear named Delilah. She lived in the woods with her mom and they went blueberry picking every day. It was a fun and delicious adventure, but one day…”

And then Erin would have to continue the story. When we first started this game, she would say something like:

“Delilah met a rabbit in the blueberry patch and…”

And then she would give it back to me. But as time went on, she got better and better at telling stories. Sometimes she would go on and on with a very elaborate tale. We always had loads of fun.

I enjoyed my quick scan trhough Hewitt’s book, The Practical Guide to Weekend Parenting. It reminded me of several activities I plan to do with my granddaughter when she comes to visit.

Get more information and ideas from WeekendParenting.com

~Lois

It’s no news that Boomers are the “sandwich generation.” You all feel it, don’t you? You’re squished between all of your duties and responsibilities.

Many Boomers are finally coming out of the child-rearing age, and now we’re hit with having to help our parents as they become older and more frail. Some of us are still supporting children. And we might be working full- or part-time, juggling volunteer responsibilities, trying to manage our own health, and still get more than just a few hours of sleep each night.

Whew! I don’t know about you, but it’s no wonder I’m tired. And my parents have all passed on.

For those of you who are either just beginning to deal with helping your parents in their elder years, or those who are deep in the throes of it, there’s a book for you. It’s called Unwrapping the Sandwich Generation. The author is Susan L. Cunningham, CSA, of Senior Resources Group in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

In little, easy-to-read vignettes, the book will help you come to understand the issues of managing your senior’s care and show you that you are not alone in these issues. I highly recommend it.

~Lois

(when serenity is the last thing on your mind!)

In the normal course of living, we sometimes feel
“overwhelmed”, “burnt out” or “stressed-out”.
I know I do, which is why I created this special
list of things to do when I’m feeling less than
peaceful. And around holiday time those feelings
sometimes feel even more unmanageable.

As long as you’re alive, life will bring us
challenges to manage. That’s why I created
Serenity Self-Care Cards for myself. Really!

My holiday gift to the world? The messages
below are from the cards, use them to your
best advantage. And if you’d like to download
your very own cards I’ve included a link
for you to do that, too!

Remember:

1) We can do something about the feeling we
call stressed-out.

2) Sometimes “doing something” looks like
- making a change
- doing nothing
- doing something totally different
- being with someone
- being alone
- being with a group of someones
- forgiving ourselves for our mistakes
- being thankful that we’re alive

Peace on Earth…..

50 Ways

· Ask yourself…”Am I being too hard on myself?”
· Ask yourself…”What do I have in my life that I can enjoy at this moment?”
· Ask yourself …”How important is it?”
· Ask yourself…”What is my gut telling me?”
· Ask yourself…”Are my goals or expectations realistic?”
· Ask yourself…”Am I considering all my options?”
· Ask yourself…”What is it about this situation that I can do something about?”
· Ask yourself…”Who in my family or support circle can help me now?”
· Ask yourself…”What is it about this situation that I can manage?”
· Ask yourself…”What can I change about my attitude?”
· Ask yourself…”Do I really want to be doing this?”
· Ask yourself…”What needs to be done first?”
· Ask supportive family members for support.
· Trust that you know what’s best for you.
· How’s your integrity? Are your thoughts, feelings and actions matching? If not, what can you do about it?
· Forgive yourself…being angry hurts your soul.
· Buy yourself…some flowers or send yourself a card!
· Forgive someone…being angry uses lots of energy.
· Happiness is…enjoying what you have.
· Change negative self-talk into positive affirmations…I am ____________.
· Tell someone who cares about you what is bothering you.
· Call a friend…to talk or go out for ________________.
· Call someone…to let them know that you are thinking about them.
· Call someone…Go out to lunch, for coffee or for a walk.
· Breath…take 3 deep breaths. Hold it to the count of 3. Slowly exhale. Do this 2 times or until you calm down
· Go to the movies, concert or play.
· Call a friend for support.
· Find a quiet place to read a book.
· Get a …massage, manicure or pedicure.
· Connect…Join a club or organization. Volunteer in some way.
· Make a list of the 10 things you’re tolerating.
· Read a book for 30-minutes.
· Write a list of the things you are grateful for.
· Learn how to say NO! (without feeling guilty!)
· Do absolutely nothing!
· Sit down. Possibly listen to some enjoyable music with a cup of your favorite beverage.
· Rent a movie that makes you laugh.
· Speed up or slow down. Only you know which you need to do!
· Get enough sleep…take a nap if you need to.
· Exercise…go for a walk by yourself or with someone you love. Do whatever type of exercise you’re willing to do.
· Spend 30 minutes doing something you really, really enjoy.
· Purchase something…that you can afford and want.
· Do something on your “To Complete” list… or start a list.
· Find a quiet place…go into the bathroom and lock the door if you must! Close your eyes for a few moments and
think about something positive.
· Do something special for someone else…and don’t tell them what you did!
· Draw or color. Remember that your children’s books belong to them so ask permission!
· Meditate and pray… By yourself or as part of a group.
· Remember…what my life purpose is.
· Remember…that no one is perfect.
· Saying “no” to others often means saying “yes” to you!

Would you like your very own copy of Serenity Cards?
Download your own cards

Don’t forget to cut them out and put them somewhere special. Use them often!

©2004 A former Wall Street trader, Maria Marsala helps
women business owners boost profits, productivity and have
more playtime by providing no BS, practical, results-based
strategy sessions and seminars. Subscribe to Powerful
Business Strategies Ezine to receive your free one-page
business and marketing plan audio in your Welcome
Note http://www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com

~Lois