Answer your Kid's Questions

 

Do you turn a deaf ear when your child asks you questions? Children are very inquisitive.  They are observant and would always compare.  If you are a single mom, you will surely get the question – do I have a dad? Why does he not live with us?

Often times we refuse to answer because we don’t know how to respond to direct-to-the-point questions of our children.  Our refusal to give an answer will create issues in the minds of our children.  If you think that they will forget their question, you are in for a surprise.  Children have sharp memories and will not stop till they get their curiosity or questions answered.  They will get the answer from their peers or from someone else. 

Your kid will value their friend’s answer
It is best to answer children’s questions than let their questions be answered by their peers. When my son was in kindergarten, he kept pestering me to get him a pet – a guinea pig.  I vehemently refused but my son has ways of getting what he wants.  He befriended a schoolmate and his schoolmate promised to give him a guinea pig as soon as his pet gets pregnant.  So everyday my son would ask me how could a guinea get pregnant.  I was not comfortable talking about procreation to a 4 year old boy so I just ignored his question.  I got the shock of my life when one day my son went home so excited because he is sure to get his guinea pig in a day or two.  He and his schoolmate found a way for the guinea pig to get pregnant.  They tied the tails of 2 guinea pigs!

Adults can mislead your kids
Though unintentionally, adults can mislead and frighten your children.  A friend’s daughter turned from a gregarious child to a quiet and sad girl.  We latter found out that an adult neighbor told her to stop asking too many questions because the “all-knowing” fairy might get angry with her and sew her mouth. 

You must motivate your child to ask questions. Children are like sponge.  Everything around them makes them curious and would like to know the why, how, when, what, who, etc.  Enjoy hearing silly questions – why did I have to be the youngest. Or probably questions you may have to get help to answer – why is the moon round and not square?  One answered question would lead to another question so it is a never ending conversation.  Enjoy the moment!  You will have your child for only a few years.  Soon, he will become a teenager and he will not bother you anymore.  He would only want to spend his time with his friends and would seldom ask you questions.  Take the time now to fill the “sponge” with the right information, enjoying the time and laughing out to what probably could be silly questions that you should gladly answer.

Celebrating International Women's Day

Just 2 more days before the world commemorates Women’s Day.  International Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900’s.  Over a century has passed since that faithful day but a number of women all over the world are still experiencing inequality.  In some countries, women still don’t have voting and education rights.  There are double standards when it comes to pay and promotion. Women all over the world have stepped up and demonstrated their capabilities and have done their best to alleviate the sufferings of women; but more work has to be done.

This 2013 as we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, I would like to veer away from the traditional way of honoring women with gift giving and flowers.  I would like to honor women by listing some of the most successful women who have made an impact not only on the world economy, politics, and sports but most especially on their children and family.

Margaret Thatcher or the Iron Lady, the only woman Prime Minister of Britain, is well-known for her strong leadership and uncompromising politics.  Indira Gandhi, India’s first female head of government instituted several reforms in socialist India. Corazon Aquino, the first female president of the Philippines (and of Asia) is most acclaimed with the People’s Power Revolution which brought the downfall of the dictator, Ferdinand Marcos. Aung San Suu Kyi is Burma’s democracy icon. Eleanor Roosevelt, the longest-serving first lady of the United States is highly praised for her works in the field of human rights.

Marie Curie, a Nobel Prize winner, discovered radioactive elements which form the base for nuclear technology.

Amelia Mary Earhart was the first female (and second person ) to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Mother Teresa, the mother of all people most especially of the poor and less fortunate, is an epitome of love, peace and compassion.

The list could go on and on using the power of Google but these names first came to mind as I contemplated on  how women have contributed to our society.  In fact, every woman who has given birth deserves  an applause because one way or the other she has made her contribution by raising up children; children who are an integral part orf our society.

To all women, moms, single moms, kudos!

Is Network Marketing for You?

When you start network marketing, it can be overwhelming. After all, you're really running two businesses. On the one hand, you are selling a product. On the other hand, you are recruiting others to sell the same product. Both areas deserve your full attention.  Do you have the competency to handle 2 businesses apart from managing a home and kids?

Challenges
Apart from acquiring the relevant skills and having ample time, be prepared of negative comments from your friends and family.  Never be influenced by such negative comments.  Keep focused on your goal and commit to what you have started.  Expect to hear comments such as “get a real job!”  Remember that network marketing is  real job if you put your heart and mind to it and that you are doing this to have liberty of time to look after your kids and soon the financial freedom as long as work hard.  Stay focus and keep a positive attitude.  

Motivate your Team
Tell your network marketing team about your own story, but make it quick and straight to the point. Be honest and don't exaggerate, but let them know who you were before you joined this project and who you've become since. If you haven't yet made a ton of money, you can tell them how you've grown/developed as a person.

You must teach your team the value of time.  In this internet world where everyone owns at least 1 account in social networking sites, people spend a good amount of time doing “non-sense” chatting.  Teach your staff to use the social networking sites to improve their network marketing business.  People they communicate with in the social network sites could be gold mines.

 

There are times that you need to be tough.  Removing people from your network who aren't earning money may be difficult.  But this is a good way to show your team that you mean business.  You as their leader/upline is committed to pushing them harder to do better and achieve their goals.  Also do not forget to praise your team for their achievements. People love being told they're doing a great job!

Steps to Success
You should always have a set schedule and stick to it. Plan for what you are going to do with the time you have set aside for your business, make sure you are on schedule. If you stick to a schedule your business will run better.

Always  follow-up online introductions with a phone call or personal meeting when possible. If you have a prospect you connect with online, they see you as a name in an email or hyperlink on a webpage. An actual conversation personalizes your relationship and humanizes you to them. They're far more likely to do business with someone they view as real.

Practice your pitch on your friends. You need to be comfortable approaching people and the practice will help you to achieve that. Discuss every part of your business with them, just as you intend to do with your potential down-line and let them ask you questions. Repeat this process until you are well versed and comfortable with every detail.

Network marketing is indeed a challenge but  if you know how to manage the two sides of your business you'll be fine. Besides, network marketing is one of the best businesses to go into as a single mom because it gives you the liberty to schedule your time.  Another business that you can consider is http://bigmoneyvault.com

Personal Growth

Personal growth or stunted growth takes place, whetherwe consciously work at it or not. Every trial andtribulation in life is another opportunity for personal growth. The way we process and handle these situations determine if we will become better individuals or bitter persons.

Relationships are essential in living a healthy life and they are the bonds that weave our emotions and satisfy our hearts. Family relationships, friendships, and a significant other are all vital parts of a person's well being.  Though basically, relationships are the first area that is devastated in a single moms life; there is hope for personal growth from such trial.

Be better not bitter
The first way out of this situation is to consider the situation as a challenge.  Change your perspective.  Regardless of what has happened, you must always look for a brighter side.  For instance, if your husband left you, just think that at least he left you the kids.  Your kids motivate you.  They are your springboards to life!  They will make you strive harder to earn money to provide for their needs.  Your love for them will enable you to raise loving and responsible children.

Give the relationship issue a dose of its own medication.  You were ravaged with relationship, build yourself up with relationship.  Do not hide from the world. Rather, meet more of your family and friends.  You should not be ashamed of what has happened in your life – whether your husband left you or you are an unwed mom.  People make mistakes and you are not alone.   If your husband passed away, do not be a hermit.  Go out and mingle with people to free you from sad thoughts.

Exercise is often used as a way to get help. This isn't for the purpose of feeling better about yourself or even to lose weight. However, going to the gym or running, can let off a lot of stress and frustration, which could otherwise build up and turn you into a very bitter person.

Learn to forgive yourself, forgive others, and ask for forgiveness. If you've had a bad day and yelled at your kids, take a moment to say you are sorry even if you do not want to do it. Doing so will take you a step forward on the road to personal development and show proper coping techniques at the same time. Same goes if you yelled at a cashier or a co-worker. Show the way of being able to ask for forgiveness and to forgive.

Take time out of your day to do the things that you actually enjoy doing. Whether it is playing with the kids, taking a long quiet walk or reading a good book, taking the time to do these things will make a positive difference in your outlook on life.

Personal growth is not always easy; in fact, sometimes it involves a lot of personal pain before the growth and development begins. As we make our way through life, it helps to maximize each challenge and look for the good in it so that we can continue to get better at finding true happiness inside ourselves.

Your Kids could be your Helpline

Raising a “good” family alone is possible. It is stressful, tiring, frustrating at times but it is possible.  Did you know that you can get help not just from friends and adult members of your family but directly from your own children?  You may not realize it but children can and may understand your situation better than you think they can.

Educate your kids
Talk to your kids and explain your situation.  This does not mean a onetime conversation but a regular sit-down talk whenever you have the time but most especially when there are issues.  Talk to them about financial matters, security, housework, etc.  You will be amazed at how they will comprehend regardless of how young your kids are.

Turn your kids to responsible children
Letting your kids help in the house will turn them to responsible children.  I have a friend whose 2 year old boy is tasked with setting the dinner table and emptying the dish washer. Her 6 year old vacuums and dusts the furniture.  Her kids pick-up their toys after playing and put their dirty clothes in the laundry area. They know that they need to help and are happy that they can help.

Money saving tips
Money sure is a problem but there are ways to save money for the more important things like education for your children.  Because you talk and involve your kids in the situation you are in, they will understand if you will not be able to spend money for toys/gadgets their friends may have or to go on expensive vacation.  Teach them to enjoy simple things and they will credit you for that as they grow up because you gave priority to their future - education and the like. 

Take your kids on short trips as often as possible.  Find cheap fun when even the short trips are not possible. My friend just found out that she enjoys going to the playground as much as her children do.

To save on basic needs such as food, try cooking your food.  Avoid eating out or ordering ready-cooked meals.  Review how you spend for your groceries.   Don’t just buy food that you like; think what you can add to the food to make an entire meal. This way, you don’t spend money on a lot of food that either won't get eaten or that doesn't go well with other foods. 

Earning Money from Home
Did you know that you can earn money working from home?  This way you will have more time to look after your kids.  If you are already working and earning a decent income, I will not advise you to leave your job.  Instead, I would like you to experiment on spending an hour everyday to check if working from home is for you.  The internet has provided huge opportunities to earn money from home. There are a number of jobs you can do from home.  Though these jobs may pay a decent income, I am talking about a different kind of work.  I am talking of turning you into an entrepreneur and becoming financially free.  I’ve tested a number of these opportunities and I would like you to check http://bigmoneyvault.com if this is for you too.   

Earn Money Blogging

Blogging is a great way to make extra money online. Here are some basic steps to start you blogging and earn extra cash, much needed by single moms.

Try to put a bit of attention into the aesthetic design of your site. This should be done so that you can grab the attention of your visitors, not to grab the attention of search engines. Remember that in the long run, you are in business to please your readership.  Your  blog is supposed to provide information to your readers and help them in some 

way.

What to write
Blogging is simply relationship building.  To attract readers, you must write something that interests them so they keep coming back to your blog to read more.  Don't become entrapped with "right now".  Hot topic writing can only last as long as the hot topics do. Many times, that is a very short time period. Try writing content that can be easily read months and years down the road. Even if the content is about a hot topic, try including something timeless in it.

When you decide to begin a blog, be certain that the topic is something that you find engaging and that ignites your desire to share with others. Writing the content of your blog will take several hours each week. You want to be certain that you have a passion for the subject.

How to write
Do not get too fancy when it comes to how you write on your blog. Although you always want to use proper spelling and grammar on your blog posts, you shouldn't use big words. Most people don't like to read advanced vocabulary very often because they probably won't understand it. This is why you should write posts in the same manner that you would typically, talk to other people.

Do your research on the keywords that people might use when searching for your blog and integrate these keywords into your blogs frequently. This will ensure that your readers will fall onto your site when they use their favorite search engine to look up on a particular topic. This is a simple and powerful tip that will increase your readership.

Whom to write for
Strive to develop a loyal following. You don't want your reader's bowing down in your presence; of course, you just want them to come back to your blog day after day. Those are the kind of readers than can help you accomplish your goals. They obviously respect you and, consequently, your recommendations will carry a lot of weight.

Be sure you appear (and are) credible. Provide good, reliable advice and information and back it up and amplify it by setting up Q & A podcasts in which you take calls from your readers and listeners and answer their questions about your niche. This will give you an opportunity to introduce other experts in your field and give your readers and listeners truly valuable advice and information.

If you enjoy writing then you can start blogging and earn extra cash.

Fight Depression

“It is all in the mind”, that is what most people say when they hear of people suffering from depression.  Problem is they don’t understand the situation.  No one wants to be in such a situation and to say that the problem faced by depressed people is “all in the mind” makes the problem so miniscule.  The truth of the matter is that depression is a huge problem and anyone, regardless of age or income status can be affected by this disease.  Depression must not be taken lightly.  Depressed people need help.  Because of the problems faced by single moms, they are the most likely candidates.

Signs
The earlier signs of depression are detected the better.

In most cases emotional and financial problems lead single moms to depression. They feel unhappy without a lover, money, a house, or any number of other things.  

Depression is often a sign of misdirected anger. Usually, single moms have anger but feel powerless to do anything about it.  They often turn this anger inward, which results in depression. In order to deal with the root of the depression, you must try to determine the cause of the anger so that you can focus your energy on the true cause and stop resorting to hopelessness and depression. Analyze your anger to rid yourself of depression.

Recommended Cure - medicines
Depressed single moms feel that there is no way out, but with advances in medical technology, there is hope for a better life with medication. If you know the right medication to take, feeling good about yourself and life again is the first steps towards overcoming depression.

If you have begun taking medication for depression, do not be alarmed if you do not feel better right away. In fact, you may even feel worse when your medication does not work because you are nervous. Most anti-depressants take at least three weeks to settle into your system and help your symptoms.

If you have been prescribed a medication that you feel comfortable taking, you should not feel embarrassed to take it. People who have heart problems or lung problems are sure to take their medicine and the same should be true for people who have head (depression) problems.  Don’t let stigma affect you.  This will not help you, medication can!

Recommended Cure – get a hobby
Get a hobby. One of the most common reasons people develop depression is because they do not have enough interests to stay busy. Finding a hobby and developing an interest can help you to realize that you are good at something, and that others enjoy the same hobby that you do.

Recommended Cure – Relax
Another way to beat depression is to relax.  Consider using aromatherapy. This is important because standard ways might not always work and aromatherapy has been known to trigger positive results because of the direct correlation between smells and memories. Experiment with smells that you love and start from there.

Recommended Cure – get a pet
Sometimes, a pet can help someone get over depression because they give you that feeling of being needed and loved. This can be exactly what a depressed person needs. Pets can also make you get outside of yourself which is a great antidote for depressed people.

Fighting depression can be easy.  And the earlier it is detected the better.  Also the root of the depression must be determined to better decide what remedy to use.