A time to start anew

To all my readers out there:
I have covered many topics this last year since the beginning of Family Matters, in hopes that I might in some way evoke a good change in your life. So in honor of the upcoming new year, I leave with you this piece of advice: Don't give up, a better time is ahead. Everyone has their struggles, but they only make us stronger if we allow them to. Here is a little video, hope you enjoy, and happy new year :)
Good Things To Come (follow this link)

The Holidays: What Brings us together

During this holiday season I would like all of us to reflect on what one of the most important things of this season is. To bring people together. During this time of year there is a common tradition in my family that goes a little something like this: Mom, what do you want for Christmas? Then she says something to the effect of, "I want peace." Now this holds a lot of weight in our family, because then all of us kids feel an obligation to get along. Believe it or not, it actually works, and we all end up growing closer because of it. Now all you folks out there, what more could you ask for on Christmas than a household of people that all love each other and show it? So this season, instead of asking for presents and candy, instead focus on giving the gift of peace and love to those around you.

Bullying: What Parent's Can Do

What happens when your child comes home with a black eye, bruises, or even emotional damage, and you detect that your child is being bullied? Bullying is a big problem in schools today. Most likely, the ones that are being bullied you won't be able to tell, that is why it is so important for parents to educate their children about bullying. First, make it aware that you care about your child, and that if they have any problems they can come to you for help. Second, let them know that there is hope, that bullying isn't forever, and that change can occur. I think there are so many children out there who are bullied, and they just don't know how to handle it! Love you kid, prevent bullying.

Parenting Types

Have you ever stopped to think how effective your parenting is? Although I have never been a parent, I do have parents, and I do see how other parents are. In class this week we learned a few ways in which parents can be more effective, and the biggest thing that stood out to me was probably if parent's want their children to behave, give them choices? So often teenagers feel like their parent's are just telling them what to do (note: this isn't necessarily a bad thing because most of the time parent's just want what they think is best for their child). Instead of commanding your child around, instead try giving them options, options for dinner, options for hanging out with friends, and, even when they mess up, options for their punishment. I know when I was given options growing up, I felt like I had more of a say in my own life, and it really did help!

Stay at home mothers

Have you ever thought about being a stay-at-home mom? When you look at all the women in your life, what do you view as pro's and cons as being a stay-at-home mom? As a Latter-day girl, I believe that if it is at all possible, women should stay in the home. This is because I truly believe our youth are the ones that will change the world, so they really do need a mother and a father who will love them and care for them. I think back to my childhood, I had a mother who was able to stay at home and I cherished being able to come home and talk to my mom, tell her about my day, and anything else. Because my mom was able to stay at home, it truly did leave a lasting impression on me and I was able to create a lasting relationship with me, which changed my life forever. I was truly blessed because my mom was able to stay at home.

Crises: An opportunity to grow

This week in class we talked about how families handle crises, and if they either grow from them or if it tears their family apart. I found it interesting to learn that crises can be described as a turning point. These were some things I learned that people do to handle crises, and they actually work!

1) Take responsibility- be the change you want to see!

2)Affirm your own and your family's worth

3) Balance Self-Concern with Other-Concern

4)Learn the art of re-framing

5)Find and learn available resources.

The next time you are faced with a situation you don't know how to handle, try these out!

VENTING: It's what vent's do.

In marriage, some people might feel like they can't talk to their spouse, and they will turn to someone else to talk to. Well, before you do this consider this:

1. If you tell someone else they might form a dislike for your spouse, which could ultimately pull apart your marriage; is it worth it?

2. The person you talk to WILL react differently than your spouse would, and who knows, you might like their response more than you like your spouses, so that can harm your marriage also.

So think about it, are you willing to sacrifice your marriage?

Remember, you can pray to your Heavenly Father who understands EVERYTHING, but most importantly, talk to your spouse. They might surprise you.