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Are you worried about drinking water safety? To be honest, we should all be concerned about the quality of what comes out of our drinking water faucets.
You may have got used to the chlorine smell and changing taste of your water and believe that the municipals are taking drinking water safety seriously, but the truth is they don't have the resources.
Due to the latest technological advances, we can choose to use home filtration to make sure the drinking water faucets only provide safe and pure water and help us to avoid waterborne illness and long term health problems.
The accounts of water related illness are on the increase and many municipals add to this problem further by using chloramine instead of chlorine to disinfect the supplies. This stays in the water for longer and being so toxic, it leaches out lead from the pipes and fittings and the increased lead levels end up in your supply.
Drinking bottled water is no better and actually has less regulation than the tap variety but costs more per gallon than gas for your car. It also adds to the landfills with over 60 million plastic bottles used each day in the US alone.
The other concern from a drinking water safety standpoint with the bottled type is that the longer it sits in your fridge, the more contaminated it gets from the chemicals in the plastic, namely BPA.
The best solution is to use a quality home filtration system and bottle your own water, preferably in glass bottles, for when you go out.
If you were to think in terms of cost, a good home filtration in my opinion will cost around $100 - $120 and if you regularly drink bottled water you would spend around $20 a week. The equivalent cost from bottling your own would be less than $2 a week. It could pay for itself in a couple of months.
In addition you get guaranteed healthy contaminant free water flowing from your drinking water faucets to help keep your family safe as the best remove many of the harmful chemicals including chlorine and THM's which can lead to cancer.
If you research some more you will come to realize that all is not well with our water and that it is down to us as individuals to take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our families from this worsening situation.
Put your mind at rest about drinking water safety by visting http://www.healthy-filtered-water.com
Maureen Amberg is an author and entrepreneur with emphasis on the best interests of children. Kids are 1/3 of our population and ALL of our future.
http://www.KidsEdgeOnSelfEsteem.com
I welcome your comments.
Ray Hamilton is a dedicated advocate and researcher of the incredible benefits of safe, pure and healthy filtered water. Take a moment to visit his site now and discover which products he recommends after extensive research.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Hamilton
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Monday, December 14, 2009
Do Your Kids Believe in Themselves?
As a parent you need to let your kid know that you do not expect them to be perfect. You know they are going to make mistakes and have behaviors that are not acceptable. You do not want your kid to be afraid of making mistakes.
Teaching a kid to believe in themselves, even if they mess up, is a part of life and they need to say "sorry" and move on. Even basketball giant Michael Jordan says "I missed more shots than I made". Moving on is the key to success in life and you will want to teach your kids that philosophy.
If you have kids, you will remember when they went through the shy stage. Do you remember when in a group, the kid would hide behind your leg and peek around a corner? Is this shy stage a demonstration of lack of self confidence? I doubt it because they out grow it. It is what we call "going through a phase".
I went to a student piano recital and sat beside one of the mothers of a kid in the recital. Her son came back to her at least a half of dozen times saying "Mommy, I can not do it. I am going to throw up". His mommy each time said, "You can do it; you have practice so well; go back to your seat. You can do it". He had no self confidence at all. There were at least 200 people seating and standing in an average size room. The piano and chair were on a stage for everyone to see them. Unfortunately, this little boy was about tenth on the program so he was a pack of nerves. When it came his time, he walked on the stage, gave his bow, sat down at the piano and never missed a note. He got up, took his bow, and ran back to his mommy instead of his designated seat to hear how good he had performed and to get a smile and kiss. I see them at every recital now and he smiles when he performs and enjoys it so much. He gained his self confidence with his first performance and continued to improve on his piano skills.
Self confidence has to be created with good accomplishments in life. It does not come naturally. Going through the experience can build confidence and by receiving compliments along the way makes it stick like glue. Helping kids gain their self confidence is truly one of the best things adults can do to help them reach success in their lives.
Rosalie Lynch is a Certified Life Coach who works with parents and kids in figuring out how to live together. You are invited to check out the blog at http://www.thekidsspeakout.com and receive a free report on "Why Do Kids Lie?"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rosalie_Lynch
Maureen Amberg is an author and entrepreneur with emphasis on Kids Self Esteem.
Check out KidsEdgeOnSelfEsteem.com and give me your comments ~ please.
Click Here! MAGNIWORKS Products..........FANTASTIC
Teaching a kid to believe in themselves, even if they mess up, is a part of life and they need to say "sorry" and move on. Even basketball giant Michael Jordan says "I missed more shots than I made". Moving on is the key to success in life and you will want to teach your kids that philosophy.
If you have kids, you will remember when they went through the shy stage. Do you remember when in a group, the kid would hide behind your leg and peek around a corner? Is this shy stage a demonstration of lack of self confidence? I doubt it because they out grow it. It is what we call "going through a phase".
I went to a student piano recital and sat beside one of the mothers of a kid in the recital. Her son came back to her at least a half of dozen times saying "Mommy, I can not do it. I am going to throw up". His mommy each time said, "You can do it; you have practice so well; go back to your seat. You can do it". He had no self confidence at all. There were at least 200 people seating and standing in an average size room. The piano and chair were on a stage for everyone to see them. Unfortunately, this little boy was about tenth on the program so he was a pack of nerves. When it came his time, he walked on the stage, gave his bow, sat down at the piano and never missed a note. He got up, took his bow, and ran back to his mommy instead of his designated seat to hear how good he had performed and to get a smile and kiss. I see them at every recital now and he smiles when he performs and enjoys it so much. He gained his self confidence with his first performance and continued to improve on his piano skills.
Self confidence has to be created with good accomplishments in life. It does not come naturally. Going through the experience can build confidence and by receiving compliments along the way makes it stick like glue. Helping kids gain their self confidence is truly one of the best things adults can do to help them reach success in their lives.
Rosalie Lynch is a Certified Life Coach who works with parents and kids in figuring out how to live together. You are invited to check out the blog at http://www.thekidsspeakout.com and receive a free report on "Why Do Kids Lie?"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rosalie_Lynch
Maureen Amberg is an author and entrepreneur with emphasis on Kids Self Esteem.
Check out KidsEdgeOnSelfEsteem.com and give me your comments ~ please.
Click Here! MAGNIWORKS Products..........FANTASTIC
Friday, December 11, 2009
Low Self Esteem, Children and Teenagers, What Can You Do?
Over the last decade, low self esteem for children and teenagers is growing extremely fast. If you are like most parents, what you want more for your kids is self-confidence. They will tell you that academic and athletic come 2nd on their wish list. Without self-confidence, it is extremely hard for children and teenagers to achieve any goals, resist peer pressure and deal with adversity. Ultimately, without self confidence, it will affect directly their overall happiness and career success.
How can you help? The most important part of your job as a parent is to provide love and affection every day. All children and teenagers will benefit as they feel love by their parents. It is important that you realize that love and affection alone it is not enough to build their self-confidence. They need 2 more ingredients in order to help them achieve self-confidence. They need People Skills and they need Character.
A lot of people think that either you have people skill or you don't. That could not be further from the truth. If you did a survey and surveyed people with people skills and people without, you would find that the main difference is the way they were raised. People skill is certainly very difficult to learn if you don't learn it at a young age. That is why you should start with your children as soon as you can. Start with the basic technique. Teach them how to greet people, to look people in the eyes. When they become a teenager, you should add a firm handshake to what they should do. Teaching them how to listen well and not to be afraid to ask question will also be a good for them. There have been many studies done that shows people skills represent 75% of their success vs. 25% is technical knowledge. Don't diminish the importance of your children learning math, read and writing but the emphasizing on their people skills will go a long way towards their overall happiness and career success.
Developing character is an extremely hard thing to do. It takes a lot of commitment to teach it, be accountable to it. This is the second item your children and teenagers will need in life. Start as young as you can to teach them about integrity. Being honest can only bring good things for them. Teach how to behave in today's society. What is accepted and what is not. Knowing that will help them both on a personal level and later in life, on a professional level. Also, you could have self-confident children or teenagers but lack character. This will result with your children to not resist peer pressure, potentially affects their personal relationship and professional life.
Why is it that more and more children and teenagers lack people skills and character today? It is mainly due to 3 areas. Today's technology, the pop culture and academics emphasis are the main reasons. The technology today, having access to e-mails, test messaging, cell phones, video games create a void in personal human contact which you can only improved by meeting people face to face. If you look at movies, cartoons, music videos and how it affects our children and teenagers, you will understand why it is another reason why people lack people skills. With the disrespectful gestures and expressions used today. It teaches our kids to behave the same way. It makes our jobs as parents much harder. Also, in today's schools system, the emphasis in on academics. They do not believe people skills and character are priorities and therefore they do not focus on it.
There are many things you can do to help your children and teenagers to build their people skills and character. You should emphasis the importance of people skills before they interact with others. It could be on the way to school, to visit family or friends etc. Re-emphasizing greeting, eye contact and a firm handshake every time. Next, be a good role model. Remember, your children are always watching and listening so you should always act the part. Last, look for third party help, children, specially teenagers can tune you out so if you can find material, book, cds, dvds, that way they can teach themselves as they become an adult.
Today's generation is not learning people skills or character development. We do not hesitate to get help for our children for any other subject. So let's remember what will ultimately help our children and priorities correctly so our children and teenagers never suffer of Low Self Esteem.
To learn more about how to Overcome Low Self Esteem or Signs of Low Self Esteem, visit http://www.squidoo.com/overcoming-low-self-esteem-tips
G. Lefebvre is an online product reviewer. To learn more about overcoming low self esteem, visit http://www.squidoo.com/overcoming-low-self-esteem-tips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ghyslain_Lefevbvre
Always caring for kids!
Maureen Amberg
Author, Entrepreneur and Children's Advocate
http://www.KidsEdgeOnSelfEsteem.com
How can you help? The most important part of your job as a parent is to provide love and affection every day. All children and teenagers will benefit as they feel love by their parents. It is important that you realize that love and affection alone it is not enough to build their self-confidence. They need 2 more ingredients in order to help them achieve self-confidence. They need People Skills and they need Character.
A lot of people think that either you have people skill or you don't. That could not be further from the truth. If you did a survey and surveyed people with people skills and people without, you would find that the main difference is the way they were raised. People skill is certainly very difficult to learn if you don't learn it at a young age. That is why you should start with your children as soon as you can. Start with the basic technique. Teach them how to greet people, to look people in the eyes. When they become a teenager, you should add a firm handshake to what they should do. Teaching them how to listen well and not to be afraid to ask question will also be a good for them. There have been many studies done that shows people skills represent 75% of their success vs. 25% is technical knowledge. Don't diminish the importance of your children learning math, read and writing but the emphasizing on their people skills will go a long way towards their overall happiness and career success.
Developing character is an extremely hard thing to do. It takes a lot of commitment to teach it, be accountable to it. This is the second item your children and teenagers will need in life. Start as young as you can to teach them about integrity. Being honest can only bring good things for them. Teach how to behave in today's society. What is accepted and what is not. Knowing that will help them both on a personal level and later in life, on a professional level. Also, you could have self-confident children or teenagers but lack character. This will result with your children to not resist peer pressure, potentially affects their personal relationship and professional life.
Why is it that more and more children and teenagers lack people skills and character today? It is mainly due to 3 areas. Today's technology, the pop culture and academics emphasis are the main reasons. The technology today, having access to e-mails, test messaging, cell phones, video games create a void in personal human contact which you can only improved by meeting people face to face. If you look at movies, cartoons, music videos and how it affects our children and teenagers, you will understand why it is another reason why people lack people skills. With the disrespectful gestures and expressions used today. It teaches our kids to behave the same way. It makes our jobs as parents much harder. Also, in today's schools system, the emphasis in on academics. They do not believe people skills and character are priorities and therefore they do not focus on it.
There are many things you can do to help your children and teenagers to build their people skills and character. You should emphasis the importance of people skills before they interact with others. It could be on the way to school, to visit family or friends etc. Re-emphasizing greeting, eye contact and a firm handshake every time. Next, be a good role model. Remember, your children are always watching and listening so you should always act the part. Last, look for third party help, children, specially teenagers can tune you out so if you can find material, book, cds, dvds, that way they can teach themselves as they become an adult.
Today's generation is not learning people skills or character development. We do not hesitate to get help for our children for any other subject. So let's remember what will ultimately help our children and priorities correctly so our children and teenagers never suffer of Low Self Esteem.
To learn more about how to Overcome Low Self Esteem or Signs of Low Self Esteem, visit http://www.squidoo.com/overcoming-low-self-esteem-tips
G. Lefebvre is an online product reviewer. To learn more about overcoming low self esteem, visit http://www.squidoo.com/overcoming-low-self-esteem-tips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ghyslain_Lefevbvre
Always caring for kids!
Maureen Amberg
Author, Entrepreneur and Children's Advocate
http://www.KidsEdgeOnSelfEsteem.com
Words from Dr. Bill
What if you inspired, helped someone make the right decision and helped change a life……..how great would that be!
What if you helped someone see their potential and achieve greatness beyond their imagination……..how great would that be!
What if your conviction, dedication and perseverance helped someone take the necessary actions that lead to their success in life…physically, spiritually, mentally and financially…….how great would that be!
What if all of the above proved to develop a leader of others, mentor to many and a person who others would want to emulate……..how rewarding would that make you feel!
What if that person was YOU?
Always caring for kids,
Maureen
KidsEdgeOnSelfEsteem.com
What if you helped someone see their potential and achieve greatness beyond their imagination……..how great would that be!
What if your conviction, dedication and perseverance helped someone take the necessary actions that lead to their success in life…physically, spiritually, mentally and financially…….how great would that be!
What if all of the above proved to develop a leader of others, mentor to many and a person who others would want to emulate……..how rewarding would that make you feel!
What if that person was YOU?
Always caring for kids,
Maureen
KidsEdgeOnSelfEsteem.com
Teenage Suicide - From a Christian Perspective
Unfortunately, the reality of the society we live in sees that teenagers are increasingly taking their own lives. In fact, statistics show that an average of 500,000 teenagers will attempt suicide each year. Of that 500,000, about 500 will actually be able to take their own lives. However, this is a scary statistic that we have so many failed attempts, all of them being very serious. I think people simply do not understand God's perspective on suicide. After all, the bible doesn't actually use the term suicide, and it doesn't really say not to commit suicide, right? Wrong!
First off, I think it is important to realize some of the biggest changes we are seeing in society that may be making the difference between teenagers of fifty years ago and those of today. Generally speaking, I think one of the biggest problems we are seeing is the lack of involvement the parents have with their children. I am certainly not saying that it has to be like fifty years ago where the mothers were expected to stay home with the children. However, today, we eat our meals in separate rooms, the children are away from the household for the majority of the day, and generally, a lot of people have other people raising their children for them. This lack of involvement often leads teenagers into believing that others do not care about them and that they are better off being forever separated from their parents and those who love them. In addition, addictions play a big role, and many of today's teenagers that are struggling with an addiction, unfortunately never seek addiction help. Caught up in the vicious cycle of either a drug addiction, or alcohol addiction, many of these struggling teens feel there is little or no way out.
But you know what, as bad as that may sound, the biggest fear I have for any teenager who is enduring that feeling is the fear that they could potentially spend eternity separated from God. This would be the worst case scenario that they would never have the opportunity to understand the saving grace that God freely offers everyone. Perhaps they simply do not have the understanding of how much God cares for them. So what does the bible say on suicide?
Obviously there are a couple of places where we see people take their lives. Saul and Judas are the two that really come to mind. However, I don't think anyone ever really takes a few minutes to think about the Ten Commandments. We all strive to live by them (and all of us fail at it according to Romans 3). What do you think God meant when he said "Thou shalt not kill"? In my personal opinion, I think God was thinking about how much he values human life that he had given. His desire was that we wouldn't feel compelled to take human life and we should leave that up to God. Therefore, this would include suicide. Ezekiel 18:4 reaffirms this as well. God directly says that we have souls and those souls belong to him and him only. Therefore, at what point do we ever have the authority to take any human life, including our own? The answer is that we don't.
Many of today's teenagers are struggling not only with life issues, but addictions that have never been confronted.
http://www.christianhelpforaddictiononline.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vic_Torgeson
Go to KidsEdgeOnSelfEsteem.com for more good content on raising children
First off, I think it is important to realize some of the biggest changes we are seeing in society that may be making the difference between teenagers of fifty years ago and those of today. Generally speaking, I think one of the biggest problems we are seeing is the lack of involvement the parents have with their children. I am certainly not saying that it has to be like fifty years ago where the mothers were expected to stay home with the children. However, today, we eat our meals in separate rooms, the children are away from the household for the majority of the day, and generally, a lot of people have other people raising their children for them. This lack of involvement often leads teenagers into believing that others do not care about them and that they are better off being forever separated from their parents and those who love them. In addition, addictions play a big role, and many of today's teenagers that are struggling with an addiction, unfortunately never seek addiction help. Caught up in the vicious cycle of either a drug addiction, or alcohol addiction, many of these struggling teens feel there is little or no way out.
But you know what, as bad as that may sound, the biggest fear I have for any teenager who is enduring that feeling is the fear that they could potentially spend eternity separated from God. This would be the worst case scenario that they would never have the opportunity to understand the saving grace that God freely offers everyone. Perhaps they simply do not have the understanding of how much God cares for them. So what does the bible say on suicide?
Obviously there are a couple of places where we see people take their lives. Saul and Judas are the two that really come to mind. However, I don't think anyone ever really takes a few minutes to think about the Ten Commandments. We all strive to live by them (and all of us fail at it according to Romans 3). What do you think God meant when he said "Thou shalt not kill"? In my personal opinion, I think God was thinking about how much he values human life that he had given. His desire was that we wouldn't feel compelled to take human life and we should leave that up to God. Therefore, this would include suicide. Ezekiel 18:4 reaffirms this as well. God directly says that we have souls and those souls belong to him and him only. Therefore, at what point do we ever have the authority to take any human life, including our own? The answer is that we don't.
Many of today's teenagers are struggling not only with life issues, but addictions that have never been confronted.
http://www.christianhelpforaddictiononline.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vic_Torgeson
Go to KidsEdgeOnSelfEsteem.com for more good content on raising children
Instilling Confidence in Children
All children, in their growing up years, need motivation and be taught all those things which help them create their own identity in the society. Self-confidence is very essential for any child - however intelligent he may be. Parents and teachers instill confidence in children through proper interaction and implementing right methods of study. Let us know the techniques of building self confidence in children or the steps involved in instilling confidence in children in the succeeding paragraphs.
Providing a Safe and Secure Environment
Instilling confidence in children is not possible unless the children get a safe and secure environment at home and in schools too. School and home are the two places where children spend most of their time and naturally, their personality will be influenced by the environment at these two places. Children imitate things very quickly and its the duty of the parents and teachers to make them imitate good things. Confidence can be gained only after a lot of practice - be it in sports, academics or extra-curricular activities. As, in a business we can expect to earn a profit only if we have the right marketing plans, good infrastructure and sufficient capital, same is the case with children. They need to be taught values, good facilities and love and care before expecting them to excel in any field.
Understand Your Child's Needs
Many children are seen low on confidence, because they have no one to share their thoughts, feelings and difficulties. Many times, parents take children for granted and fail to understand his mind. Understanding a child is not possible overnight and it requires to spend a lot of quality time on a regular basis. Many times, children are not capable of expressing their feelings verbally and tend to keep their problems to themselves. Having a good dialog and striving to fulfill all his needs is very important for the process of instilling confidence in children in order to get positive results.
Have Faith in Your Child's Abilities
Instilling confidence in children involves having faith in the child's abilities and trusting them. Ridiculing a child, scolding in front of other people, making frequent comparisons with other children who are doing better than him, getting physical after losing cool over small mistakes committed by the child are the main barriers while instilling confidence in children. As a parent, you should forgive the mistakes and suggest ways to improve them to avoid the repetition of the mistakes. It becomes essential to give sufficient time to your child to show self improvement in his performance. Identify his strengths and weaknesses as early as possible and plan your teaching methods after studying them carefully. At the same time, praising the good qualities and success achieved will definitely help in increasing the self esteem of your child. Teach your child the importance of positive thinking without which its impossible to accomplish any given task.
Make Your Child Independent
Making your child independent is a necessary step in instilling confidence in children. Constant spoon-feeding is a big hindrance in the overall development of thee child. Make your child smart and capable enough to take his own decisions correctly. Give them what they deserve and encourage them to try out new things to increase their knowledge. More the knowledge depth, more will be the ability and confidence levels in children. When we try new things, we fail in some and succeed in some. Confidence increases when we know what is right and what is wrong and by knowing how to do things in a 'right' way. Suggest your child to have a role model for himself - a person whom he personally admires for his fast and speedy progress. Read more on child development.
By implementing these suggestions, instilling confidence in children will not be difficult. The earlier you begin, the more will be the advantage of your child.
Caring for kids,
Maureen
KidsEdgeOnSelfEsteem.com
Providing a Safe and Secure Environment
Instilling confidence in children is not possible unless the children get a safe and secure environment at home and in schools too. School and home are the two places where children spend most of their time and naturally, their personality will be influenced by the environment at these two places. Children imitate things very quickly and its the duty of the parents and teachers to make them imitate good things. Confidence can be gained only after a lot of practice - be it in sports, academics or extra-curricular activities. As, in a business we can expect to earn a profit only if we have the right marketing plans, good infrastructure and sufficient capital, same is the case with children. They need to be taught values, good facilities and love and care before expecting them to excel in any field.
Understand Your Child's Needs
Many children are seen low on confidence, because they have no one to share their thoughts, feelings and difficulties. Many times, parents take children for granted and fail to understand his mind. Understanding a child is not possible overnight and it requires to spend a lot of quality time on a regular basis. Many times, children are not capable of expressing their feelings verbally and tend to keep their problems to themselves. Having a good dialog and striving to fulfill all his needs is very important for the process of instilling confidence in children in order to get positive results.
Have Faith in Your Child's Abilities
Instilling confidence in children involves having faith in the child's abilities and trusting them. Ridiculing a child, scolding in front of other people, making frequent comparisons with other children who are doing better than him, getting physical after losing cool over small mistakes committed by the child are the main barriers while instilling confidence in children. As a parent, you should forgive the mistakes and suggest ways to improve them to avoid the repetition of the mistakes. It becomes essential to give sufficient time to your child to show self improvement in his performance. Identify his strengths and weaknesses as early as possible and plan your teaching methods after studying them carefully. At the same time, praising the good qualities and success achieved will definitely help in increasing the self esteem of your child. Teach your child the importance of positive thinking without which its impossible to accomplish any given task.
Make Your Child Independent
Making your child independent is a necessary step in instilling confidence in children. Constant spoon-feeding is a big hindrance in the overall development of thee child. Make your child smart and capable enough to take his own decisions correctly. Give them what they deserve and encourage them to try out new things to increase their knowledge. More the knowledge depth, more will be the ability and confidence levels in children. When we try new things, we fail in some and succeed in some. Confidence increases when we know what is right and what is wrong and by knowing how to do things in a 'right' way. Suggest your child to have a role model for himself - a person whom he personally admires for his fast and speedy progress. Read more on child development.
By implementing these suggestions, instilling confidence in children will not be difficult. The earlier you begin, the more will be the advantage of your child.
Caring for kids,
Maureen
KidsEdgeOnSelfEsteem.com
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Developing Self Esteem in Children By Ramona Hall
Self-esteem has become the catch word of the decade. We often make judgments about how parents and teachers should treat children based upon whether the interaction will help or hinder the child's self-esteem. As adults, we sometimes think of self-esteem as an internal edifice, subject to damage and erosion. We assume that negative feelings, unhappy events, or unpleasant relationships will gradually chip away at the façade, leaving behind a broken shell. In reality, self-esteem is more like a trip than a destination. It is a lifelong process that is inextricably connected to our relationships across the life span and to our personal accomplishments.
Our relationships with our families, friends, and co-workers all affect the way we view ourselves in the world. This self view evolves over time and changes with our life experiences. If we have mostly positive, affirming relationships with others, we tend to see ourselves more positively in terms of how we operate in society. In contrast, if we have many noxious relationships, we may develop less positive feelings about ourselves. But rarely does one event suffice to change one's self perception and affect overall self-esteem. Rather, it is the cumulative effects of many interactions which shape our feelings about ourselves.
A sense of personal accomplishment is also necessary to the development of high self-esteem. Each time we learn a new skill, overcome an obstacle, or reach a goal, we grow more certain of our ability to effect change. In turn, this feeling of self efficacy translates into a willingness to set higher goals and risk potential failure in the future. The ability to take appropriate personal risks is highly correlated with self-esteem as both a predictor and an outcome. Success builds upon success and predisposes us to make future attempts. By the same token, when we seldom or never succeed, we are much less likely to strive for the same goal in the future.
As parents and teachers, we can contribute enormously to children's growing self-esteem in several ways. Adults can provide good role models by respecting and accepting themselves and others. They can allow children opportunities to achieve success early so that they develop a sense of mastery and self efficacy. With trust and encouragement, adults can help children to set and reach realistic goals. Children can be taught that errors and failures are experienced by everyone and that they are a natural part of any learning process. And, finally, adults can provide living and learning environments that promote affirming, positive relationships.
By Ramona Hall
Ramona Hall is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She makes her professional home in Santa Clarita, California. Her passion is to help parents and children live more comfortable lives at home and in school. Ramona provides testing, therapy, consultation, and case management services to families who have children in need of educational intervention. She works with children and adults in areas such as learning disabilities, Attention Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, and school adjustment. Additional articles and information about educational psychology can be found at http://compassionatesolutionsscv.com
Our relationships with our families, friends, and co-workers all affect the way we view ourselves in the world. This self view evolves over time and changes with our life experiences. If we have mostly positive, affirming relationships with others, we tend to see ourselves more positively in terms of how we operate in society. In contrast, if we have many noxious relationships, we may develop less positive feelings about ourselves. But rarely does one event suffice to change one's self perception and affect overall self-esteem. Rather, it is the cumulative effects of many interactions which shape our feelings about ourselves.
A sense of personal accomplishment is also necessary to the development of high self-esteem. Each time we learn a new skill, overcome an obstacle, or reach a goal, we grow more certain of our ability to effect change. In turn, this feeling of self efficacy translates into a willingness to set higher goals and risk potential failure in the future. The ability to take appropriate personal risks is highly correlated with self-esteem as both a predictor and an outcome. Success builds upon success and predisposes us to make future attempts. By the same token, when we seldom or never succeed, we are much less likely to strive for the same goal in the future.
As parents and teachers, we can contribute enormously to children's growing self-esteem in several ways. Adults can provide good role models by respecting and accepting themselves and others. They can allow children opportunities to achieve success early so that they develop a sense of mastery and self efficacy. With trust and encouragement, adults can help children to set and reach realistic goals. Children can be taught that errors and failures are experienced by everyone and that they are a natural part of any learning process. And, finally, adults can provide living and learning environments that promote affirming, positive relationships.
By Ramona Hall
Ramona Hall is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She makes her professional home in Santa Clarita, California. Her passion is to help parents and children live more comfortable lives at home and in school. Ramona provides testing, therapy, consultation, and case management services to families who have children in need of educational intervention. She works with children and adults in areas such as learning disabilities, Attention Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, and school adjustment. Additional articles and information about educational psychology can be found at http://compassionatesolutionsscv.com
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Workouts Can Lighten Heavy Hearts
The millions of Americans stricken each year by debilitating depression may want to consider running away from their problem--or walking, swimming or dancing it away.
"What the studies are showing is that exercise, at least when performed in a group setting, seems to be at least as effective as standard antidepressant medications in reducing symptoms in patients with major depression," said researcher James Blumenthal, a professor of medical psychology at Duke University in Durham, N.C.
According to Blumenthal, other studies are beginning to suggest that solitary exercise, such as workouts at the gym or a daily jog, can be just as effective as group activities in beating the blues, and that "duration of exercise didn't seem to matter--what seemed to matter most was whether people were exercising or not."
Blumenthal was lead author on a much-publicized study released five years ago that found that just ten months of regular, moderate exercise outperformed a leading antidepressant (Zoloft) in easing symptoms in young adults diagnosed with moderate to severe depression.
And another study released earlier this year, by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, found that 30-minute aerobic workouts done three to five times a week cut depressive symptoms by 50% in young adults.
Theories abound as to how revving up the body helps uncloud the mind.
Robert E. Thayer is a professor of psychology at California State University, Long Beach, and the author of Calm Energy: How People Regulate Mood With Food and Exercise. He said that while workouts probably affect key brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, physical activity may also trigger positive changes in other areas, too.
"Depression is a condition characterized by low energy and moderate tension, something I call 'tense tiredness,' " he said. But exercise has a clear "mood effect" that seems to ease that anxious but lethargic state, he said.
According to Thayer, moderate exercise--a brisk ten-minute walk, for example--results in a boosting of energy, although it may not be quite enough to relieve stress.
"More intense exercise--the amount you'd engage in with a 45-minute aerobic workout--does give a primary mood effect of reducing tension. It might also leave you with a little less energy because you'd be tired, of course," he said. "However, there's also some indication from the research that there's a 'rebound' effect an hour or so later, in terms of [increased] energy."
Blumenthal pointed to the more lasting psychological boost regular workouts can bring. "People who exercise might also have better self-esteem; it may help them feel better about themselves, having that great sense of accomplishment," he said.
Still, the experts acknowledged that truly depressed individuals often find it tough to jump into an exercise routine.
"Why do people not do the thing that's perhaps the most important thing for them to do?" said Thayer. "It's because a drop in energy is such a central component of depression--you just don't have the energy to do the exercise."
He said the key to breaking that cycle is to start small.
"Thinking about going to the gym and doing all the stuff that's involved with that can be overwhelming for a depressed person," Thayer pointed out. "But if you think, 'Hey, maybe I'll just walk down the street 30 yards or so, at a leisurely pace,' that's a start. And it turns out that your body becomes activated then--you have more of an incentive to walk farther, to do more."
Loved ones can play a key role, too, urging a depressed friend or family member to join in with them as they work out. "Social support, peer pressure, family support--all of that can be helpful, certainly in getting people to maintain exercise," Blumenthal said.
No one is saying that exercise is always a substitute for drug therapy, especially for the severely depressed. "But we also know that these drugs aren't effective for everyone--about a third of people aren't going to get better with medication," Blumenthal said.
For those patients, exercise may prove a viable, worry-free alternative--with one great fringe benefit.
"In addition to its mental health benefits, there are some clear cardiovascular benefits to exercise which we don't see with antidepressant drugs, of course," Blumenthal noted. So, he said, what keeps the mind fit strengthens the body, too. "You're killing two birds with one stone."
Call 1-800-719-8268 Ext. 32825 (Bonus)
"What the studies are showing is that exercise, at least when performed in a group setting, seems to be at least as effective as standard antidepressant medications in reducing symptoms in patients with major depression," said researcher James Blumenthal, a professor of medical psychology at Duke University in Durham, N.C.
According to Blumenthal, other studies are beginning to suggest that solitary exercise, such as workouts at the gym or a daily jog, can be just as effective as group activities in beating the blues, and that "duration of exercise didn't seem to matter--what seemed to matter most was whether people were exercising or not."
Blumenthal was lead author on a much-publicized study released five years ago that found that just ten months of regular, moderate exercise outperformed a leading antidepressant (Zoloft) in easing symptoms in young adults diagnosed with moderate to severe depression.
And another study released earlier this year, by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, found that 30-minute aerobic workouts done three to five times a week cut depressive symptoms by 50% in young adults.
Theories abound as to how revving up the body helps uncloud the mind.
Robert E. Thayer is a professor of psychology at California State University, Long Beach, and the author of Calm Energy: How People Regulate Mood With Food and Exercise. He said that while workouts probably affect key brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, physical activity may also trigger positive changes in other areas, too.
"Depression is a condition characterized by low energy and moderate tension, something I call 'tense tiredness,' " he said. But exercise has a clear "mood effect" that seems to ease that anxious but lethargic state, he said.
According to Thayer, moderate exercise--a brisk ten-minute walk, for example--results in a boosting of energy, although it may not be quite enough to relieve stress.
"More intense exercise--the amount you'd engage in with a 45-minute aerobic workout--does give a primary mood effect of reducing tension. It might also leave you with a little less energy because you'd be tired, of course," he said. "However, there's also some indication from the research that there's a 'rebound' effect an hour or so later, in terms of [increased] energy."
Blumenthal pointed to the more lasting psychological boost regular workouts can bring. "People who exercise might also have better self-esteem; it may help them feel better about themselves, having that great sense of accomplishment," he said.
Still, the experts acknowledged that truly depressed individuals often find it tough to jump into an exercise routine.
"Why do people not do the thing that's perhaps the most important thing for them to do?" said Thayer. "It's because a drop in energy is such a central component of depression--you just don't have the energy to do the exercise."
He said the key to breaking that cycle is to start small.
"Thinking about going to the gym and doing all the stuff that's involved with that can be overwhelming for a depressed person," Thayer pointed out. "But if you think, 'Hey, maybe I'll just walk down the street 30 yards or so, at a leisurely pace,' that's a start. And it turns out that your body becomes activated then--you have more of an incentive to walk farther, to do more."
Loved ones can play a key role, too, urging a depressed friend or family member to join in with them as they work out. "Social support, peer pressure, family support--all of that can be helpful, certainly in getting people to maintain exercise," Blumenthal said.
No one is saying that exercise is always a substitute for drug therapy, especially for the severely depressed. "But we also know that these drugs aren't effective for everyone--about a third of people aren't going to get better with medication," Blumenthal said.
For those patients, exercise may prove a viable, worry-free alternative--with one great fringe benefit.
"In addition to its mental health benefits, there are some clear cardiovascular benefits to exercise which we don't see with antidepressant drugs, of course," Blumenthal noted. So, he said, what keeps the mind fit strengthens the body, too. "You're killing two birds with one stone."
Call 1-800-719-8268 Ext. 32825 (Bonus)
Article Writing – Step by Step Guide to Writing an Article
Article writing and submission is one of the easiest ways to drive qualified traffic to your web site, but it is one of the hardest things to actually sit down and do everyday. I know, because article writing is one of the most profitable things I do, and yet, I find it hard to write more than about 20-40 articles per week. After that level, I just really have to buckle down and remind myself how much money I make when I write articles.
So how do I do it? How do I write my articles?
Follow these steps:
1) Find a niche topic about which to write. If you already have a niche web site, write on related topics. One thing that is important is writing articles that pertain to the needs and desires of people who buy from you, not just the people who read your web site. You should be targeting your buyers, specifically, and drawing new buyers to your website.
2) Write a title that is keyword optimized and accurately reflects the content of the article. Use your keyword first in the article, then tell the reader what they are going to learn in your article.
3) Write 3 main points to your article. 3 steps to getting something done, 3 interesting facts, 3 ways to do something.
4) Write an intro paragraph which summarizes what you teach in the 3 points.
5) Write a close/bio that tells the reader how they can get more information about your topic.
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article marketing success, 'Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide'
Download it free here: Secrets of Article Promotion
Do you want to learn how to build a big online subscriber list fast? Click here: Secrets of List Building
Sean Mize is a full time internet marketer who has written over 9034 articles in print and 14 published ebooks.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize
Call 1-800-719-8268 Ext 32825 (bonus)
So how do I do it? How do I write my articles?
Follow these steps:
1) Find a niche topic about which to write. If you already have a niche web site, write on related topics. One thing that is important is writing articles that pertain to the needs and desires of people who buy from you, not just the people who read your web site. You should be targeting your buyers, specifically, and drawing new buyers to your website.
2) Write a title that is keyword optimized and accurately reflects the content of the article. Use your keyword first in the article, then tell the reader what they are going to learn in your article.
3) Write 3 main points to your article. 3 steps to getting something done, 3 interesting facts, 3 ways to do something.
4) Write an intro paragraph which summarizes what you teach in the 3 points.
5) Write a close/bio that tells the reader how they can get more information about your topic.
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article marketing success, 'Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide'
Download it free here: Secrets of Article Promotion
Do you want to learn how to build a big online subscriber list fast? Click here: Secrets of List Building
Sean Mize is a full time internet marketer who has written over 9034 articles in print and 14 published ebooks.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize
Call 1-800-719-8268 Ext 32825 (bonus)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Kids Self-Esteem - A Story to Build Confidence
You've all heard, "When I was a child we walked to school. Up hill. Both ways." As kids these stories made you roll your eyes. They did not make you feel as though you were so much better off than your parents had been.
When my Dad told similar stories I couldn't relate. The disconnect happened because my Dad was trying to force a lesson on me that I didn't have the experience to appreciate.
When you want to build your child's self confidence, it's best to remain non-judgmental and to take yourself out of the equation.
Here is a story I use to open up children's imaginations to the concept of being an Ordinary Superhero - a strong and confident person. Your Superhero is the strength you posses within. This story is about becoming aware of and using tools you already posses to feel strong and secure.
"Did you know that everyone has a Superhero inside? Let me tell you a story.
Lisa is an animal lover. She loves puppies and kittens and hamsters and birds and ferrets and fish and bunnies, oh, the bunnies! Lisa especially loves bunnies.
Lisa's family knows how much she loves animals so after dinner they turn the TV to animal planet just for her. Trouble is Lisa hates watching animal planet. She hates it when a sweet little bunny gets eaten by a hawk. She just wants to cry and run screaming from the room!
But Lisa knows her family is watching the show just for her and she doesn't want them to be mad at her for not watching. She's too afraid to say anything. She's afraid her family will make fun of her, or be mad at her, or send her to the garbage dump, so she keeps quite. But it's getting so bad that just thinking about watching animal planet makes her feel sick!
Lisa stops eating much at dinner because she's afraid she'll get sick. Mom and Dad are really worried about her and ask why she won't eat. But she doesn't know how to tell them what's wrong!
Then Lisa feels it, deep down inside she knows she can do this! Actually, Lisa feels like there's another person inside her, someone who's been there all along - a very strong and brave person - kind of like a... a superhero! Yah, that's it, a superhero!
At first Lisa's Superhero is very faint - just a small feeling right behind her belly button. Then she discovers that when she concentrates on that Superhero feeling inside, it gets stronger. Lisa even thinks she can tell her big brother to stop teasing her!
So Lisa finds her Superhero again and lets it grow strong inside of her. And wow, does she feel terrific! Lisa finds her voice and asks Mom to please pass the potatoes.
This is great! Lisa even gives her superhero a name, "Super Animal Protector" and she feels strong and good about herself. And guess what? She isn't afraid to talk to her family any more.
So the next night, the family heads to the TV room. Lisa starts feeling sick, but she makes a choice. She's going to tell her family how she feels. Mom turns on Animal planet and here come the snakes. Oh no, not snakes. Snakes are not animals! They're reptiles! And they eat bunnies!
Lisa is about to cry, but instead she feels Super Animal Protector, lets her grow up inside and says, "Hey everybody. Thank you for watching Animal Planet just for me. But the truth is I hate Animal Planet so I'm going to my room to read a book about raising healthy bunnies." And that's exactly what Lisa does. And she feels strong and good about herself.
Everyone has a superhero. You do too!"
Please share this story with your child. Share your experiences with self-esteem and times when you've pushed through the barrier of anxiety. It will have a profound effect on his/her ability to tap into and use the strongest part of him/herself, Superhero Self-Esteem.
Visit us at http://www.SuperheroSelfEsteem.com for more tips on strong, simple self-assurance.
For more Superhero information, visit http://www.SuperheroSelfEsteem.com
Sally Morgan helps parents and teachers raise children's self-confidence with Superhero Self-Esteem™. We all have a place deep inside that feels strong and sure. With Superhero Self-Esteem workouts, you can build a kid's self-assurance in 10 minutes a day!
Sally Morgan SuperheroSelfEsteem.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sally_Morgan
Consider this site:
KidsEdgeonSelfEsteem.com
When my Dad told similar stories I couldn't relate. The disconnect happened because my Dad was trying to force a lesson on me that I didn't have the experience to appreciate.
When you want to build your child's self confidence, it's best to remain non-judgmental and to take yourself out of the equation.
Here is a story I use to open up children's imaginations to the concept of being an Ordinary Superhero - a strong and confident person. Your Superhero is the strength you posses within. This story is about becoming aware of and using tools you already posses to feel strong and secure.
"Did you know that everyone has a Superhero inside? Let me tell you a story.
Lisa is an animal lover. She loves puppies and kittens and hamsters and birds and ferrets and fish and bunnies, oh, the bunnies! Lisa especially loves bunnies.
Lisa's family knows how much she loves animals so after dinner they turn the TV to animal planet just for her. Trouble is Lisa hates watching animal planet. She hates it when a sweet little bunny gets eaten by a hawk. She just wants to cry and run screaming from the room!
But Lisa knows her family is watching the show just for her and she doesn't want them to be mad at her for not watching. She's too afraid to say anything. She's afraid her family will make fun of her, or be mad at her, or send her to the garbage dump, so she keeps quite. But it's getting so bad that just thinking about watching animal planet makes her feel sick!
Lisa stops eating much at dinner because she's afraid she'll get sick. Mom and Dad are really worried about her and ask why she won't eat. But she doesn't know how to tell them what's wrong!
Then Lisa feels it, deep down inside she knows she can do this! Actually, Lisa feels like there's another person inside her, someone who's been there all along - a very strong and brave person - kind of like a... a superhero! Yah, that's it, a superhero!
At first Lisa's Superhero is very faint - just a small feeling right behind her belly button. Then she discovers that when she concentrates on that Superhero feeling inside, it gets stronger. Lisa even thinks she can tell her big brother to stop teasing her!
So Lisa finds her Superhero again and lets it grow strong inside of her. And wow, does she feel terrific! Lisa finds her voice and asks Mom to please pass the potatoes.
This is great! Lisa even gives her superhero a name, "Super Animal Protector" and she feels strong and good about herself. And guess what? She isn't afraid to talk to her family any more.
So the next night, the family heads to the TV room. Lisa starts feeling sick, but she makes a choice. She's going to tell her family how she feels. Mom turns on Animal planet and here come the snakes. Oh no, not snakes. Snakes are not animals! They're reptiles! And they eat bunnies!
Lisa is about to cry, but instead she feels Super Animal Protector, lets her grow up inside and says, "Hey everybody. Thank you for watching Animal Planet just for me. But the truth is I hate Animal Planet so I'm going to my room to read a book about raising healthy bunnies." And that's exactly what Lisa does. And she feels strong and good about herself.
Everyone has a superhero. You do too!"
Please share this story with your child. Share your experiences with self-esteem and times when you've pushed through the barrier of anxiety. It will have a profound effect on his/her ability to tap into and use the strongest part of him/herself, Superhero Self-Esteem.
Visit us at http://www.SuperheroSelfEsteem.com for more tips on strong, simple self-assurance.
For more Superhero information, visit http://www.SuperheroSelfEsteem.com
Sally Morgan helps parents and teachers raise children's self-confidence with Superhero Self-Esteem™. We all have a place deep inside that feels strong and sure. With Superhero Self-Esteem workouts, you can build a kid's self-assurance in 10 minutes a day!
Sally Morgan SuperheroSelfEsteem.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sally_Morgan
Consider this site:
KidsEdgeonSelfEsteem.com
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About Me
- Mimimo
- San Pedro, CA, United States
- Maureen is an author,entrepreneur and children's advocate for MEA Online Edge Inc., with emphasis on the self esteem and self confidence of children; including teenagers. Caring for Kids is my current life focus. I strive to be tranquil, serene, and compassionate. Hopefully, this translates into "peaceful and calm".
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