for new widows/widowers and those on the journey of grief

Encouragement and Inspiration for Raising Children & Teenagers

"Daddy died of cancer one year ago, when children were age 9 and 11"

Single parents get to take a break

I longed for a holiday with the girls but didn't know where to go

and no-one I asked knew either

Here is one answer

Care for the Family

02892 628050

Newcastle, Co. Down

Sun 13 - Sat 19 AUgust 2006

My girls are now teenagers age 13 and 16 bringing different demands to the widow or widower

My pastor introduced me to a book by Thomas Phelan

"Surviving Your Adolescents"

How to Manage and Let Go Of Your 13 - 18 Year Olds

"Hands control back to parents .. a great resource!"

There is a movie as well Thomas Phelan

Thomas Phelan also has a book

1-2-3- MAGIC

Effective Discipline for Children 2 - 12

"CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE"

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

~ by Dorothy Law Nolte ~
 

A CHILD TO LOVE

You can have your wealth and riches... All the things so many seek,
Position, power, fine success, The fame you long to keep.
You can earn so much you wish for, Reach a status high above,
But none of these can equal... 
Having one sweet child to love. 'Tis the greatest gift from heaven,
Little arms that hold you tight, And a kiss so soft and gentle
When you tuck them in at night. A million precious questions
And each story often read, Two eyes so bright and smiling,
And a darling tousled head. God can never match the goodness
Of a trusting little face, Or a heart so full of laughter
Spreading sunshine every place. 

A child to hold and cuddle,
'Tis a gift from God above,
And the world is so much brighter
When you have a child to love.
~Author Unknown~

The Cookie Jar 

A house should have a cookie jar  for when it's half past three,
And children hurry home from school as hungry as can be.
There's nothing quite so splendid in filling children up,
as spicy fluffy ginger cakes and sweet milk in a cup.

A house should have a mother [or father] waiting with a hug,
no matter what a boy brings home, a puppy or a bug.
For children only loiter when the bell rings to dismiss,
if no one's home to greet them with a cookie and a kiss.

Image of a Mother:

4 years of age: ~ My mommy can do everything! 
 8   years of age: ~ My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
 12  years of age: ~ My Mother doesn't really know everything. 
 14  years of age: ~ Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
 16 years of age: ~ Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
 18 years of age: ~ That old woman? She's way out of date!
 25  years of age: ~ Well, she might know a little bit about it.
 35 years of age: ~ Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
 45  years of age: ~ Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65  years of age: ~  Wish I could talk it over with Mom... 
~ Author unknown ~