All articles from Susan DeMersseman
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Modern Parenthood New Year resolution stress reduction: Tackle the "yeah-buts"
Planning what you'll need to meet your New Year resolutions – and facing the "yeah-but" hurdles – is a simple way to increase success and decrease the stress of falling short.
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Modern Parenthood Christmas parenting wisdom: 'It's Jesus' birthday, not yours'
Christmas parenting wisdom from a grandfather shapes a family culture: 'It's Jesus' birthday, not yours.' There’s a lot of empty space under our tree, but our homes are filled with friends and festivities.
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Modern Parenthood Thanksgiving: Teaching gratitude is always in season
Thanksgiving gratitude isn't only seasonal. Teaching gratitude and awareness of what is good in children's lives can rub off – there's so much to appreciate, from a cloud to a warm home to a good meal. Without that perspective, only the things kids don't have will seem important.
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Modern Parenthood Jobs, bayonets, 'apology tour': How to talk politics with your kids
Jobs, bayonets, and the "apology tour" may make your family a presidential debate arena of its own – but how to talk politics with your kids is important to their development. While we may want our kids to share our values, we can help them understand why we hold these values and that even people who disagree are not evil.
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Modern Parenthood Slowing down and using time wisely lets one mom catch her breath
Dealing with anxiety generated from family errands, work responsibilities and lists of things-to-do can easily overwhelm. Slowing down and allowing yourself space to live a full life, unhurried, requires a change in mindset.
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Modern Parenthood “Morning wars” détente: Surviving bad socks and permission slips
"Morning wars" – that great daily negotiation about food, clothing, getting to school on time – is one of Mom's biggest problems. Here are top tips for détente.
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Modern Parenthood Kindergarten: Successful first day of school separation and launch
Kindergarten, especially the first day of school, is a lesson in letting go for kids and parents. In this big family moment, parents can expect successful separation and launch.
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Modern Parenthood Father's Day: Celebrate big brothers who support younger siblings
Father's Day is a time to celebrate big brothers who fill a void in caring for their younger siblings. Whether it is fixing breakfast, brushing hair or walking them home, these 'little fathers' deserve recognition.
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Modern Parenthood Free games: the power of a kid’s imagination vs. gigabytes
Free games needed for your kids this summer? Look no further then their own imaginations, give them unstructured time, and encourage creation. It can make a messy kitchen table, but too much media can create another kind of mess.
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Modern Parenthood High school graduation: Ode to the average student
High school graduation sees loads of 4.0s head across the stage for honors on their way to Harvard. But most wonderful and successful people never went to the stage for an honor. The average student's potential is full of surprises.
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Modern Parenthood Prom progress: Less expense, more safety, less drama
Proms are making progress. Parents and children work together (gasp) to try to ensure a happy and safe prom celebration.
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