Search Results for: blog mix in some humor and play

How Do Distant Ethnic Backgrounds Play into Marriage?

Often, when we think of ethnic differences in a marriage, we think of a mixed-race marriage, but today I’m talking about something else – I’m talking about the ethnic roots we all have within us regardless of our nationality. Americans aren’t just Americans, you know – everyone who lives here has ancestors that immigrated over at some point, be it within the last ten years or two hundred years ago. We have English, Dutch, French, Swiss, Scandanavian, Japanese, African … we are truly a melting pot as a nation. My ancestors came here a long, long time ago, so I’m … Continue reading →

Finding a Way to Let Humor Shine Through

Humor is absolutely necessary—whether in every day life, family chaos or even in the business world—humor can make all the difference between the most impossible of days and a reasonably good one. Customers and clients will respond more warmly to someone who has a sense of humor and an appropriate sense of humor sends the message that a person is flexible, competent and in control. Why then, do we have such a hard time letting our humor shine through in our home businesses? We think that we need to show we are serious and hardened in order to let folks … Continue reading →

Mix in Some Humor and Play

I know that we all know that succeeding in business means work, work, and work. We know we need to stay focused and stay on top of our game if we are going to build a business out of nothing. But, remember the saying “all work and no play…?” Mixing in some humor, laughter, and play throughout the work day can actually make business go better… Doesn’t humor just make everything a little easier to handle? Not to mention that even the most stressful and deadline-ridden days can be improved with a bit of play. Taking a break to wrestle … Continue reading →

Using Play to Get Your Own Way

As some of you who’ve read my other blogs know by now, I tend to let my sense of humor guide me in my parenting. Humor and silliness have been a gift, as far as I’m concerned, and while I certainly get down, frustrated, aggravated and generally annoyed, most of the time I can unearth some humor in even the most scary, challenging parenting adventures. I know, you must be thinking that I have super easy kids for whom a humorous joke or gentle tease are all that’s needed to keep everything humming along with ease and good behavior. In … Continue reading →

Teen Challenges: Attitudes

I started off this new series on teen challenges with the issue of lying.  Today’s parenting topic is the challenge of dealing with teen attitudes. At some point even the most compliant, “model” child will display some version of an attitude.  It could be eye-rolling, clucking of the tongue, shaking of the head, arms folded, feet stamping, or words such as “Whatever,” “Oh my gosh!” or even, “I hate you!” Attitudes can also include doors slamming, objects being tossed and storming off to sulk. Some are less dramatic, while others go all out. I wish I could tell you that … Continue reading →

Uncle “I Don’t Know”

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One of the joys of being around family is the amount of humor that generally results. I’m not certain from where this quality derives (be it an amount of relaxation, no need to impress, or something else), but it is certainly an ever-present situation with our families. There is a general feeling that people don’t censor themselves very much. This results in humor for obvious reasons. People are more likely to say or do things that others would find risky in other situations. As my father has said many times, “If you can’t make fun of your family, who can … Continue reading →

Foolish Fun

Personally, I don’t see the humor in having my kid take a whoopee cushion to school and placing it on her teacher’s chair. In fact, I can almost guarantee that no one will be laughing after she gets caught and is potentially suspended for trying to prank a teacher on April Fool’s Day. So, thanks, but no thanks on that idea. Really, a big thank you to all the loyal Families.com readers who emailed me kid-friendly April Fool’s jokes. I really appreciate your response to my request. I was sent several links that have proven quite successful, though the real … Continue reading →

Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4 Video Game Review

The makers of the Lego series of video games offers Lego Harry Potter for the Wii, a fun bit of entertainment for fans. Covering the Harry Potter years from 1-4, this game combines all of the charm of the Harry Potter world with the creative game play of Lego. There is a good mix of puzzle-solving game play and exploration. The emphasis on battle play, blowing up other Lego character until they fall apart into their individual pieces, is more downplayed than in the previous Lego series, such as Lego Star Wars and Lego Batman. I personally I think this … Continue reading →

Tips for Taking that Perfect Photo: Props

Props are not essential to a great photo of your baby, but they can add humor, put your tiny one’s size in perspective, or add a little nostalgia to the photo (for example, having your baby pose with your childhood teddy bear!) Here are a few guidelines for using props in your baby’s portrait. If you’ve just “dropped in,” check out the first two installments of this series: Timing and Lighting. Keep it Simple If you’re going to use a prop, such as a toy, limit it to one, possibly two objects. You don’t want to crowd the photo with … Continue reading →

Top Ten Signs You Are a Dedicated Parent

Have you earned your parent wings? Of course you have! Here is a humorous look at the top ten ways that you know you have gone from single sophisticate to dedicated parent. 10. You pack yourself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You already have the ingredients out on the counter anyway, and let’s face it, in your sleep deprived state it would just take too much effort to try to assemble something else. 9. You carry hand sanitizer wherever you go. A good cold was once a good excuse for staying home from work and indulging in a day … Continue reading →