Blog Posts by ModernMom

Summer is crazy busy. Between work, kids, activities, sports, camps and play dates, there is very little down time. I have learned over the years, however, that when I do not commit chunks of time just for me, I am more irritable and less giving. This time has become a necessity, not a luxury. I see frazzled people walking around every day. They are constantly on the go and rarely take time to decompress and rejuvenate. But, busy moms, you HAVE to make time for yourself once in a while!

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Like a Car, You Need to Fill Up

Like a car that you regularly need to maintain and fill up the gas tank, if you let it go and let it drive on empty fumes, it isn't going to go very far. As soon as the gas level gets to a quarter tank, you fill it up and it is good to go. Why not apply the same tactic to your body? As soon as your energy level drops or you are feeling burned out, you take time to fill up your tank. You do something nurturing. You ask for help or

Though you may have kids, a partner, friends and family members who love you, loving yourself is one of the most important things that you can do. For many people, unfortunately, this is a challenge. If you have poor self-esteem, you may feel you are unworthy of love, even from yourself. Working toward creating a loving relationship with yourself can take time, but it's worth the effort.

See also You've Got to Make Time for Yourself!

1. Affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements about you that you repeat to yourself on a daily basis. For example, you may say, "I am beautiful" or "I am successful." Choose a few phrases that you want to apply to you. If you want to have better sexual relations with your husband, for example, you may want to say, "I look sexy today" every time you look in a mirror. Initially, saying them may feel cheesy, but you'll find over time that you start to believe them.

See also How to get the Love You Want

When you don't love

Of course, you want only the best for you and your family. You want to make nutritious meals to keep your family healthy. You may even be willing to pay more for the "good stuff" - organic foods, that is. And by more, I mean up to 100% more. But, is buying organic really worth the bigger dent in your family's budget?

The Organic Movement

Organic food started out as a small niche market and has now grown into multi-billion-dollar business. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, organic means food that is produced by farmers who prioritize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality. The USDA National Organic Program was introduced to set organic food standards and oversee organic farming practices and procedures.

See also Save Money and Help the Planet: Go Green This Month!

When it comes to "organic" labels on meat products, it usually means that the animal has not

Dealing with a low sex drive can be stressful for both you and your spouse, but there are many creative ways to get your sexual health back on track. Work with your spouse to say, goodbye to your low sex drive and hello to nights of restored passion and intimacy.

Enjoy a Little Rest and Relaxation

Take some time to enjoy each others' company by watching a television show or movie together. Select a book the two of you can read together, while cuddling in bed. Enjoy a relaxing bubble bath or take a dip in the pool. Share a walk around the neighborhood or plan a Sunday brunch at your favorite restaurant.

See also 10 Things to Say to the One You Love

Share your feelings with your partner to strengthen your emotional connection. Women's bodies respond to the intimacy that sharing thoughts, ideas and goals bring partners. Discuss your fantasies or new ideas you are interested in trying in the bedroom. Be open and honest.

Many individuals eagerly anticipate falling in love, because they have never experienced love or don't really know what being in love feels like. These romantic novices know that love is a euphoric emotion that they want to experience firsthand, and they may even go out of their way to hunt love out. If you think that the feelings you have for your current partner may be advancing from mere affection to full-fledged love, consider some common signs of love.

See also What Do Men Want in a Relationship?

Emotions

Happiness: Being in love is almost universally euphoria-inducing. If you find yourself a little more cheery as of late, you may be entering the throes of love. Connection: Most people reserve emotional connections for family members or individuals of major importance in their lives. If you feel an unexplainable strong emotional connection to your new partner, you are likely entering a love affair. Concern: Concern for the ones we love is only natural. If you find yourself

Generations ago, parents dreaded having "the talk" with their children and sometimes avoided discussing sex altogether. Telling children that the stork brings babies really occurred in some families. For your children to get the correct information about sex, it is important to establish an open line of communication as early as possible, according to WebMD. You will want to start talking to your children about sex early.

See also Megan's Law - It's Only Half the Battle

Name the Body Parts

You can start talking to your children about sex as soon as they are old enough to understand words, according to WebMD. You can start naming the body parts during your child's language development, using the real names--penis, scrotum, clitoris and vagina. If you say these words in a matter-of-fact way, your children should not be embarrassed about using these words.

See also You Are NOT Your Child's Friend!

If preschool children ask you where babies come from, give a simple

Your family may eat meat almost every single day. So, as a regular carnivore, you may not understand why your child has suddenly decided to become a vegetarian. Here are some tips on how to deal when your kid refuses to eat your meat lasagna.

Find Out Why

When your child refuses your meat-filled meal and declares he or she is now a vegetarian, the first thing you need to do is ask a simple question, "why?" Make sure their motivations are sensible, that they are not becoming vegetarian just because they are craving attention or feeding their picky eating habit. If your kid's response sounds legitimate, like "I don't want to eat harmless animals," then go with it.

See also Does Your Kid Prefer White Skin Over Black?

There's nothing you can do to change their mind once they're set on the vegetarian path, especially if they're a pre-teen or teen. At this point, they are old enough to be conscious about animal rights and make their own decisions when it comes

Does your kid throw a fit every time you leave the house? Are there tears involved? Do you find your kid pulling on your clothes or holding onto your hand for dear life to keep you from going? Does your kid stick close to you, no matter where you go? Then, as you are surely aware by now, you have a clingy child. But, the real question is, how do you get them to "un-cling" and be more independent?

See also Children Don't Need "Kid's Foods" -- Here's Why!

Clinginess is Common

Clinginess, according to iVillage's Dr. Michelle Borba, usually starts around 8-9 months of age, peaks at 18 months and gradually declines from there. It should end around the time your child is 2 years old. Clinginess is also common when it comes time for your child to enter preschool, as it could be their first experience of leaving home or separating from their mom. Basically, it's common and it's not necessarily YOUR fault, as many moms tend to think. If your child is terrified of leaving your side, they may