Teaching Compassion: Help your kids become caring, contributing adults

By Sonja Meyer Duntley

Headlines draw stark attention to the awful reality of lives without compassion: Columbine; Sept. 11; and sniper shootings in the nation's capital. How can we as parents inspire our children to a lifetime of caring enough to not only co-exist with others, but to actively help the less fortunate and improve their community? Of course there are no guarantees about what grown children will do given any particular parenting approach. But, if you make the effort, you can evoke compassion in your children and increase the likelihood they will be kind and contributing adults. Read on...

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Make More Than Christmas Wishes Come True for Your Children

By Caron Goode

What gifts will your children receive during the holidays? If they include insight into their well-being, then Santa Claus has been looking out for them.

But the elusive Saint Nick doesn't hang out with your children every day like you do. It's up to you to nurture your children's abilities and help them make more than their Christmas wishes come true. Read on...

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Great Stories: Sighs of the Heart

"We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks since we started all of this." the woman told the volunteer.

"What is it your daughter keeps asking for?" she asked.

"Puppy size!"

"We have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for."

"I know. We have seen most of them," she said in frustration.

Read on...

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Book Review - Holiday Book List

Review By Anna Stewart

Looking for just that perfect book for your child? Inspired Parenting reviewer Anna Stewart has compiled a list of six outstanding children's books you might have overlooked. For younger children, there is Gaspard and Lisa's Christmas Surprise by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben, The Forgetful Bears Help Santa by Larry Weinberg, A Small Miracle by Peter Collington, and The Story of Noodles by Ying Chang Compestine. For older children, there is The Look-It-Up Book of the 50 States by Bill Gutman, and Charlotte's Rose by A.E. Cannon. We're sure you'll find something of interest here.

Read on...

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Mother Arts - Santa's Visit

By Anna Stewart

Wondering what to tell your child about old Saint Nick? Today many parents are uncomfortable deceiving their children into believing in a jolly fat man who brings them presents. Find out the pros and cons of the Santa lie, and how you can maintain the Christmas tradition with a clear conscience.

Read on...

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Inspired Grandparenting: Gifts of the Season

By Elaine K. Williams

In early November, I celebrated my sixtieth birthday and it was by far the finest birthday I have ever celebrated. My daughters and granddaughters circled me with affection and gifts which reflected how well they knew me. My oldest daughter, Laura, gave me 60 flower bulbs to plant in my yard. My youngest daughter, Allyson, bought me 60 York mints which I love to eat frozen. My middle daughter, Kimberly, gave me a colorful, hand woven wall cloth from Central America, where she spent this past summer. There is something infinitely special about your daughters giving you things which resonate to noticed desires. Read on...

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Spot and Nurture Musical Talent in Your Young Child

By Patty Meringer

Recognizing early musical ability can be a mixed blessing for parents. From the moment we consider the possibility that our children may be musically gifted, we are faced with new and daunting parental concerns. Can we find and afford the resources to nurture that gift? How do we maintain balance between music education and academics for our children? Between social development and practice required to hone music skills? As parents, we can pave the way for future success in music for our children when they are quite young. Read on...