Author: Kathy Marshack

Family
dinner has become a lost tradition. Nowadays family members eat when they want
and whatever they want or they may eat dinner around the television or in their
separate bedrooms. Studies show that eating one meal a day together as a family
can be highly beneficial.

First, it can help the family to eat a healthy and balanced diet. It is
a great way to incorporate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your family’s
diet. This will also help you to promote the concept of a healthy body image
especially if you have a teenage daughter. You will be able to observe any
unhealthy habits that your children may be developing.

Second, it will improve the family communication. This time is
ideal for positive parental influence. Parents, use this time to talk to
your children about what is happening in their life. Try to ascertain problems
that they may be encountering like peer pressure. Do not use this time for
disciplining. It will turn this enjoyable time into a time of dread.

I highly encourage you to take this counsel to heart and add it to your family
schedule. You will be happy you did. It may take time to make it happen, so
don’t give up if it is taking time to coordinate. For more tips on parenting,
visit the Parenting
page on my website. Happy eating! 

For some, working from home sounds ideal. No morning/evening commute, no boss breathing down your neck, no dress code. . . These are just a few reasons why it may sound appealing. It is very important to weigh the pros and cons before making such a big decision as moving your office to the home.

 

I have worked from home for over 25 years so I’ve given this topic a lot of thought. I also work as a consultant for family businesses that are run from a home office. Some people thrive in that environment but for others it quickly becomes a nightmare!

 

I’ve compiled a list of 7 questions that I recommend asking yourself before making such a decision. Be sure to answer each question honestly.

1. Does your neighborhood allow home-based businesses? Are there any zoning restrictions?

2. Is your neighborhood a suitable location for your business?

3. Is your property well maintained with adequate parking for your clients/customers?

4. Does your house have a business office area suitable to your business’ needs? Can visitors get to your business office without going through your entire house?

5. Does your family understand your plans and are they supportive?

6. Do you work well without supervision? Are you self-disciplined?

7. Do you mind being alone for long stretches of time?

For more information about the Entrepreneurial Life and making it work for you, click here.

Social
anxiety, difficulty communicating, and lack of eye contact are all things that
someone with Asperger Syndrome has to deal with. It is like a heavy weight that
they carry with them wherever they go. So, the question is, what can help such
ones improve their “skills”?

Love
to Know – Autism had a really interesting article about how computer
programs can benefit those with Asperger Syndrome. It highlighted that computer
programs are now available to assist those with Asperger Syndrome to develop
skills that do not come naturally to them such as eye contact, improving
memory, and problem solving. (Please read the article to see the full list of
benefits and a list of computer software for this purpose.)

A word of caution though, if you choose this route of additional therapy, keep
in mind that computers have no emotion. These types of programs should not be a
replacement for companionship, but rather a training ground. If your loved one
has Asperger’s, seek out treatment for them from a mental health care
professional who is skilled in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Visit my
website for more information about Asperger Syndrome
Support.

I’m also writing a new book, “Parenting
with a Spouse or Partner with Asperger Syndrome: Out of Sight, Out of Mind”.
It addresses the unique issues that come up when you’re co-parenting with an
Aspie partner. Click
here to download a free sample chapter.

If
you have a child with ADHD, you will most likely hear the words
“bored” or “nothing to do” all summer long. It can be a
real challenge to keep an ADHD child entertained – especially when they are out
of school for the summer. Their boredom can lead to frustration which in turn
can cause them to act out. Instead of having a fun, enjoyable summer, you are
at each other’s throats.

Here are some tips to help you and your child survive the summer:

1. Stick to a schedule. Structure and ADHD work well together. A
schedule will help your child know what to expect for the week/month which will
help them feel secure. Post a schedule for chores, daily activities, and events
for your child. Even schedule “free time”.

2. Use the community. Your community will have plenty of resources
available for you. Day camps, rec centers, county fairs, and festivals are
great places to take your children. It gets them out of the house and can offer
some wonderful stimulation.

3. Set a bedtime. All children need proper rest, but especially a child
with ADHD. Not getting enough rest will only aggravate their symptoms.

4. Pick tasks that will stimulate creativity. Puzzles, crafts, and
drawing/painting are great projects that will help your child to be creative
and help build their self worth.

For more information on this topic, I recommend ADDitute Magazine’s
– Summer Activities for ADHD Kids,
Preteens. Also visit my website for information about Parenting
a Child with ADD/ADHD.

In the past few
years, a lot of attention was given to the physical side effects that second
hand smoke (SHS) can have on a non-smoking individual. Heart disease, stroke,
lung cancer, and asthma have been linked to SHS. Now
attention is turning to the psychological effects of SHS.

According to new studies, SHS has been linked to psychological disorders as
well as greater risk for psychiatric hospitalization in non-smokers. For a
complete look at these studies, read the article Secondhand Smoke Linked to
Psychiatric Illness, Hospitalization. The article mentioned that with
increased smoking restrictions in public places, smoking is happening more
often in the home environment. Studies also estimate that 60% of Americans are
being exposed to SHS.

Now with the addition of psychological problems to already known physical
problems, SHS is a serious problem! If you are a non-smoker, but have been
exposed to SHS and are experiencing psychological problems such as anxiety or
depression, I recommend seeing a mental health care professional. If you are
currently a smoker, your life is in danger as well. Please visit the Stop
Smoking section on my website for tips to overcome your addiction to
cigarettes.

It’s been estimated that 40-80% of children who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will have problems sleeping. This is a major concern as it can contribute to behavioral problems during the day. When your child isn’t sleeping well, he or she is more likely to be hyperactive, irritable, and aggressive. This puts the physical and emotional well-being of the child at risk.

If your child is not sleeping, then it means that you are not sleeping either – which is going to impact how you are dealing with your child’s behavior. If this situation sounds familiar, here are a few things you can do to try to help your child get a good night’s rest:

1. Keep a sleep diary. By keeping a daily record of the day and night, it might help you to discern if there are things that are causing a night of poor sleep.

2. Foods that are a stimulate – like sugar and caffeine – should be avoided before bedtime.

3. Entertainment that can be stimulating should also be avoided. Instead of television or computer time, try something soothing and relaxing like reading a story or a light massage. Also keep the house quiet.

4. Start a bedtime routine and stick to it.

5. If problems persist, see your child’s doctor.

A good night’s sleep is very valuable. You and your child deserve it. It may be a struggle to get it under control, but be patient. For more information, I recommend The National Autistic Society – Sleep and Autism – Helping Your Child.

Parenting a child with ASD, especially when your parenting with an ASD spouse, is no easy task. My new book “Parenting with a Spouse or Partner with Asperger Syndrome: Out of Sight, Out of Mind” addresses these issues. A free sample chapter is now available for download. Click here for more information.