Talking to Teens about Marriage

Teens tend to fall in and out of love quickly sometimes, which often leaves parents a little skeptical of the intense feelings proclaimed over the latest love interest. However, it is important to pay attention to what they say, and to gauge how serious they really are. The scariest part is that some kids will do nearly anything to try to tie themselves to the object of their affection. Young girls, despite contrary opinion, do sometimes get pregnant on purpose believing that it will seal the deal. Some boys encourage it. Other teens will run away to get married or … Continue reading

Your Responsibilities when Serving Alcohol

If you serve alcoholic beverages to guests at your home, or even allow them to bring their own alcohol, you can be held responsible if anything goes wrong. Laws and penalties vary by location, so make sure you are aware of policies in your area. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself and your guests: If you serve or allow alcohol, make sure that no one under the legal age limit drinks on your property. It doesn’t matter if their parents say it’s okay, you can be held criminally liable as well as negligent if anyone is injured … Continue reading

House Keys

Do your kids have keys to your home? It’s a big responsibility, one many parents don’t want to start too early. So, what do you do if your kids get home before you do sometime and they can’t get in? It’s not a very good idea to stash a key under the mat, on top of the door frame, or in a nearby planter, because those are the first places a housebreaker will look. I’ve heard of people hiding keys in a dog house, knowing that intruders wouldn’t be able to get past the dog to get the key. I’ve … Continue reading

Planning Tips

Early in the morning when the alarm goes off my feet hit the floor and sometimes don’t stop moving until they are back in bed later that night. Single parents often have the arduous task of working outside the home to meet their family’s needs in addition to being the primary housekeeper, chef and many other roles when they return home. All of the tasks and responsibilities can be overwhelming at times, but there is hope with the right attitude and a few helpful hints to make things run a bit smoother. Planning is the key to keeping life a … Continue reading

Pets, Fitness and Depression

If you struggle with depression and are also concerned about losing weight or simply exercising more, consider an unconventional remedy: getting a new pet. Studies have consistently shown that regular exposure to the companionship of animals can relieve stress, improve moods, and generally contribute to mental well-being in humans. In short, pets are good for us, whether we deal with depression or not. It may seem counterintuitive – is it wise to take on the responsibility of a pet when simply getting through a normal day can be difficult? The idea is that the change itself, the new responsibility, will … Continue reading

The Mentally Ill and Their Responsibilities to the Lord

Yet another difficult subject. Fortunately, one which has been amply covered by the brethren. There are so many mental deficiencies that I cannot begin to address them one by one. There are many people who suffer at one point or another in their lives of mental deficiency. Merely consider the excruciating stresses which accompany life, at times soaring to perceived unmanageable highs. We wonder what actions of the mentally ill are dismissed without further glance by the Lord and which they are to be held accountable? The Prophet Joseph Smith said that “all the minds and spirits that God ever … Continue reading

Teach Your Special-Needs Child Independence

One of the most important tasks of parents is to teach their children to be independent adults. As much as I love my children, my goal in raising them is to eventually have them leave my home and make their own way in the world. What does the future hold for my child? The reality is that some children with disabilities may never be able to live on their own. Others may be able to live with assistance, or in a group-setting. Still others may learn to manage their obstacles to the point that they can be entirely independent. Regardless … Continue reading