Author: Paul Banas Taking care of children is a high-stress job. Parents realize this today as they deal with their toddlers’ curiosities, their wishful natures and their short attention spans. So it’s quite understandable when things get very frustrating. One simple and positive solution to this problem involves an approach through play. As a parent, you will find that learning to play with your children quickly yields its positive benefits: • Children can retain their own independence as they increase their learning. • Parents gain some much-needed opportunities to tend to other responsibilities. Children are endowed with a natural sense of curiosity and are always fascinated about how things work. Using just a bit of ingenuity, you can turn this natural advantage into a learning opportunity for your children. Here, then, are some tips to keep your tiny tots busy and happy everyday: • Treasure Hunt: Empty their favorite stuff into a cabinet.

Author: Paul Banas The process of becoming a mother involves a certain amount of psychological strain for a pregnant woman. In fact, for some women, childbirth can be as traumatic as life-threatening events such as a natural disaster or a war. During pregnancy, it is important for the to-be mother's family members and close ones to support her as required. During childbirth, women are likely to experience a range of emotions, which may include: • Guilt • Anxiety and fear that can manifest as intense flashbacks and nightmares • Helplessness or a feeling of loss of control or feeling incomplete • Severe depression • Anger, irritability • Obsessive talking about their traumatic experiences • Ambivalent feelings toward the baby • Hyper-vigilance and hyper-sensitivity to any perceived injustice • Other symptoms such as drug and alcohol abuse, phobias, fainting spells, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies • It should be

Author: Paul Banas The thought of what has happened interrupts you seven times a day. You have lost everything you helped build, all sense of love and belonging in the world. The crisis has left in its wake the disorganization of your instincts and ideas. Every divorced dad has to carry his own grief and try to begin a new life again in the world. Remember that you are still a father. Taking care of your children during this crisis is your first priority. It’s the only way to break the inertia. It’s the only way to get back in control of your life, take responsibility and start fixing that broken heart, that broken home. It is time to get help: • Along with the correct legal advice, consider seeing a family therapist or psychologist. • Coping isn’t easy. Feelings of rage and vindication can overwhelm you at this time. Be aware that these feelings are normal, but acting on them is not. • You need to talk it out—with friends, a support group