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My mother, who was born on the fourth of July, told me that everyone in the country celebrated her birthday. As a youngster, I decided she must be very famous and much loved. While age brought understanding of her joke, the image of my mother as someone who deserved love and fame never diminished for me.
Because of my line of work, I've had plenty of opportunity to reflect on the lessons I learned from my mother about conflict and its resolution. Some of them have been powerfully helpful---and a few have been powerfully unfortunate.
A strong woman of Scottish heritage and with an assertive streak a mile long, she was also deeply kind and compassionate. She taught me that I should engage conflict willingly and as kindly as possible, and that I should stand strong, especially when advocating for those who were less able to advocate for themselves. The way I understood these messages has been a mixed blessing: I am assertive in my own conflicts but have had to work hard to fully learn that not all conflicts need engaging at full strength!
My mother was raised in a family and in a generation that prevented her from spreading her wings as she wished. She attended Katharine Gibbs instead of a four-year college, though her grades and ability would have gained her entrance anywhere she sought if she were college-bound today. She regretted those closed doors her entire life and, I think, wished she'd pressed the issue when she was 18. From my earliest memories, she taught me that the sky is the limit and that, as a woman, I am equal to any man and to any challenge. This independence, while freeing in so many ways, has also been my Achilles heel during conflict. I'm always tempted to over-assert just how capable and independent I am, sometimes to my own detriment.
She taught me compassion, to look for the equal human in front of me, especially when I'm tempted to judge others harshly. Somehow, in my younger years, I judged some people harshly anyway. I have often reflected on how long it took me to find and truly employ my mother's lesson in compassion. The work of becoming a mediator forced me to look this one straight in the eye, because the mediator's work is one of compassion and non-judgment. Mom would be proud.
She was quick on her feet in a fight and verbally nimble. Some have suggested that her fiery Scottish heritage and upbringing was the cause. She worked in the New York State Legislature for much of my life and loved a good debate. I remember going to work with her on school snow days, and she'd encourage me to go to the visitor's gallery and watch the floor debates. This was another gift---to be able to see both sides in an argument and to value verbal jousting as a way to thoroughly chew over a problem. And sometimes such verbal jousting has been ill-chosen on my part, when quiet listening would have served me and others better.
When I was in my mid-20s, I talked by phone with Mom a few days before she died unexpectedly. She gently reminded me in that conversation that truly strong people know when not to use their strength. I still work on striking that balance and I wish she were around to guide me, though I feel her legacy with me daily and am generally thankful for that.
So I leave you with this: What did your mother (or father) teach you about conflict? What of those lessons should you continue to carry and what should you let go? And what are you teaching your own children?
Copyright © 2005 by Tammy Lenski. All rights reserved.
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If you were to compare a certain people to a specific thing, what would it be and why? For some, it might be the perfect question that you can ask a beauty queen in her Q and A. However, it would definitely be an interesting matter to talk about in a simple conversation. Such question is entailed with emotion and it is a bit tricky. This inquiry will surely make you think. So, if you were to compare your mom to a certain thing, what would it be?
I have encountered someone who compares his mom to a promotional calculator. I was a bit surprised and astound at the same time. It is the first time that I heard someone compares his mother to a promotional calculator and it wasn't a joke. He is a bit serious and I really take a little time to stop and listen to him and I got his point. It was a bit complicated but I was able to decipher what he wants to say. Indeed, he has his point.
His mom is like a customized calculator because his mom knows how to solve complicated equations of life. It might sound really profound but I got his point. Calculator is used to solve complicated calculations in no time. Just like this simple calculating machine, our moms know how to make both ends meet. She knows how to allocate the whole budget in order to fulfill our needs for a certain time frame. Indeed, she is his version of Super Woman.
Simple calculators are used for basic math. It adds. It subtracts. It multiplies and it divides. Second to his points, his mom can do all those. She knows how to add good moral values to our young minds, subtract the wrong ones, multiply her love and care and divide it to equal parts among her children. Indeed, that I how wonderful a mother is. She knows the arithmetic of how to be a good role model and a responsible parent.
Customized calculators can store numerical memory. On the other hand, my friend said that her mom also has a great memory. She knows the last time he cried for his broken bike and she knows the first time he ever had a girlfriend. However, just like these calculators, his mom's memory has lapses and limitations. There might be things that his mom would not remember anymore but her heart still recognizes the good old days that they have had.
On May 8, know how to honor your mom. Love them as if there is no tomorrow. Reciprocate the love that she had given you even in a little way. Give them a customized calculator and tell them why they are the best calculator that you ever had in your life. It might sound corny but there is no corny or cheesy thing when it comes to a mother's love.
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Mother's Day is a wonderful occasion to celebrate and honor the important women in your life, from mothers to aunties to grandmothers. Why not mark the occasion with a party? Games like those below can make the occasion fun and memorable.
"How Well Do You Know Your Mom?" Mother's Day Party Game
This game is a great one if you've got several 'mother & children' pairings or groups at your party. Party guests split off with their family members, and the mothers leave the room while the children stay. Ask the same 5 questions to each child or family about their mothers - examples include favourite color, favourite food, secret talent and most embarrassing moment. Bring the mothers back into the room and ask them the same questions. Teams earn one point every time Mom's answer matches that of her children. The team with the most correct answers at the end of the game is the winner of this Mother's Day party game.
"Photo-matching Competition" Mother's Day Party Game
This game is great for a larger party where lots of mothers and children will be present. Each family has to bring a baby photo of Mom, and a baby photo including one or more of the children, to the party. The Moms have to try and correctly match the children to their baby photos, and the children have to match the Moms to their baby photos (a slightly more challenging task!). Each correct match earns a point, and the family with the most correct answers is the winner of this Mother's Day party game.
Mother's Day Party Games to Honor Mom in StyleRelated : Baby Room Themes Pregnancy Preparing Babie Breast
The other day I was watching Oprah one of my favorite shows for many reasons but, that would be another subject. The topic was unfit mothers. Trust me it was more than evident that some of the guests there had some serious issues due to the amount of abuse or neglect that they place their children in.
However, there is something that really bothered me, they had numerous recordings of women that called saying that they believed they were unfit mothers because they get angry at their children and feel frustrated at times. Was I hearing right? Give me a break? Are moms not supposed to have feelings? Hmmm! Let me see,
o Once in a while when I am about to finish an article my one year old comes with the cheesiest smile and turns off the computer. If the article is not saved I lose it completely.
o How about you are trying to think straight and you have a toddler screaming mommy, mommy, mommy, I want juice, a toy, food, etc.
o Have you ever finished cleaning and just when you think you can sit down your child spills something in the floor?
o Or my all time favorite when ever I take my girls to a special place. I feel that I will be happy by just seeing them have a good time; and what they do? They spend the whole time crying and bickering.
Think again! All these things bother me and I say it even if people nod their heads with disbelief and think "what a terrible mom".
Moms are humans too you know, we have the right to feel tired, angry, happy, excited etc. Unlike those 60's shows were mom was always available and eager to please the whole family with a big smile. You want to know what I think? There is no way that a person can focus on everyone else and never do anything to fulfill them selves and be content in life.
So, here is the key to being a better mom?
Take care of yourself first! These women that were frustrated are probably too busy trying to be perfect mothers and neglect themselves. Therefore, they probably resent their children and even their partners because they have given up their true identities. Why do I say true identity? Being a mom is only one of the many roles that we play in life. Remember who you were before you had children: your hobbies, aspirations, life motto. Who was the person that your partner felt in love with? Or friends and family once knew? It is not like you are a computer that once you become a mom your whole Identity gets erased and you automatically become super mom.
Trust me; I went through this stage when I had my first daughter. I was all about her until; I took a real look at the stranger in the mirror staring at me. She no longer had her own illusions; she had neglected her physical appearance and most importantly did not like what she saw.
That's when I decided that not only was I aiming to be a good mom but, it was also my personal goal to not lose myself in the process.
Now, I have given up work outside but, have remained independent by working at home, follow my dreams, allow space to grow and take care of myself (physically, emotionally).
The result of it: I am happier which automatically helps me be more patient, appreciative, and loving not to mention a better role model. But, always keep in mind there is no perfect mom. Just like any other role in life you will learn along the way.
If you believe that you do not handle your frustrations effectively then it would be good to take anger or stress management classes or if you would like to enhance your parenting skill go to the Center for Improving Child Caring [http://www.ciccparenting.org/cicc_fpcs_13.asp] they offer free classes in most states, free childcare is available while you are in class. "It will not be fair to mistreat your children so, seek out help if necessary."
Just some advise from another mom,
Kenia Morales
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Unfit Mothers: A Guide to Becoming a Better MomSee Also : Pregnancy Preparing
Here we are again, Mothers Day is nearly here and once again I want to find that special Mothers Day card with the funniest mothers day poem. My mother really has an evil sense of humor which I love. So, of course, it's Often somewhat difficult to find a card that really works. I mean there are funny mothers day cards and then there are really funny mothers day cards.
So, ok, I've enjoyed spending a fully hour at the card rack at my local drugstore laughing my butt off looking for a card. Isn't it funny how we just keep looking and looking, even when we are clearly enjoying ourselves, thinking that card we just laughed at just wasn't the right one. And when it's got a funny mothers day poem that uses rhyming in the most hysterical way, well that's the card we buy!
And yes, we all have different mothers, how can it be any other way? That's pretty funny all by itself, isn't it? From "mommy dearest" to "June Cleaver" and all moms in between, she's ours, she's all we've got and we love her.
Alas, there is no one size fits all in a funny mothers day poem. The good news is we have all kinds of options. You can even write a poem for your mother yourself. Now that might be really funny.
Whether your mother is serious, worries a lot, or is reflective and thoughtful or is has the most amazing funny bone in the world, a funny mothers day poem in a card is a terrific way to lighten up Mom's special day and bring a smile to her face.
Jokes are always fun, too. I found this one on a blog that made me laugh out loud. "For weeks a six-year old lad kept telling his first-grade teacher about the baby brother or sister that was expected at his house. One day the mother allowed the boy to feel the movements of the unborn child. The six-year old was obviously impressed, but made no comment. Furthermore, he stopped telling his teacher about the impending event. The teacher finally sat the boy on her lap and said, "Tommy, whatever has become of that baby brother or sister you were expecting at home?" Tommy burst into tears and confessed, "I think Mommy ate it!""
Of course along with your funny mothers day card, be sure to give her a lovely bouquet of flowers or maybe some champagne and chocolates! If your mother needs an escape you may even want to add a gift basket filled with bath salts so she can soak away her worries.
And now to really embarrass myself, here is my stab at a Mothers Day poem for my own mom. This may show you just how easy it is to write your own or remind you that it's probably best to leave it to the professionals.
Happy Mothers Day dear so young at heart,
With so many decades, where do I start?
With all your energy, like that little pink bunny,
You make us look lazy, and that's just not funny!
Never-ending in your dear old school ways,
And you're so full of stories, you continue to Amaze!
So has listening has been lost with age,
That now you belong on the theater stage.
If ever you manage to forget,
We'll always remind you so please don't you fret.
Happy Mothers day dear mother so young at heart,
Any anyway you know this because you're so smart!
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