As the parent of five children, now grown, I feel very strongly about the importance of family time. This time is as necessary for the children as it is for the adults in the family. Every day of our lives we learn new things and mature into the people we will become - who best to do this with than our own family members.
Only parents can impart the values they wish their children to learn; it cannot be left to someone else; it would be their values and not those of the parents. What and who you become will depend a lot upon those values your parents taught you either by their spoken word or by their actions.
Within their family unit children will learn how to handle anger; disagreements and how to make decisions. As parents how we do these things are important because our children will follow our role model. How children in the family view situations such as these will help them to develop their personalities.
In stable family situations where family time is given a high priority, children will grow up feeling confident, with better self-esteem and will feel secure within themselves and in their lives. Emotional strength and stability is developed through strong family ties. In a stable family, and one that values family time, children will grow up feeling protected and secure in their family unit.
In a home where family time is readily shared and appreciated, children will develop by learning the importance of family and knowing that they are loved. In close families there is much communication and goals and education are encouraged. If this is the case, children will often follow their parent's career choices, i.e.: possibly becoming teachers, dentists or doctors.
In close families where family time is considered to be important, there is usually a family comes first attitude. Children will grow up, like their parents, to believe that family and family time is an important aspect of their lives.
Setting aside family time is also important for teaching children their family history. No one can do this but their parents and other close family members. It is important that these memories and stories be passed from one generation to another. Having a bond with those family members that have gone before us solidifies our own feelings of belonging and being a valued member of our family. We are now part of the story that will be passed along to future generations.
When families spend time together, they usually have family traditions; old ones that have been passed down and new ones that are started as circumstances in our lives change. Family traditions seem to help make families closer or perhaps it is that close families are the ones that encourage family traditions.
The importance of time spent together as a family can never be underestimated. I believe strongly that those who value this time spent together as a family will see the rewards as their children grow older.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
10 Money Saving Tips for Single Parents
As a single parent, I initially found that one of the most difficult aspects of raising children on my own was the financial struggle. But by practicing some money saving techniques, I was able to raise my five children without too much of a hardship.
The most effective way of doing this was to reduce expenses. This can be done in many ways but the following are the ten best ways I discovered to do it:
1. Share and trade with friends, relatives and colleagues such things as children's clothes, outgrown toys and baby requirements, etc. Bartering also is a good way of getting what you need and giving what you have. Examples of this would be: a friend can do haircuts and you can do resumes, or you will babysit and your friend is an excellent seamstress. Basically, bartering is an exchange of goods and services between people without money changing hands.
2. Do not be wasteful. The old saying, 'waste not, want not' certainly applies when trying to live on a limited income. This means using all leftovers, not getting rid of things just because you're tired of them, and wearing things out. If your sofa is worn, make do with what you have. If it is really bad, buy second-hand or look in the free columns. Shop at second-hand or thrift shops and take the time to look around for the best deals in everything. Save those pennies that don't seem to be worth anything. Added together they can make the difference between having a treat or not.
3. If you own a car, cnsider how to cut down the costs of operating your vehicle. Drive sensibly keeping in mind the cost of gas by planning your route and doing errands along the way so other trips won't have to be made. Invest in a small economical car rather than one of the larger ones. Share your drive with others in order to help pay for the gas. Sometimes the cost of owning a car is not feasible. If that is the case, other transportation options such as transit or bicycling could be considered.
4. Avoid debt. In order to help do this catalogue expenses daily to help you realize where your money is going. In this way you will be able to determine what you can do without and wasteful spending can be avoided. Another helpful way is to make a list of what is needed before you go shopping. This will control impulse buying. Avoid also using a credit card - it is the quickest way to slide into debt.
5. Take advantage of special offers. Many utility services offer packaged deals which are usually more economical than buying individually. Basic package deals are also less expensive. This may encourage watching less television. Also apply for rebates and make use of coupons.
6. Don't eat out. Taking your own lunch to work will save many dollars each week compared to going out for lunch every day. Restaurants and even fast food outlets are very expensive. Another savings can be to drink water instead of buying pop or coffee out. Even one cup of coffee a day will add up over a month.
7. Smoking and drinking are other expenses that will kill even the most carefully designed budget.
8. Associate with other frugal and thrifty-minded single parents so as to avoid being tempted to keep up or feel included. Those who are in the same financial position will have other ideas on how to reduce their expenses too. They will also increase the number of people who will be interested in bartering and sharing.
9. Other savings within the home will be to only run your dishwasher and washer when there is a full load; invest in a low flow shower head, and buy in bulk.
10. Do you need it or do you want it? When I was a single parent I found remembering the difference between the two saved me a lot of money. In almost all cases, with a few days' thought before a purchase, I realized that most things were a want and not an absolute need.
I also discovered that it made it easier when I involved my children in helping me with these money saving strategies. By encouraging them to be part of the saving process, they learned to be thrifty too.
The most effective way of doing this was to reduce expenses. This can be done in many ways but the following are the ten best ways I discovered to do it:
1. Share and trade with friends, relatives and colleagues such things as children's clothes, outgrown toys and baby requirements, etc. Bartering also is a good way of getting what you need and giving what you have. Examples of this would be: a friend can do haircuts and you can do resumes, or you will babysit and your friend is an excellent seamstress. Basically, bartering is an exchange of goods and services between people without money changing hands.
2. Do not be wasteful. The old saying, 'waste not, want not' certainly applies when trying to live on a limited income. This means using all leftovers, not getting rid of things just because you're tired of them, and wearing things out. If your sofa is worn, make do with what you have. If it is really bad, buy second-hand or look in the free columns. Shop at second-hand or thrift shops and take the time to look around for the best deals in everything. Save those pennies that don't seem to be worth anything. Added together they can make the difference between having a treat or not.
3. If you own a car, cnsider how to cut down the costs of operating your vehicle. Drive sensibly keeping in mind the cost of gas by planning your route and doing errands along the way so other trips won't have to be made. Invest in a small economical car rather than one of the larger ones. Share your drive with others in order to help pay for the gas. Sometimes the cost of owning a car is not feasible. If that is the case, other transportation options such as transit or bicycling could be considered.
4. Avoid debt. In order to help do this catalogue expenses daily to help you realize where your money is going. In this way you will be able to determine what you can do without and wasteful spending can be avoided. Another helpful way is to make a list of what is needed before you go shopping. This will control impulse buying. Avoid also using a credit card - it is the quickest way to slide into debt.
5. Take advantage of special offers. Many utility services offer packaged deals which are usually more economical than buying individually. Basic package deals are also less expensive. This may encourage watching less television. Also apply for rebates and make use of coupons.
6. Don't eat out. Taking your own lunch to work will save many dollars each week compared to going out for lunch every day. Restaurants and even fast food outlets are very expensive. Another savings can be to drink water instead of buying pop or coffee out. Even one cup of coffee a day will add up over a month.
7. Smoking and drinking are other expenses that will kill even the most carefully designed budget.
8. Associate with other frugal and thrifty-minded single parents so as to avoid being tempted to keep up or feel included. Those who are in the same financial position will have other ideas on how to reduce their expenses too. They will also increase the number of people who will be interested in bartering and sharing.
9. Other savings within the home will be to only run your dishwasher and washer when there is a full load; invest in a low flow shower head, and buy in bulk.
10. Do you need it or do you want it? When I was a single parent I found remembering the difference between the two saved me a lot of money. In almost all cases, with a few days' thought before a purchase, I realized that most things were a want and not an absolute need.
I also discovered that it made it easier when I involved my children in helping me with these money saving strategies. By encouraging them to be part of the saving process, they learned to be thrifty too.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Single Parenting - The Perceptions and the Reality
As a single parent, I discovered that the image and perception of single parent families was often one of welfare, rebellious and delinquent children, school drop-outs, unhappiness and negativity. It was rare to see a good picture painted of a single parent family.
I discovered however that there were many like mine who don't fit into that stereotype of misery. Now that my children have grown, I realize that being a single parent gave me the opportunity to teach my children valuable lessons. By working, even though they were low paid jobs, I taught them that welfare was not an option. I was able to show them the importance of pulling our weight in society; of contributing to a common cause; of working together as a family, and the value of becoming a member of a team. We may not have had what our neighbors had in some respects but in others, we had so much more.
One little girl in the neighborhood told me that her mother didn't let her have friends over because the house got messy. I'm not afraid to admit our house was often messy but our house was also full of children who laughed, had fun and enjoyed themselves because they were allowed to be children; they were allowed to be messy.
Single parenting is like trying to run a marathon with only one leg; although still difficult, with the help of a prosthesis, it can be done. I also discovered ways to make my job a little easier.
I took the time to talk with and have fun with my children even if it meant the floor didn't get washed, the coffee table dusted or the laundry folded. These things don't really matter in the big scheme of things. I tried to face the challenges of single parenting head on one day at a time; learned to be content and thankful for what I had, ie.: children I loved and knowing that I was doing the best I could. I tried to role model what I expected from my children; made my family my priority; tried to see the humor in situations and c oncentrated more on the positive things than on the negatives. I tried to concentrate on what issues were the most important to me, i.e.: those relating to safety and manners and overlooking those not considered quite as important such as a tidy bedroom. Life became much easier when everything wasn't a hassle. I felt it was important to enjoy my children in the short time I had them before they began to make their own way in the world.
Because the biggest difficulty of single parenting is the struggle financially, we learned as a family to be creative and resourceful. As a result my children developed excellent work ethics by having part-time jobs at young ages; they learned how to stretch a dollar; they worked towards what they wanted and never had their hand out expecting things to be handed to them. In many ways my children were fortunate to have grown up poorer than many. They have learned respect - for me, for what they have, for others and for the values that have been instilled in them. They never leaned too heavily on me and never asked for more than they knew I could give them.
At the beginning of my solo sojourn, I decided that I would try my best to ensure that my children didn't become statistics to be counted in the negatives of single parenting. One way was to make my children feel no less loved than if they had two doting parents in their lives. I've probably been more fortunate than many in that I had great support from family and friends and so they were surrounded by many loving people.
All five children successfully graduated from high school and two have completed university while working part time and are now elementary school teachers. Another son is a successful realtor while a third son advanced from working in a warehouse to becoming a program analyst. My youngest son has traveled throughout Japan, Malaysia and Australia, all paid for by himself. He has recently received a promotion in his job but has not given up his love of travelling.
We have, through working and communicating together, become an exceptionally close family. The hard work was more than worth it. And the greatest thing of all is I now have five more best friends.
I discovered however that there were many like mine who don't fit into that stereotype of misery. Now that my children have grown, I realize that being a single parent gave me the opportunity to teach my children valuable lessons. By working, even though they were low paid jobs, I taught them that welfare was not an option. I was able to show them the importance of pulling our weight in society; of contributing to a common cause; of working together as a family, and the value of becoming a member of a team. We may not have had what our neighbors had in some respects but in others, we had so much more.
One little girl in the neighborhood told me that her mother didn't let her have friends over because the house got messy. I'm not afraid to admit our house was often messy but our house was also full of children who laughed, had fun and enjoyed themselves because they were allowed to be children; they were allowed to be messy.
Single parenting is like trying to run a marathon with only one leg; although still difficult, with the help of a prosthesis, it can be done. I also discovered ways to make my job a little easier.
I took the time to talk with and have fun with my children even if it meant the floor didn't get washed, the coffee table dusted or the laundry folded. These things don't really matter in the big scheme of things. I tried to face the challenges of single parenting head on one day at a time; learned to be content and thankful for what I had, ie.: children I loved and knowing that I was doing the best I could. I tried to role model what I expected from my children; made my family my priority; tried to see the humor in situations and c oncentrated more on the positive things than on the negatives. I tried to concentrate on what issues were the most important to me, i.e.: those relating to safety and manners and overlooking those not considered quite as important such as a tidy bedroom. Life became much easier when everything wasn't a hassle. I felt it was important to enjoy my children in the short time I had them before they began to make their own way in the world.
Because the biggest difficulty of single parenting is the struggle financially, we learned as a family to be creative and resourceful. As a result my children developed excellent work ethics by having part-time jobs at young ages; they learned how to stretch a dollar; they worked towards what they wanted and never had their hand out expecting things to be handed to them. In many ways my children were fortunate to have grown up poorer than many. They have learned respect - for me, for what they have, for others and for the values that have been instilled in them. They never leaned too heavily on me and never asked for more than they knew I could give them.
At the beginning of my solo sojourn, I decided that I would try my best to ensure that my children didn't become statistics to be counted in the negatives of single parenting. One way was to make my children feel no less loved than if they had two doting parents in their lives. I've probably been more fortunate than many in that I had great support from family and friends and so they were surrounded by many loving people.
All five children successfully graduated from high school and two have completed university while working part time and are now elementary school teachers. Another son is a successful realtor while a third son advanced from working in a warehouse to becoming a program analyst. My youngest son has traveled throughout Japan, Malaysia and Australia, all paid for by himself. He has recently received a promotion in his job but has not given up his love of travelling.
We have, through working and communicating together, become an exceptionally close family. The hard work was more than worth it. And the greatest thing of all is I now have five more best friends.
Friday, April 2, 2010
How to Keep a Family Happy
Everybody wants to have a happy family but many people don't know what to do in order to accomplish this. The following is a list of traits that will help towards making this a reality.
- Have harmony and peace within your family. Living in harmony is more likely to be a reality if your life is organized. When things are orderly, it is easier to be calm and it is less likely that chaos will reign.
- Be committed to your family in general and to each individual within the family unit. Family should come before work, social life, or self. Each member within a family should be willing to forego their own gratification for the sake of their family.
- Let your family know that you appreciate them and what they do; be positive when expressing your appreciation.
- Spend time with your family; even families can become strangers if they don't communicate and spend time together. Time spent together will build memories for sharing in the future.
- Have fun together and enjoy each other's company; families can be friends too.
- Be there for each other. When I think of who I can count on, my family members are the first that jump to mind.
- Support each other and pull together in a crisis.
- Show affection for your family and be considerate of them; often people treat their friends better than they do family members.
- Try to develop some common interests and goals.
- Be flexible and accepting of differences. Each of us is different; just because we do something a certain way does not neccessarily mean it is the only way to do it.
- Show each other respect; be trustworthy and honest.
- When you have made a mistake, admit it and try to make amends. Never hesitate to say, 'I'm sorry'. We all do make mistakes but the situation becomes worse if the wrong doer insists he is right.
- Have regular family get togethers and laugh a lot. Having a sense of humor helps through the rough spots.
- Occasionally let older children share in some of the decision-making.
- Keep promises that have been made.
My family, consisting of five grown children and their families, are all very close. We have regular family occasions for birthdays (and there are a lot in a family this size), Easter, Thanksgiving and of course, Christmas and New Years Day dinner. When someone in the family moves, we're all there to help out. My sons go to hockey games together; some of the women go to flea markets and others of us get together for a glass of wine. Besides these whole family occasions, individually we sometimes get together for lunch - because we like each other.
We phone each other for suggestions, recipes and chats. We share items we no longer need, giving our family members first opportunity to claim the item. One son just gave my daughter their coffee table; I gave one son my silver wine glasses which he loves. My daughter passes her clothes on to me and grandchildren's clothes are shared. And I babysit my grandchildren.
Admittedly having a close family situation such as this is easier for us than for many others. We are continuing a way of living that has been going on for many years in our family. We don't have to start a new way of doing things; only ensure that we continue to respect, love and honor our family and to remember that what we give comes back to us many times over.
- Have harmony and peace within your family. Living in harmony is more likely to be a reality if your life is organized. When things are orderly, it is easier to be calm and it is less likely that chaos will reign.
- Be committed to your family in general and to each individual within the family unit. Family should come before work, social life, or self. Each member within a family should be willing to forego their own gratification for the sake of their family.
- Let your family know that you appreciate them and what they do; be positive when expressing your appreciation.
- Spend time with your family; even families can become strangers if they don't communicate and spend time together. Time spent together will build memories for sharing in the future.
- Have fun together and enjoy each other's company; families can be friends too.
- Be there for each other. When I think of who I can count on, my family members are the first that jump to mind.
- Support each other and pull together in a crisis.
- Show affection for your family and be considerate of them; often people treat their friends better than they do family members.
- Try to develop some common interests and goals.
- Be flexible and accepting of differences. Each of us is different; just because we do something a certain way does not neccessarily mean it is the only way to do it.
- Show each other respect; be trustworthy and honest.
- When you have made a mistake, admit it and try to make amends. Never hesitate to say, 'I'm sorry'. We all do make mistakes but the situation becomes worse if the wrong doer insists he is right.
- Have regular family get togethers and laugh a lot. Having a sense of humor helps through the rough spots.
- Occasionally let older children share in some of the decision-making.
- Keep promises that have been made.
My family, consisting of five grown children and their families, are all very close. We have regular family occasions for birthdays (and there are a lot in a family this size), Easter, Thanksgiving and of course, Christmas and New Years Day dinner. When someone in the family moves, we're all there to help out. My sons go to hockey games together; some of the women go to flea markets and others of us get together for a glass of wine. Besides these whole family occasions, individually we sometimes get together for lunch - because we like each other.
We phone each other for suggestions, recipes and chats. We share items we no longer need, giving our family members first opportunity to claim the item. One son just gave my daughter their coffee table; I gave one son my silver wine glasses which he loves. My daughter passes her clothes on to me and grandchildren's clothes are shared. And I babysit my grandchildren.
Admittedly having a close family situation such as this is easier for us than for many others. We are continuing a way of living that has been going on for many years in our family. We don't have to start a new way of doing things; only ensure that we continue to respect, love and honor our family and to remember that what we give comes back to us many times over.
Be The Glue That Keeps Your Family Together
For families that are strong and who work well together, there is usually one family member who is the glue or the hub of the family unit. How can you be the person that keeps your family strong and together?
- Show that you love and respect your family.
- Be there for your family and be willing to help when required.
- Help your family find creative solutions to problems.
- Do not be controlling or overly involved in relationships with family members.
- Show strength by role modeling.
- Encourage family unity and be the leader in doing this.
- Be flexible and calm.
My daughter has always called me the 'hub' of the family. I do always seem to know what is going on within the family and where everyone is. Anytime somebody wants to know something, they call me. Even when I'm on vacation, they instinctively feel I will know what is happening with the family. This is the situation with my brothers as well as my children.
I believe that communication is part of the glue. Because I am open with my own thoughts and feelings, as a result they undoubtedly feel comfortable doing the same with me. It is necessary to be non-judgmental when others tell you how they feel. Giving an opinion unless asked can sometimes cause problems; sometimes people just want to unload. I know from my own experience that often just talking about a situation crystallizes the problem and makes me feel better because someone has listened.
Listening is helpful when it comes to keeping families together and making them stronger. Everyone wants to talk to someone who they know is listening to them and understands how they feel. It is particularly disconcerting when someone constantly switches the conversation around to themselves and their own interests.
Showing an interest in what others are doing is important. If you are interested, people will know. Being interested doesn't mean infringing on others' personal business however. Asking questions that are too personal will make a person clam up. People will talk about the heart of their problems when they are ready to do so.
Set aside time for someone if they wish to talk to you. There is always time for family and especially for a family member who has something that is bothering him/her. Also show genuine concern when someone is upset. Often all a person needs is a sympathetic ear.
You will find that you are the glue if you are the person family members want to call when they are happy and proud about something wonderful that has happened to them. If you are the glue they will also call you when they're upset. You will be the one the rest of the family knows will hold the family together in times of crisis. You will be the hub that the family revolves around.
- Show that you love and respect your family.
- Be there for your family and be willing to help when required.
- Help your family find creative solutions to problems.
- Do not be controlling or overly involved in relationships with family members.
- Show strength by role modeling.
- Encourage family unity and be the leader in doing this.
- Be flexible and calm.
My daughter has always called me the 'hub' of the family. I do always seem to know what is going on within the family and where everyone is. Anytime somebody wants to know something, they call me. Even when I'm on vacation, they instinctively feel I will know what is happening with the family. This is the situation with my brothers as well as my children.
I believe that communication is part of the glue. Because I am open with my own thoughts and feelings, as a result they undoubtedly feel comfortable doing the same with me. It is necessary to be non-judgmental when others tell you how they feel. Giving an opinion unless asked can sometimes cause problems; sometimes people just want to unload. I know from my own experience that often just talking about a situation crystallizes the problem and makes me feel better because someone has listened.
Listening is helpful when it comes to keeping families together and making them stronger. Everyone wants to talk to someone who they know is listening to them and understands how they feel. It is particularly disconcerting when someone constantly switches the conversation around to themselves and their own interests.
Showing an interest in what others are doing is important. If you are interested, people will know. Being interested doesn't mean infringing on others' personal business however. Asking questions that are too personal will make a person clam up. People will talk about the heart of their problems when they are ready to do so.
Set aside time for someone if they wish to talk to you. There is always time for family and especially for a family member who has something that is bothering him/her. Also show genuine concern when someone is upset. Often all a person needs is a sympathetic ear.
You will find that you are the glue if you are the person family members want to call when they are happy and proud about something wonderful that has happened to them. If you are the glue they will also call you when they're upset. You will be the one the rest of the family knows will hold the family together in times of crisis. You will be the hub that the family revolves around.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Shaped By a Child
Often children see life more clearly than grown-ups do. For adults, life is often viewed with all the fuzzy edges that experience, disappointments and living have wrapped around their outlook. But if we really listen to the children in our lives, we will realize that they often 'get it' before we do. We look for the hidden meanings, the double meanings and the nuances. With kids the obvious is right there before their eyes and everything is taken at face value. Children show the world their true selves. What a lesson for adults!
Children take the time to enjoy the simple things in life. While walking with my grandson we have watched crabs scurrying for cover when rocks have been overturned and have marveled at a snake undulating through waves and over rocks. These are things, had I been walking on my own, I would likely not have noticed or taken the time to watch. How sad to have lost the capacity to enjoy the simple things in life.
One of the most exciting things for children to do is to go trick 'or' treating on Hallowe'en. For children it is not the ordeal we see it as. We view it as having to walk around in the freezing cold or rainy weather. For a child it is the excitement of dressing up, the wonder of what they'll get at each house they visit, being together with mom or dad, and the excitement of sharing this time with friends.
Also, going to look at Christmas light displays is magical for children. If we look at the displays through the eyes of our children, we will feel the magic of animated snowmen, Santa Clauses, reindeer prancing across lawns and Christmas music; the happiest of all music. When we get into the spirit of the Christmas magic as children do, we may be able to remember the excitement we once felt from our earliest memories of Christmases passed.
Spending time with my grandchildren has opened my eyes and helped me view life through their eyes. When my grandson helps me in my garden he is learning the difference between plants and weeds, how to harvest seeds for next year and how to pick the vegetables we grow. And I am learning how my grandchild feels about the snails we find on the plants and what he thinks as we watch their antennas disappear when they are disturbed.
When we go for walks, he is learning the difference between maple and oak leaves, how many shapes and sizes of pine cones there are, what kind of sea life there is on the beach and the color a worm becomes when it wiggles through a mud puddle. I am learning that we don't always have to hurry, we don't have to end up where we originally thought we'd go, that there are many little flowers in a seemingly flowerless area of grass and it really is nice to feed the seagulls.
When we do craft projects together, they are learning coordination, another new skill, the enjoyment of art, the experience of new accomplishments and that there are a lot of interesting things to do. I am learning there are many different ways to do things, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there is a perfect spot for each 'work of art'. I am also appreciating the capabilities of young children without my adult expectations.
When we snuggle together to read or watch a video, they are learning about love, family, warmth and good times and I am renewing my appreciation for the miracle of a child. Time spent with my grandchildren has helped us develop rituals. Through these rituals they gain a sense of belonging and I enjoy time shared with my grandchildren.
Life takes on meaning when viewed from a child's perspective. Children have enthusiasm and excitement for what we consider just everyday situations. They are always ready for the next adventure. They revel in a smile and a hug; they know that love and time spent together is more important than material possessions, climbing a corporate ladder or buying an expensive new car or house. From watching my children and grandchildren I have learned that llife is for living, not amassing and it is for doing the best I can in the time I have. It is living life in such a way that hopefully I will leave a legacy of love behind me. It will mean looking into the eyes of the children who have been in my life and seeing the true meaning of life reflected back to me. If I manage to accomplish this, I think I will have been a success.
Children take the time to enjoy the simple things in life. While walking with my grandson we have watched crabs scurrying for cover when rocks have been overturned and have marveled at a snake undulating through waves and over rocks. These are things, had I been walking on my own, I would likely not have noticed or taken the time to watch. How sad to have lost the capacity to enjoy the simple things in life.
One of the most exciting things for children to do is to go trick 'or' treating on Hallowe'en. For children it is not the ordeal we see it as. We view it as having to walk around in the freezing cold or rainy weather. For a child it is the excitement of dressing up, the wonder of what they'll get at each house they visit, being together with mom or dad, and the excitement of sharing this time with friends.
Also, going to look at Christmas light displays is magical for children. If we look at the displays through the eyes of our children, we will feel the magic of animated snowmen, Santa Clauses, reindeer prancing across lawns and Christmas music; the happiest of all music. When we get into the spirit of the Christmas magic as children do, we may be able to remember the excitement we once felt from our earliest memories of Christmases passed.
Spending time with my grandchildren has opened my eyes and helped me view life through their eyes. When my grandson helps me in my garden he is learning the difference between plants and weeds, how to harvest seeds for next year and how to pick the vegetables we grow. And I am learning how my grandchild feels about the snails we find on the plants and what he thinks as we watch their antennas disappear when they are disturbed.
When we go for walks, he is learning the difference between maple and oak leaves, how many shapes and sizes of pine cones there are, what kind of sea life there is on the beach and the color a worm becomes when it wiggles through a mud puddle. I am learning that we don't always have to hurry, we don't have to end up where we originally thought we'd go, that there are many little flowers in a seemingly flowerless area of grass and it really is nice to feed the seagulls.
When we do craft projects together, they are learning coordination, another new skill, the enjoyment of art, the experience of new accomplishments and that there are a lot of interesting things to do. I am learning there are many different ways to do things, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there is a perfect spot for each 'work of art'. I am also appreciating the capabilities of young children without my adult expectations.
When we snuggle together to read or watch a video, they are learning about love, family, warmth and good times and I am renewing my appreciation for the miracle of a child. Time spent with my grandchildren has helped us develop rituals. Through these rituals they gain a sense of belonging and I enjoy time shared with my grandchildren.
Life takes on meaning when viewed from a child's perspective. Children have enthusiasm and excitement for what we consider just everyday situations. They are always ready for the next adventure. They revel in a smile and a hug; they know that love and time spent together is more important than material possessions, climbing a corporate ladder or buying an expensive new car or house. From watching my children and grandchildren I have learned that llife is for living, not amassing and it is for doing the best I can in the time I have. It is living life in such a way that hopefully I will leave a legacy of love behind me. It will mean looking into the eyes of the children who have been in my life and seeing the true meaning of life reflected back to me. If I manage to accomplish this, I think I will have been a success.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Vancouver, British Columbia - Host City of the Winter Olympics Games
Vancouver has been considered by many visitors to be the most beautiful city in Canada. Situated on the ocean and with the range of mountains as a glorious backdrop, comparisons to this city become very difficult. Worldwide it also has the reputation of being a very livable city.
Vancouver has an interesting history. It is named after Captain George Vancouver who visited the area in 1792. Vancouver's beginnings were in the area of what is now called Gastown. Gastown's name has been derived from the name 'Gassy' Jack Deighton who established a tavern in the area in 1870. The tavern became the hub of the flourishing city. Gastown has kept the sense of being old with cobbled streets, Victorian architecture and the old steam clock. There are also boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs in the area making it a popular place both day and evening.
As well as Gastown, there are many other wonderful places to visit when in Vancouver. Stanley Park is home to the Vancouver Aquarium, the popular Stanley Park train ride, children's petting zoo, a lake, the sea wall for walking and cycling, the lagoon, a water park, trails through woodlands and garden areas, and its great beaches. It covers an area of one thousand acres and is considered to be one of the largest urban parks in North America.
Robson Street, popular with visitors and locals alike, with its exclusive boutiques, cafes, coffee shops, bookstores and restaurants is another great place to spend some time. The same is true of Yaletown with its elegant galleries, restaurants, clubs and pubs.
Other attractions are Science World, the Imax Theatre, the Vancouver Art Gallery, Chinatown, Van Duesen Gardens, Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, the Salmon Hatchery, Lynn Canyon Park, Granville Island, and the Grouse Mountain skyride to name some of the outstanding places to visit. Vancouver also has ballet, the Symphony and many restaurants and theatres. Within a short distance of Vancouver there is golfing, the Greater Vancouver Zoo, and Whistler, a world renowned ski resort.
Many of the buildings in Vancouver are very old dating from the late 1800's and early 1900's. These include Christ Church Cathedral, Holy Rosary Cathedral, St. Andrew's Wesley Church, the Hotel Vancouver, the Provincial Court House, the Marine Building, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Vancouver Public Library, the Orpheum Theatre, and buildings in Gastown and Chinatown as well as many others.
Vancouver is home to approximately two million people. Many visitors from around the world have decided to make it their home and as a result, Vancouver, and British Columbia in general, is very culturally diverse.
Because of all there is to see and do in the city of Vancouver, many who are locals will occasionally play tourist as well. I recently went with my family to the Aquarium at Stanley Park and enjoyed it as much as we always have. We were in awe when we watched the dolphins dance across the water on their tail fins; when we saw the progress of the life of a jellyfish, and were entranced with the occupants of the tropical area.
And on a recent visit to Chinatown, we enjoyed the interesting shops and unique array of merchandise that deserved more time to explore than we had. To really enjoy Vancouver, a whirlwind visit does not do it justice.
Those who come back to visit Vancouver often do so because of all that this city has to offer in the way of entertainment, its moderate climate, and the fact that we have the ocean and mountains so close at hand. There is something here to interest everyone.
Vancouver has an interesting history. It is named after Captain George Vancouver who visited the area in 1792. Vancouver's beginnings were in the area of what is now called Gastown. Gastown's name has been derived from the name 'Gassy' Jack Deighton who established a tavern in the area in 1870. The tavern became the hub of the flourishing city. Gastown has kept the sense of being old with cobbled streets, Victorian architecture and the old steam clock. There are also boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs in the area making it a popular place both day and evening.
As well as Gastown, there are many other wonderful places to visit when in Vancouver. Stanley Park is home to the Vancouver Aquarium, the popular Stanley Park train ride, children's petting zoo, a lake, the sea wall for walking and cycling, the lagoon, a water park, trails through woodlands and garden areas, and its great beaches. It covers an area of one thousand acres and is considered to be one of the largest urban parks in North America.
Robson Street, popular with visitors and locals alike, with its exclusive boutiques, cafes, coffee shops, bookstores and restaurants is another great place to spend some time. The same is true of Yaletown with its elegant galleries, restaurants, clubs and pubs.
Other attractions are Science World, the Imax Theatre, the Vancouver Art Gallery, Chinatown, Van Duesen Gardens, Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, the Salmon Hatchery, Lynn Canyon Park, Granville Island, and the Grouse Mountain skyride to name some of the outstanding places to visit. Vancouver also has ballet, the Symphony and many restaurants and theatres. Within a short distance of Vancouver there is golfing, the Greater Vancouver Zoo, and Whistler, a world renowned ski resort.
Many of the buildings in Vancouver are very old dating from the late 1800's and early 1900's. These include Christ Church Cathedral, Holy Rosary Cathedral, St. Andrew's Wesley Church, the Hotel Vancouver, the Provincial Court House, the Marine Building, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Vancouver Public Library, the Orpheum Theatre, and buildings in Gastown and Chinatown as well as many others.
Vancouver is home to approximately two million people. Many visitors from around the world have decided to make it their home and as a result, Vancouver, and British Columbia in general, is very culturally diverse.
Because of all there is to see and do in the city of Vancouver, many who are locals will occasionally play tourist as well. I recently went with my family to the Aquarium at Stanley Park and enjoyed it as much as we always have. We were in awe when we watched the dolphins dance across the water on their tail fins; when we saw the progress of the life of a jellyfish, and were entranced with the occupants of the tropical area.
And on a recent visit to Chinatown, we enjoyed the interesting shops and unique array of merchandise that deserved more time to explore than we had. To really enjoy Vancouver, a whirlwind visit does not do it justice.
Those who come back to visit Vancouver often do so because of all that this city has to offer in the way of entertainment, its moderate climate, and the fact that we have the ocean and mountains so close at hand. There is something here to interest everyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
