Three Simple Keys to reduce Christmas…..STRESS!

Is the Christmas season starting to STRESS you out? Well considering this blog normally goes out on Tuesday and it’s now Wednesday, I’d say the answer in the Laffoon household is YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!

So how do you reduce the STRESS normally associated with the Christmas season? Here are three simple keys to reduce Christmas stress.

First, maintain your HEALTH! Nothing stresses us out more than tight fitting clothes from too much holiday fudge. Remember to enjoy the fun food but eat it in moderation. Also, even though it’s a busy time of year do not forget to get enough rest and exercise. Good sleep and regular exercise can help you keep a clear mind and reduce the amount of “over-thinking” this time of year brings.

Second, maintain your RELATIONSHIPS! Remember that Christmas is about celebrating Christ’s birth so keep in touch with HIM first and foremost. Stay grounded in the Word and in Prayer during this season and see how your relationships will flourish. When we keep Christ first HE helps us see the importance of the key relationships we have at home, work and church.

Finally maintain your PRIORITIES! The busyness of this season can often fog our perception of what is and isn’t important. Remember to stay connected with your spouse on the important decisions this season. SET BOUNDARIES together as to what you will and will not say agree to do. Those boundaries will help keep the “good” things away that will allow you to focus on the “great”!

Here’s to a stress free Christmas!

Blessings~

Jay and Laura

Three Simple Keys to Raising the Happiest Kids on the Planet!

And our final installment…

Key #3. Begin with the End in Mind!

In his highly successful book 7 Habits of Highly Successful People Dr. Stephen R. Covey says we must “Begin with the End in Mind”. This is a highly effective key in raising happy kids. We must stop long enough in our fast paced lives to think about the end and work our way back to today.

Think about your “golden years” in terms of your relationships. When your children and grand children and great grandchildren gather at your home for a holiday celebration, what do you want that celebration to look and feel like? If we want a home full of joy and happy relationships we must model that happiness today!

One of our favorite quotes is: “We must become the change we want to see in the world.” – Mohandas Gandhi

Bottom line? If we want to raise the happiest kids on the planet we must first choose to be happy ourselves!

Blessings~

Jay & Laura

Three Simple Keys to Raising the Happiest Kids on the Planet!

Picking up from where we left off last week…it’s Key #2

Love Your Spouse More than Your Kids!

Again most people believe they do love their spouse more than their kids. However, what would people see if they were a “fly on the wall” of your home? I know for most of us there are three specific areas we can improve.

First, Speak your love in front of your kids. We have yet to meet the woman who doesn’t want to hear the words “I love you” from her husband. While this may be very difficult for some men it gives your kids a sense of security about mom and dad’s relationship. Similarly we have yet to meet the man who doesn’t appreciate a compliment from his wife. “Thank you dear for being such a good provider”. “Thank you for helping in the kitchen”. These words show your kids the affection you have for each other.

Second, Show your love in front of your kids. Displays of affection are like cement in your relationship. Holding hands while watching a movie or television program. An appropriate kiss before leaving for work or after coming home. A big hug for a “job well done” on dinner or for an accomplishment at work tell your kids that mom and dad enjoy each others presence.

Finally Stop your kids from disrespecting your spouse. Couples have to communicate with each other when they feel they are losing respect from a child. On numerous occasions we have and still do, sit our kids down and let them know that their words or tone of voice is disrespectful to one or both of us. Further we explain that if that disrespectful action doesn’t change there will be consequences paid.

Here’s helping you Celebrate!

J&L

Three Simple Keys to Raising the Happiest Kids on the Planet!

MTV conducted a survey of over 1100 US teens and asked this question: “What makes you happy”? The response was shocking, unexpected and yet gives every parent hope! The top two answers: #1) Mom and Dad #2) Family time.

Now that you’ve picked yourself up off the floor, let’s make the following observations: Kids know deep down what really makes them happy in spite of what they might say or do. AND, kids know that happy parents make for happy homes.

Every parent longs for their kids to be happy. Unfortunately very few know there are really simple yet powerful keys to making this longing a reality! Think of the following three keys as a portal which will unlock the happiest kids on the planet!

Key #1. Put Your Marriage First!

Most people believe they already do put their marriage first, but a close look at their priorities tells a different story. How can you determine what your priorities are right now? Two easy check points; check how you are spending your time and your money.

Let’s be honest, we all have obligations and we all have 24 hours in each day. But let’s look beyond our obligations of work and the other parts of life that are a necessity. Let’s delve into how you and your spouse spend your “discretionary time and money”.

Discretionary time and money are key to keeping your marriage first. Are you dating your spouse? Are you planning short holidays together without the kids? Do you have a plan of action to make dating and holidays a part of your marriage or do you think they will “just happen”. Couples who want happy kids MUST set aside time and money to keep their marriage healthy and growing.

One of the best ways to accomplish this is by creating a family mission statement. We lay out a process in our book Make Love Everyday that walks a couple through four steps to creating a family mission statement. Having a family mission statement will act as a filter for your life allowing you to make the best choices for your marriage and family.

Look for the other two keys in the coming weeks!

Blessings~
J&L

Commemorating Accomplishments

Jay and Laura talk about the importance of commemorating accomplishments and achievements in your marriage, and family as well!