In-arguably, when a person speaks, they want to be heard. Possibly one of the biggest problems of our generation is that people have become so distracted with electronics that they have forgotten the art of listening. Here is a list of some of our favorite quotes we found about listening and communication. We hope you love them as much as we do, and that they inspire you to turn those listening ears of yours on! •       "Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk." -Doug Larson •       "One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say." -Bryant H. McGill •       "The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them." -Ralph Nichols •       "If you make listening and observation your occupation, yo ...

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Ever been in a situation where you couldn’t get Internet connection? What were your immediate thoughts and/or responses? Maybe some worry and panic… some nervous tapping of the foot, perhaps? Whatever the case, we can bet they weren’t positive reactions, but is that really the way we should be reacting So the Internets down…THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END, right?! Surprisingly…no, its not, and that’s good news. If you can identify with any of the reactions pictured above (we know we can!), we have some positive resolutions you might enjoy: •       Look in the mirror, think of something that brings you joy. Now smile. Just because the Internet is down, doesn’t mean you have to be. •       Call your Internet provider. KINDLY and CALMLY explain the problems you’re experiencing. •       Stand in place. Take a deep breath in. Release slowly. Repeat this 3 ...

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With all the talk about children and teenagers having electronic addictions, how can you be so certain that your child isn’t being affected?

Lately you’ve noticed your child on their smart phone more often than usual. Are they addicted?! Should you panic?! Click on the link below and discover the signs and symptoms of addiction, and when you should become concerned.

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/family/parenting-tips/recommended-screen-time-for-children

Electronics are becoming so important in children’s lives that parents may feel that electronics run the family more than they do. It doesn’t have to be this way though. It’s a simple battle to win… you just may need to prepare. 

 If you’re aware that electronics are ruling your children’s lives, as well as causing tension in your family, it’s time to make a stand. Some parents may be afraid to do this because they don’t know how to approach the situation. This article gives some basic but helpful suggestions that will get your kids less focused on electronics and more focused on you and the family.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/apologies-freud/201201/why-adolescents-overuse-technology-and-what-we-can-do-about-it

 

While you may be aware of some of the negative impacts electronics have on people, your teens may not. Are you struggling to get a message across to them? No need to argue with them though; this article may get them to listen.  

Below is an article from livestrong.com explaining the negative impacts electronics have on teenagers. Parents aren’t making this up. These are real concerns that teens aught to start paying attention to.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/536846-the-negative-effects-electronics-have-on-teens/

Sleep. It’s a beautiful thing and no one should be deprived of it. However, with such hectic lives, it may be difficult to get a solid 8 hours of sleep a night. Even if a person can find the time, sleep is often disrupted during the night. So how do we gain control of this issue?

It may sound odd, but it is believed that one of the biggest disruptions to sleep is the light emitted from our electronics. Many of us are guilty of looking at our phones and laptops just before bed. Research is showing that this habit is having detrimental consequences on our sleep and our health. Click the link below to learn more.

http://chriskresser.com/how-artificial-light-is-wrecking-your-sleep-and-what-to-do-about-it

It’s not a research paper, but the facts revealed in this article definitely answer some questions that may have you stumped.

Why are your children talking to you less? Why aren’t they doing as well in school? Have you noticed that their weight may have increased? Why is this all happening? Are you doing something wrong as a parent? Read this and you’ll find that electronics are to blame, not you. 

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/family-tech/tech-effects-on-family/5-ways-technology-has-negatively-affected-families.htm#page=5

 

A list of 30 ideas that will keep you and your family off the phone, in your home, and in the zone to engage in family fun activities.

So you want to spend time with your family, but don’t necessarily want to leave the house? No problem. With this list, the stress of having to go out, spend money, and wait on lines will be completely eliminated. You’ll even learn that your home has more potential than you think it does when it comes to entertaining your family.

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/30-fun-things-home.html

You’ve had a long day at work, and all you’re looking to do is get home, sit back, relax, and tune out the world as you watch your favorite television show. We’re all guilty of this, even the family members that you’re living with. Solution? Read on!

 Coming up with creative family activities can be difficult, especially after a long day. However, with this little cheat sheet handy, you can spend less time thinking of something to do, and more time actually doing it. 

http://www.imom.com/20-ideas-for-a-family-fun-night/

Are you looking to steer your children away from unhealthy habits (such as sitting hours in front of a computer screen or TV) and getting them interested in more beneficial ones, such as eating healthier, more nutritious meals? Believe it or not, getting your children to eat and appreciate quality food isn’t as hard as it seems

There is a belief that healthy food is unappealing to children. Though it may be difficult to force your little ones to snack on a plate of raw cucumbers and carrots, there are so many quick, easy, and creative recipes out there that are not only nutritious,  but loved by children. We’ll get you started with one of our favorite “go-to” recipe websites for children. Just click the link below!

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/healthy-eating/kid-friendly/kid-friendly-recipes