For more ideas about emotionally connecting with children and helping to soften their hearts, consider the book Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
www.biblicalparenting.org
Used by permission
Sometimes a parent is ready to offer a solution to a child before that child is ready to receive it. In fact, many times children share problems with parents because they want sympathy, not solutions. If you move into a problem-solving mode too quickly, you may get resistance from your child.
Try to discern whether your child is ready to hear some possible solutions. Asking permission is an excellent way to do that. "Would you like an idea?" "Would you like to hear how other people might solve that problem?" If you launch into solutions before your child is ready, you’ll find yourself getting frustrated at the child's lack of responsiveness to your suggestions. A simple question can open the door for permission to offer solutions.
By the way dads, you might try this with your wife, as well. Those who are problem-solvers need to recognize that sometimes people present a problem just because they want to be cared for, not because they don't have answers. Your wife or child may be fully capable of solving the problem. But first she just wants a listening ear, someone to stand beside her in the problem.
It's not enough to have answers to people's problems. We also must be sensitive enough to know what is needed in the situation. Resist the temptation to offer solutions until you sense your child is ready to hear them. Empathy goes a long way in building emotional bonds with those we love.
For more ideas about emotionally connecting with children and helping to soften their hearts, consider the book Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Inspirational Home and Family Blog
Showing posts with label Problem Solving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Problem Solving. Show all posts
Friday, August 3, 2018
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Tip for Bathroom Cups
by Lois Breneman
I enjoy searching for solutions to problems. I was looking for something different in which to store bathroom cups, because I felt the flimsy dispensers available in stores didn't keep the cups from getting dusty. After looking around the house a bit, I found a tall covered crystal glass from a yard sale. The cups fit in perfectly, and the price was right as well! Only a dollar!
I enjoy searching for solutions to problems. I was looking for something different in which to store bathroom cups, because I felt the flimsy dispensers available in stores didn't keep the cups from getting dusty. After looking around the house a bit, I found a tall covered crystal glass from a yard sale. The cups fit in perfectly, and the price was right as well! Only a dollar!
The lid protects the cups from any dirt or dust particles in the air. It also protects from germs when anyone coughs.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
A Solution to Bluebird Predators
by Sue Huey - Written for Heart to Heart
Used by permission
Used by permission
We had a special bluebird house that my father-in-law had made for us. It was used by quite a few bluebird families and we enjoyed watching them. One day I noticed that the hole was quite a bit larger than it used to be! It kept getting a little bigger each day, and I finally I caught the culprit!
A squirrel had decided that was his new favorite thing to gnaw on! After that, quite a few birds continued to check out the house, but no one wanted to make a nest in there anymore.
My father-in-law went to heaven a few years ago, so he couldn't make us a new house. My husband took it down and figured out how to make a new front for it, but I was afraid that a squirrel would destroy it again. Then I remembered that I had shared a picture on of the squirrel "showing off his handiwork," and Lois had commented that there were metal protectors available to prevent that.
I did a quick search on Amazon and came up with this handy affordable device:
It
was here in two days, and attached very easily with two screws which
were included. Now our bluebird house is safe from the destructive
rodents, and a new bluebird couple is happily building a nest in it.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Household Tips I Discovered Because of Specific Needs
by Lois Breneman - 2016 - Heart to Heart
Soaking Produce
I like to soak my produce as soon as I get home from the grocery store. Either I use white vinegar, grapefruit oil, or a purchased produce spray - as natural as possible.
Problem: When soaking fruit, it pops to the top, and is not covered with the natural cleaning solution!
Solution: Putting my cutting board on top to immerse all the fruit for at least ten minutes before rinsing everything solved the problem.
Problem#1: A very deep sink because it increases back pain. My sink was too deep to prevent lower back pain, however, it was impossible to find one that was not too deep for me.
Solution#1: I set a plastic drawer from an organizer inside the deep side of our sink as shown below. Next I placed a basin inside, but tipped it forward. That makes washing dishes so much easier and more comfortable for me!
Problem #2:
A wide section (4 inches) between where I stand and the inside of the sink front increases back pain.
Solution#2: When we had our kitchen remodeled last year, I insisted on a space of 3 inches if at all possible before the granite was cut. The granite company was able to stick pretty close to that, and it helps immensely. When I wash dishes where there is a 4-inch space between the front of the sink and myself, it doesn't take long for the back pain to increase.
A basin was placed inside the plastic drawer (also turned horizontally and tipped forward).
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Washing a Scarf (or Skirt) that Is Crinkled
Problem: How do you wash crinkled fabric and not remove all the crinkles?
Solution: Wash by hand, and wring it as you would a dish cloth. Allow to dry in that position to retain the crinkles.
Shown below:
1. The scarf before washing.
2. The scarf, after washing by hand, and being wrung out, forming a twisted effect. It should dry in this position to retain the crinkled effect.
I hope these household tips will help others and make life easier for them.
Soaking Produce
I like to soak my produce as soon as I get home from the grocery store. Either I use white vinegar, grapefruit oil, or a purchased produce spray - as natural as possible.
Problem: When soaking fruit, it pops to the top, and is not covered with the natural cleaning solution!
Solution: Putting my cutting board on top to immerse all the fruit for at least ten minutes before rinsing everything solved the problem.
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The Kitchen Sink
There are two things when standing in front of my kitchen sink to wash dishes that I wanted to avoid when we remodeled last year.The Kitchen Sink
Problem#1: A very deep sink because it increases back pain. My sink was too deep to prevent lower back pain, however, it was impossible to find one that was not too deep for me.
Solution#1: I set a plastic drawer from an organizer inside the deep side of our sink as shown below. Next I placed a basin inside, but tipped it forward. That makes washing dishes so much easier and more comfortable for me!
Problem #2:
A wide section (4 inches) between where I stand and the inside of the sink front increases back pain.
Solution#2: When we had our kitchen remodeled last year, I insisted on a space of 3 inches if at all possible before the granite was cut. The granite company was able to stick pretty close to that, and it helps immensely. When I wash dishes where there is a 4-inch space between the front of the sink and myself, it doesn't take long for the back pain to increase.
A plastic drawer inside sink, turned horizontally, helps to raise up the basin and tilt it forward.
A basin was placed inside the plastic drawer (also turned horizontally and tipped forward).
Adding Cooked Eggs to a Recipe
Problem: It takes too much time to hard cook eggs for a recipe when I'm in a hurry.
Solution: I cooked the eggs in a pan, and pureed them in my Nutra Bullet before adding them to chicken salad.
Solution: I cooked the eggs in a pan, and pureed them in my Nutra Bullet before adding them to chicken salad.
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Washing a Scarf (or Skirt) that Is Crinkled
Problem: How do you wash crinkled fabric and not remove all the crinkles?
Solution: Wash by hand, and wring it as you would a dish cloth. Allow to dry in that position to retain the crinkles.
Shown below:
1. The scarf before washing.
2. The scarf, after washing by hand, and being wrung out, forming a twisted effect. It should dry in this position to retain the crinkled effect.
I hope these household tips will help others and make life easier for them.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Don't Trash It! Fix It! Make It Last!
by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - February, 2015
We are currently in the middle of completely remodeling our kitchen, which is so exciting! The fun part is that it is scheduled to be finished on my birthday, if all goes as planned. We are, however, keeping all of our white appliances, knowing they will most likely provide us with more years of service.
My husband and I are doing as much tear-out on our own as possible. As we removed our dishwasher yesterday, I was reminded how several years ago the plastic silverware holder broke in three different areas. There was a hole in the bottom of three dividers of the silverware holder, which meant some of the flatware slid right through and into the bottom of the dishwasher.
Looking straight down into one divider, this is how it looked:
My mechanical engineer husband was always one to fix everything, and has saved us so much money through the years, but his solution for this problem is something anyone could easily do. He just happened to think of it, but I will gladly share with you if it will help your dishwasher live a little longer, and save your family some money.
Here's How the Problem Was Solved:
Using a stiff plastic notebook, he carefully cut a piece to fit into each divider. This shows the bottom and about one to two inches up one side of the divider. He cut and creased it with a box cutter. Here are two views of his solution.
The end result for each of those three holes:
A problem like this might prompt many people to either order a new silverware holder or even toss out the dishwasher, when it only required a simple repair. With an easy solution like this, you could have more cash to spend in other useful ways, and who doesn't need that?
So before you toss out a large or small appliance, get your whole family, including your children, thinking how it could be fixed. That sounds like some interesting dinner table discussion. Spur on the brain-storming discussion with the promise to put the money saved toward a family vacation or another family outing.
We are currently in the middle of completely remodeling our kitchen, which is so exciting! The fun part is that it is scheduled to be finished on my birthday, if all goes as planned. We are, however, keeping all of our white appliances, knowing they will most likely provide us with more years of service.
My husband and I are doing as much tear-out on our own as possible. As we removed our dishwasher yesterday, I was reminded how several years ago the plastic silverware holder broke in three different areas. There was a hole in the bottom of three dividers of the silverware holder, which meant some of the flatware slid right through and into the bottom of the dishwasher.
Looking straight down into one divider, this is how it looked:
My mechanical engineer husband was always one to fix everything, and has saved us so much money through the years, but his solution for this problem is something anyone could easily do. He just happened to think of it, but I will gladly share with you if it will help your dishwasher live a little longer, and save your family some money.
Here's How the Problem Was Solved:
Using a stiff plastic notebook, he carefully cut a piece to fit into each divider. This shows the bottom and about one to two inches up one side of the divider. He cut and creased it with a box cutter. Here are two views of his solution.
The end result for each of those three holes:
A problem like this might prompt many people to either order a new silverware holder or even toss out the dishwasher, when it only required a simple repair. With an easy solution like this, you could have more cash to spend in other useful ways, and who doesn't need that?
So before you toss out a large or small appliance, get your whole family, including your children, thinking how it could be fixed. That sounds like some interesting dinner table discussion. Spur on the brain-storming discussion with the promise to put the money saved toward a family vacation or another family outing.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Knockout Roses / Keep Cool While Mowing the Lawn
KNOCKOUT ROSES
I asked my good friend, Carol Miller, who is a landscape designer in Pennsylvania, if she could recommend a carefree rose plant that was disease resistant, yet colorful. She said the Knockout Rose would be what I'm looking for, so I did an Internet search and ordered a few. I just thought I'd pass along this bit of information in case you like roses but not the upkeep. I've seen them in hot pink, red and tropicana with yellow centers. Some are even double roses.
KEEPING COOL WHILE MOWING THE LAWN
(2008)
Today as my husband was mowing the lawn on this hot, humid day, I was trying to think of something I could do to help keep him a little cooler. He was already given an ice cold glass of orange juice and a pitcher full of ice water. Then I remembered how a wet washcloth on the neck or wrists can help cool off a person, and went to work on a solution. Laying out an absorbent kitchen towel, I placed ice cubes on the towel lengthwise. The lengthwise sides of the towel were folded over the ice. A rubber band on each end kept the ice from slipping out, and a large safety pin in the center held it in as well. I slipped the ice cold towel around my husband's neck and safety pinned it in the front of his neck. When he was finished he said it really helped him feel cooler and he sweat less. The only thing is the ice melted and dripped down his back. The next time I would use a bread bag full of ice, wrapped inside the towel!
Today as my husband was mowing the lawn on this hot, humid day, I was trying to think of something I could do to help keep him a little cooler. He was already given an ice cold glass of orange juice and a pitcher full of ice water. Then I remembered how a wet washcloth on the neck or wrists can help cool off a person, and went to work on a solution. Laying out an absorbent kitchen towel, I placed ice cubes on the towel lengthwise. The lengthwise sides of the towel were folded over the ice. A rubber band on each end kept the ice from slipping out, and a large safety pin in the center held it in as well. I slipped the ice cold towel around my husband's neck and safety pinned it in the front of his neck. When he was finished he said it really helped him feel cooler and he sweat less. The only thing is the ice melted and dripped down his back. The next time I would use a bread bag full of ice, wrapped inside the towel!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Toys - A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place
by Lois Breneman - Copyright 2010
What to Do with All Those Toys?
Are you bothered by toys spread on the floor throughout your home all day long? Are you the one at the end of the day picking up the toys after your children are in bed? How's that low back pain from picking up the toys, after a full day of caring for your children?
Here's a solution if your child is still a baby - so young he can't pick up toys yet. A unique tool for you would be the "Grabber," sold in department and drug stores. It's a tool for the elderly, but hey, we're looking for a good solution, and I know this works. Whatever it takes to get the job done, right? I used the grabber to pick up and organize a large playroom, sorting all the toys into categories, and it certainly saved my back from a whole lot of stooping! When your children see you using the grabber, they may want to steal your special tool and do the job themselves! So let them! It's a Tom Sawyer trick! This tool is also great for picking up sticks off the ground after a forceful wind, and I’m sure there are many other uses.
Are you bothered by toys spread on the floor throughout your home all day long? Are you the one at the end of the day picking up the toys after your children are in bed? How's that low back pain from picking up the toys, after a full day of caring for your children?
Here's a solution if your child is still a baby - so young he can't pick up toys yet. A unique tool for you would be the "Grabber," sold in department and drug stores. It's a tool for the elderly, but hey, we're looking for a good solution, and I know this works. Whatever it takes to get the job done, right? I used the grabber to pick up and organize a large playroom, sorting all the toys into categories, and it certainly saved my back from a whole lot of stooping! When your children see you using the grabber, they may want to steal your special tool and do the job themselves! So let them! It's a Tom Sawyer trick! This tool is also great for picking up sticks off the ground after a forceful wind, and I’m sure there are many other uses.
Small toys of various categories can be kept in fabric drawstring bags, and hung on hooks on a wall, in order to keep them separated. Teach your children and visitors the "One Bag at a Time" rule, letting them know they can play with each one, as long as they don't have several bags out at a time. That rule will need to be enforced by you. The children will soon associate a certain bag with specific toys, which is a good memory skill. You will soon find your children know where every toy can be found.
Toy animals, other than stuffed variety, can go in one bag; small balls in another. Puzzles, and a host of tiny toys will be kept together and not lost by using this method. Bins also work well to separate toys, can hold more, and you don't need to hold open a bag as toys are picked up, but they take up more space, and are more costly. A bag of toys can be grabbed to take along with you if necessary, so maybe you'd want to have an assortment of both storage solutions.
How Do You Get Toddlers and Young Children to Pick up Small Toys?
Recently my three year old granddaughter had a unique response when her mom asked her to pick up her toys, saying matter-of-factly to her mom, "I'm not interested," and walked away! Many others don’t say this, but still walk away.
Getting toddlers and young children to pick up toys is an issue all parents deal with. While in our home recently, my sweet two year old grandson wasn't interested in picking up his brand new colorful wooden blocks he got for a gift either. So I told him I had an idea of a fun way to pick them up. I came back with a small, clean dustpan with a matching brush! His eyes lit up and that did it! He absolutely loved that new way of scooping up his blocks, and with his mommy's help, the job got done quickly.
Toy animals, other than stuffed variety, can go in one bag; small balls in another. Puzzles, and a host of tiny toys will be kept together and not lost by using this method. Bins also work well to separate toys, can hold more, and you don't need to hold open a bag as toys are picked up, but they take up more space, and are more costly. A bag of toys can be grabbed to take along with you if necessary, so maybe you'd want to have an assortment of both storage solutions.
How Do You Get Toddlers and Young Children to Pick up Small Toys?
Recently my three year old granddaughter had a unique response when her mom asked her to pick up her toys, saying matter-of-factly to her mom, "I'm not interested," and walked away! Many others don’t say this, but still walk away.
Getting toddlers and young children to pick up toys is an issue all parents deal with. While in our home recently, my sweet two year old grandson wasn't interested in picking up his brand new colorful wooden blocks he got for a gift either. So I told him I had an idea of a fun way to pick them up. I came back with a small, clean dustpan with a matching brush! His eyes lit up and that did it! He absolutely loved that new way of scooping up his blocks, and with his mommy's help, the job got done quickly.
A one dollar dustpan saved the day! That dustpan became his favorite new toy, and he carried it around with him the rest of his time with us! And, of course, I gave it to him to take home! A larger dustpan would be a great help as well. Another idea of getting toys from the floor to a bin or box would be to put them first into a dump truck, then haul them to a bin and dump!
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