SAMPLES FROM THE PARENTING SEMINAR

Sometimes it is necessary to be an advice giver. Forget about winning a popularity contest. You're raising a child, not trying to win a medal.

When a parent's mouth is bigger than their mind and infinitely bigger than the art of affection a child doesn't forget.

Anyone who says they have never been afraid is either a liar or a fool. Teach your child that courage is not the absence of fear but the mastery of it.

Teach your child that courage is not the absence of fear but the mastery of it.

Try to start every hello with a smile. Don't bottle up your enthusiasms. Give vent to your hopes. Run the flags of your dreams up a long line of flagpoles. You'll be amazed at how often even strangers will salute.

Accept your importance. When you are praised, a simple thank you does quite nicely. Don't get into the habit of replying. "It was nothing…anyone could have done it." In other words, don't rain on your own parade.

Want to get rid of too much worry? Then put it in your schedule. Set aside 30 minutes a week to actually write down what it is that's driving you bananas. Set a timer and and when it goes off, quit worrying. Reschedule any unfinished worrying for your next session and don't think about it again until then. It really can help you keep your problems in proper perspective.