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Michael Gray

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Who Gets Credit: Why Big Gifts Should Come From Parents, Not Santa

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There’s nothing like seeing your child’s face light up on Christmas morning. The gasp, the wide eyes, the scramble toward the tree, it’s pure magic. For years, I loved labeling the biggest box “From Santa.” It felt right. After all, Santa is the symbol of generosity and wonder. I wanted my kids to believe that he could make anything possible. But then, one December, something happened that made me rethink everything. A Conversation That Changed Everything After the holidays, my son came home from school quiet and confused. He told me his friend didn’t get any big gifts from Santa, just sweatpants, some chocolate, a lunchbox, and a book. “Why would Santa bring me an iPad but not him?” he asked. This friend had asked Santa for the exact same item. My heart sank. His question was innocent, but it carried so much weight. How do you explain to a…

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What to Do When Your Child Is Being a Bully

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We often assume a “bully” is a bad kid and don’t give it much more thought. In reality, many children can exhibit bullying behavior if put in the wrong circumstances. The motivations and triggers vary from child to child. Kids who experienced bullying in the past or have significant challenges at home can sometimes exhibit bullying actions. Kinds with underlying problems — that we’ll talk about later — can show the behavior. What do you do if the school or a parent notifies you that your child’s involved with bullying? What to do you when your child is being a bully? What steps do you take? Nobody wants that call. But if it happens, every parent wants to handle the situation correctly. You’d want to explore causes, stop the behavior, heal into a more positive mindset. But how do you get there? What to do you when your child is…

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How to Organize a Blended Home

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Blended families face plenty of challenges. Differing parenting styles, new parent/child relationships, and intense logistics complicate everything about daily life. Blended families encounter lifestyle obstacles that other families simply do not. But you can overcome these challenges, it is possible to organize a blended home. Children and parents alike can work together to navigate the emerging family landscape. Every tool you can put on your belt is worth the time and investment. A well-organized, mindful home helps a family tackle those challenges by reducing stress, minimizing distractions, and literally improving their mental health. The science is clear on this: a clean, organized living space can enhance your relationships, while a cluttered and chaotic home makes everything harder. Tips to organize your blended household: Make a plan… together. Blended families often start from different places regarding organization. Do you keep your keys, wallet, and backpacks in the same place? Where do…

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