Relationships

There are plenty of books out there that deal with how to tell your kids about sex, the dangers of promiscuity, how their bodies are changing, and protection. Talking with your daughter about the pleasures of sex is a whole other matter. How do we discuss the fact that it’s fun, adventurous, and meant to be shared? My goal here is to help you along, not to hand you a speech. I’ll cover some of the subjects you may not have even thought of as a teen but which our kids may be facing in school and on the internet.

Though I'm not claiming to be an expert in child development, I think having and raising 6 children (3 of which are grown, successful women) puts me in the ball park to at least give a little advice. Raising 5 girls has been a life-changing experience for me. I've seen my strengths and, of course, my weaknesses as they impact my girls. Over the years I've realized there are certain things that girls need to know in order to be strong, happy women. Here are my top 5 lessons to teach your daughter (preferably before she gets to college).

I am a mother. I have 3 little people. Two daughters and one son; ages 9, 7 and 5 respectively. I have a mother, and I have a mother-in-law. I also still have a living grandmother. So what is a mother? If we refer to the dictionary the definition is concise - a ‘female parent’. But how do we do it and what are our expectations of being a mother? What about having a mother? Surely it’s more than being a female parent. It’s about the nurturing, the teaching, the sharing, the guidance and the companionship. There are many books penned on just the issues of how to be a better mother and how to deal with the position of being a mother.

It's Mother-Daughter week and it is also “Triggers” week in my group therapy. Coincidence? I think not. The kicker – my mother (whom I do not have a relationship with) recently contacted me on Facebook. It’s funny when you start making changes in your life, the little things that you try to ignore, rear up their ugly heads. What would the old me do?

From the moment I knew you were inside my womb, I dreamed of how beautiful you would be, how smart, and how loving to the world around you. Your first cry marked the beginning of your incredible journey of life in a world that isn't always kind or loving back. So with the amazing joy I felt at that instant, a fear also gripped my heart. I was afraid of losing you. Every mother feels this bittersweet tug of war in her spirit. I also feared that I would somehow not be a good mother to you, that I would monumentally screw up your life in some obscure way.

I don’t mind saying I have the best sex life ever. Probably better than anyone else’s. I know that sounds egotistical, but that is how content I am, with where I am, in that area in my life. I’ve achieved the pinnacle of success in that area of my life. But not before I swam through a lot of dry flavorless valleys. Actually I wasn’t swimming; I was pretending to doggy paddle and really drowning.

I had an epiphany the other day, and I have been unable to shake it, so I thought I might share it with you.

I have a treat for you today, a post from Dr. Bonnie! She outlines the significance and commonplace of how heartache can actually lead to physical pain and disease. Learn from one of the best relationship experts in the world here on Women's Life Link!

Photo by JadeBeloved Let’s face it, there are just some things that your significant other NEEDS to understand about you. And, these “things” are not …

How different are women and men? I'm not really sure why this question just popped up into my head today; however, I'm going with it. I think there are some women who would rather eat a worm than be compared to men. On the other end of that pole are those who gladly acknowledge the distinct strengths and weaknesses of both sexes and are grateful for the comparison. It's likely that most of us with two X chromosomes fall somewhere in between the two extremes.

Happy Friday, everyone! I'd like to share a treat with you today with a post from relationship expert Maryanne Comaroto. I've been in the hospital for almost a week with a killer headache that seems to love the view from my brain...you should know I've served an eviction notice. So, anyway, I'm thankful for Maryanne's timely articles that not only give me a rest but fit in well here at Women's Life Link. Her to-the-point wisdom and lovable humor is enlightening for everyone whether you're in a blissful or troubled relationship or looking for a new love. Let me know what you think about her advice, and feel free to share any stories or comments about personal experiences.

Hi all, I've experienced a grand scale of emotions, events, and dilemmas as a parent of six children, especially now that three of them are teens still at home, and one of them is only 2.5 years old. Yes, you could say my life is interesting, crazy, and even a little stressful. One of the strangest things is having to think about all the different things that they each of them need, like my two teen girls will likely need prom dresses here soon; my 13-year-old son needs baseball garb; and my youngest is itching for one of the outdoor playsets that make home...well, more like the park. That's a lot to think about and plan for, even for the most experienced of moms.

Today, I want to bring you a special article by a Women's Life Link friend, Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil. Dr. Bonnie is considered one of the top relationship experts in the world. Her list of accomplishments include authoring six books, speaking, coaching, and mentoring countless couples to achieve happy, fulfilling relationships.

Just to let you know, I've lacked in the inspiration department lately...as if you couldn't tell. I realized that it's not that I don't have anything to write about, but it's that I have too much to write about. Am I making any sense at all? If not, click out, do your search, and go visit one of those "other" blogs.

I was reminded today about how lucky I was that my two oldest children (now adults) were not high-strung, rebellious, down-right nasty, or any of those negative personas that make any woman reconsider her motherly throne. But that was like a million years ago.