Having the Comforts of Home in Each Home Your Children Live

What child doesn't have a favorite blanket or a beloved teddy bear? We all find comfort in the familiar but it is especially important to children. When parents divorce, children often cling to the things that represent the safety and security of their pre-divorce environment. Forming attachments with physical objects, pets, places, and even plants is totally natural and it is not limited to just children. Visiting the home of my birth, with the trees and surroundings I grew up with always gives me a feeling of strength and warmth. Giving your children the same sense of strength and safety in each of their parent's homes is vital to their emotional development.

When a parent relocates it is impossible to virtually recreate the surroundings of the family home. But there are things you can do to bring the familiar to your new home and provide an environment for new attachments. Obviously, the first step is to allow children to travel with the more portable things that they are attached to, such as blankets and pillows. But duplicating their bedroom color schemes, bedding, and pictures can be an easy way to make their new bedroom a safe place. Even small details like plants, posters, and rugs can minimize the confusion children feel when introduced into a new place.

Continuity is so essential in a child's life and every parent should remember that each choice they make when choosing and furnishing their new home should consider what their children are used to. The upheaval of having a second home can be mitigated by still having a green bedroom or still having a poster on the wall. Sometimes the relocating parent, in an effort to create a special place for just themselves and their children, bring a lot of new influences to their new home. Indeed, there should be some elements that do reflect the new family dynamic, like a new living room color and decor can make Mom or Dad's new place a special place. But care in preserving continuity in the bedroom and bathroom should be a priority.

One of your children's attachments may be more difficult to maintain in their new second home-the family pet. The attachment your child has with their pet is probably only second to their relationship with their parents and siblings. The strength of this relationship should never be underestimated. But this does pose a special problem for the parent who is moving. Not all residences allow pets or are pet friendly. Traveling from home to home is not always the best decision for pets. One solution is to get your child a new pet in their new second home. If your child's dog or cat has to stay home and your new place is not pet friendly, give your child a chance to bond with a new pet. Going to a great pet store together to choose a fish tank, a hamster, even a small lizard can be a wonderful bonding experience and introduce children to new pets.

Making choices that provide continuity to your child's life should be a priority, not a sacrifice. Just as you choose a safe car or a good school, continuity is essential to your child's development and emotional well-being.

Brian James is an experienced Divorce and Family Mediator with offices throughout Chicagoland and Southeastern Wisconsin. He started his mediation practice, C.E.L. and Associates, in late 2005.

Brian earned his B.S. in Sociology from Northern Illinois University in 1994 and completed training in Mediation and Conflict Resolution at Northwestern University.

The first 10 years of his professional career, Brian worked in the Criminal Justice System helping domestic violence and divorcing families resolve family conflicts. He assisted with the healing process that took place after these life-changing events had occurred. His approach to mediation is client driven. By aiding his clients with the resolution of their divorce issues outside of the courtroom, Mr. James helps create a win/win situation for all parties in a divorce.

For more information please visit Brian's website, http://www.celandassociates.com or give him a call at (312) 524-5829. He makes it a point to personally answer every call that is made to him.

How Pet Health Care Teaches Responsibility

"For the last time, no you can't have a dog!" Ten words which will be familiar to parents all over the country, whose children have begged, pleaded, kicked and screamed. They're often very reluctant to allow their children to get a pet since it will be mum or dad organising the pet health care when the novelty has worn off and the puppy has become a dog.

It's certainly true that children rarely consider the implications of taking on such a big commitment as an animal which has a good chance of still being alive when they leave for university in ten years' time. They don't necessarily understand the pet health care requirements of a dog or the financial commitment that feeding one for fifteen or more years can entail.

For some children, though, perhaps this commitment could be a fantastic learning process. Taking on pet health care, feeding and walking a dog is a fantastic way to learn about responsibility and many children will thrive when required to take charge. Having a living, breathing being rely entirely upon them for everything is a guaranteed way for a child to learn maturity, responsibility and commitment.

It is vital that those parents who do agree to allow their child to get a pet set boundaries and rules before bringing home the pet. The child must be made fully aware that they animal will be relying on them for everything, what the pet will need to be properly looked after and the consequences if the pet isn't cared for. These should not be underemphasised; on the contrary, the child is likely to be more responsible for their pet if they are aware that health problems may result from lack of care. Parents should also underline that the pet is the child's responsibility and that they won't be walking the dog when the child doesn't feel like it and it's raining.

Being responsible for pet health care can teach children a lot about maturity and responsibility. Very young children may not be able to cope with the commitment and could perhaps be left responsible for the cleaning and feeding of goldfish or a hamster. Older children are more inclined towards bigger pets like dogs and cats. The next time your child implores you to get a pet, have a discussion about responsibility and pet health care needs. They'll either agree and have a chance to learn a lot, or, terrified of the responsibility quickly change their mind; parents can't lose.

Jess Moss is a writer from England. She enjoys writing about current affairs, animals and pet health care. Visit http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/ for more information.

Dealing With Losing a Pet

Families really value their pets. They become more than pets in most cases. Pets are just like members of the family. This is why losing a pet can be so traumatic. In some situations pets are lost due to accident. Car accidents are normally responsible for these types of losses. Other pets die as a result of sickness.

These are some of the most difficult losses. Some families have a pet that dies naturally due to old age. Although this is a difficult loss, it is one of the easiest to understand. The different members of a family are affected by the loss of a pet. Each person should be allowed to grieve in their own way.

This is particularly difficult when there are children in the family. Children often do not understand why a pet is no longer around. In many households, children are the closest members to a pet. For this reason, parents must assist children through this process. Patience is the key factor when these losses are suffered.

Losing a pet often occurs unexpectedly. This presents a shocking situation to families. Single pet owners also have a struggle with this loss. There are useful techniques to address this situation when it occurs. Let's take a look at ways to handle this type of pet loss.

Hold a memorial for your pet

Families often find that having a memorial ceremony for their pet is effective. This offers every member of the family a way to mourn together. It is also a time to really remember the things that you loved about your pet. A memorial is all about honoring the life of your pet and remembering the good times.

Purposely remember your pet

Some people think that remembering your pet is too painful. Whether you purposely do so or not, it is difficult not to think about your lost pet. So, instead of avoiding these memories, let them come naturally. This is a good tool for mourning this loss. Children often want to talk about their emotions related to the pet. Parents must be available for these conversations.

Discuss how the loss affects you

More than likely your pet played an instrumental role in your family. It had a relationship with each member individually. A healthy way to mourn your pet is to talk about it. Instead of outlawing this activity, allow it as a natural course in this loss. Some families set aside special times to discuss their pets.

Take time to mourn

Everyone mourns in a different and unique way. Some people are able to recover more easily than others. Allowing each person their time to mourn is wise. This may be an uncomfortable situation in some instances. Families also find this process quite sad. It is one of the healthy aspects to this loss and remembering your pet.

Consider a new pet

In time you should consider a new pet. Giving your love to a new pet will certainly take some time. It is possible to use your mourning process in this way. Some families immediately get a new pet. Others wait until everyone in the family is ready for this addition.

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Electronic Toy Pet - They Don't Eat & They Don't Bite Or Scratch - Are They the Perfect Pet?

An electronic toy pet may be able to fill a part of your little boy or girl's heart. What little boy or little girl doesn't want a kitten or puppy or even a monkey? Yet, many parents may have a problem fulfilling this special request. There may be allergies or space or yard problems; or they may not be allowed to have pets in their rental homes. An electronic toy can help to a degree. It is not the "real" thing, yet it could help fill a desire.

There are plenty of these toys available online. There are electronic kittens, puppies, cats, hamsters, even ponies! Their prices are not too high either, if you take into consideration that you won't have to pay to feed them or take them to the vet. Yet, do be warned, many of these toys have tons of accessories, so that can be a bit expensive. On the positive side, the accessories can be offered as bonus for good behavior, etc.

One of the most popular electronic toys online this year is the Zhu Zhu pet hamster. If you have ever had a real hamster, then you know these particular creatures can be a bit "delicate." In other words, they may not have a very long life span. The ZhuZhu pet hamster doesn't have that problem (unless it gets stomped on, ouch). These electronic toy pet hamsters also have a huge selection of accessories that make playing with them a lot of fun.

Other popular electronic toy pets come from the FurReal Friends by Hasbro. They have a selection of lifelike cats, kittens, puppies, tiny dogs, a panda, even a chimp. These cuddly toys move and make sounds just like the real animal. Some people even mistake them for real animals.

Cute electronic toy pets can teach your children how to take care of a real pet someday. This is especially helpful for parents of very small children who may wish to add a puppy, kitten or other small animal to their family. Yet, they hesitate because they may feel their child or children may hurt the tiny animal. With an electronic toy pet, the parents can show their children how to hold the electronic pets properly and even monitor their behavior. Once they see their children have learned what not to do, they may feel they can then add a small animal to their family.

If your child or children are asking for a pet, yet it is not a feasible option for the family at this time, then you may wish to consider purchasing an electronic toy pet. Remember, they don't eat, won't bite or scratch or make a mess. They are actually the perfect pet.

There are many stores and websites that offer great deals on various electronic toy pets which include the very popular ZhuZhu Pet Hamster. If you are looking for this type of toy on sale, then you may wish to visit http://christmastoyssale.com

Anne K. Dixon, Copyright 2009

Pillow Pets - The Perfect Playtime and Nap Time Companions

Nothing can beat the comfort and satisfaction offered by cuddly and soft Pillow Pets. As folding stuffed animals and nap time pillows rolled into one, these cute stuffed animals have never failed to bring more smiles to children's faces. Made from silky chenille fabrics and high-quality materials, a Pillow Pets is probably the best gift that a parent can give to his or her child.

What makes these snuggle pals so special? They are not just fads that children will eventually forget in the long run. With their comfortable pillow function and cute stuffed animal designs, these new playtime buddies are definitely here to stay.

The perfect nap time companions

A Pillow Pets can provide your child with a sense of security and comfort during long road trips and tiring plane rides. It is a unique creation that takes pride of its extreme versatility and functionality. You can close its strap across your belly to make it a friendly and loyal pet. You can also open the strap to use it as a nap time pillow. Pillow Pets are the only plush folding animals that can keep their companionships with children alive even while they are sleeping.

Perfect for active imaginations

As a playtime buddy, a Pillow Pets can take your children to places where they have never been before. With a little imagination, it can fly your children to the highest mountains and take them to the deepest blue seas. It can also take them to a place where fairies and mythical creatures live, or bring them to beautiful snow-capped hills. It can take your children anywhere they want to go as long as they can keep their eyes closed while exploring the deepest parts of their imagination.

Endless choices and options

It can also give your children with endless options when it comes to starting their own collection. They are available in different designs and colors that are guaranteed to stimulate your children's minds while giving them the sweetest dreams they ever had.

The Lavender Unicorn is one of the most popular Pillow Pets in the market. It comes with a purple body and an immaculately white mane and tail that can instantly captivate your children's heart. With this cute and cuddly unicorn, your children can start exploring magical worlds where people can fly and animals can talk.

If you need information and advice on Pillow Pets we can help you. Visit us at freeebooksearch.net/review for all the facts about Pillow Pets.

Is My Child Ready For A Family Pet?

At some point every child asks that all time famous question. "Can I have a pet?" While owning a pet fosters responsibility and compassion, some children are just not ready to help take care of a pet. It is a huge responsibility and one that must be given careful thought.

There are many things you should consider as a family.

What kind of pet?

What kind of pet would fit into your life style best. There are many options from large dogs to little fish. You should carefully consider the needs of each and what you think will fit into you life style as well. The happiest pet is one with happy owners that don't feel stressed by its care and needs. You should study into types as well as breeds so you know exactly what to expect breeds.

Can you afford the addition of a pet?

Now that you have decided on a type of pet. You need to consider the cost of owning a pet. Pets even if you are given on free are very expensive. If you have a dog or a cat there will be vet visits, food, licensing, toys and supplies and if your pet should become sick there are medications they may need. Owning a pet is very expensive.

Do you have the time?

Animals require attention just like we do as human beings. The need to be feed, groomed, walked, played with. They need to know they are loved. With out proper care they will suffer. Families that are going threw major changes such as a move or birth of a child or that work long hours may just not have the time.

My home

Do you live in an apartment? Is a pet OK with your landlord? Will you have to pay a separate pet deposit? Do you have the space? Is there room in the back yard for a pet to roam? Are there laws in your area regarding scooping and licensing? What are they?

My child

Is he or she ready? Owning a pet is a family matter. Never surprise your child with a pet they are not expecting. Expectations about the pets care and exercise should be laid out clearly. Many children loose interest in a pet after the first few weeks and leave mom and dad to care for the pet. Pets require gentle handling and understanding do you think your child is ready for that? How do they react to animals you see out in public? Are they rough, or afraid? It may be better if they learn some animal care before you add a pet to your home. Visits to the local animal shelter are a wonderful start and often the staff is willing to teach basic animal care to children.

Remember

A pet is a huge commitment. Many pets live for at least 15 years with proper care. Will you still want this commitment then? Puppies, kittens and such are cute, but they grow and have needs that must be met.

Jennifer is a full time mother of nine children.She resides in a small fishing village on the coast of Maine.She has been married for 12 years to her best friend whom is also her loving husband.

You can find many more articles like this one at http://simplymoms.com as well as parenting chat and message forums; zjgim@hotmail.com

Adopt a Pet - Animals Make Us More Human

Imagine the following scene if you will. You have three children, the normal energetic kind who are always underfoot, always screaming and always full of life. The moment you set out a meal, they're pushing and shoving to get the bigger share, to get there first, or just pushing for fun. And then, you get a nice fluffy puppy for the children. And you notice the difference immediately. Each time a meal gets set out, each time you give a child candy or something, the children think not of themselves, but of whether Barkley the puppy has had his share. Parents don't often realize this; but when your kids ask to adopt a pet, it isn't just additional responsibilities you need to concern yourself with. Pets can make children learn a thing or two about being kind, being selfless, about caring for another. And they can do this even if they are completely irresponsible when it comes to taking care of the pet's everyday needs.

There are more pet owning families in America than families that don't have a pet (and it's almost an even way split between dog and cat households). Certainly, if you look at it in terms of how much a pet costs and all the hassles that go along with having a pet, it can be enough to dissuade anyone. But the soothing, humanizing influence that pets can be for everyone in the family, whatever time and money you spend when you adopt a pet will be spectacularly repaid.

There are other more tangible benefits that come by you too. Children who grow up in a home with pets grow accustomed (and unallergic) to everything that goes with pets - animal hair, mites, grass (that the animal rolls about in). Animals don't just make you feel good. They make the whole family physically healthier. And of course, a well-adjusted pet makes for better blood pressure and just more Prozac-free happiness. Children, especially, find that a bond with a pet is a particularly valuable one. It's the friend they get to have at home who always understands.

Going out to adopt a pet, make sure you go with a reputable breeder so that your pet is healthy and free of genetic disorders. And try to go with dogs that are known to be friendly with children. Dalmatians and Jack Russell terriers may look really cute; but they aren't really friendly as far as children are concerned. And make sure that you don't go with some kind of fad animal.

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