Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship coach

Do you know why the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series is so popular? Aside from terrific marketing and unequaled publicity, readers love the stories and personal essays. They are short, personal and teach a lesson or moral. If you would like to be a better writer of the personal essay, opinion pieces, reports and letters to the editor just follow the suggestions listed below: 1. Be brief. Many written reports or stories are 500 words or less.

Nothing touches the heartstrings of a parent or teacher more than the plaintive cry “nobody likes me" or ”I don’t have any friends.” We wish there were something we could do to insure the child will be, if not the most popular, at least included in the games on the playground. Actually, there is something we can do to increase their acceptance by the group and become more approachable to others. New research shows that all likeable children behave in certain ways. These skills are not in-born

If you anger easily, perhaps you need some techniques to Keep Your Cool. How you handle anger is how your children assume adults are supposed to handle anger and thus they use you as a role model. Look deeply in your heart and discover what you are really mad about? Rarely is the anger about the present incident, but rather unmet needs from the past. Do you want your children to respect you? Is the underlying need for respect? Do you want people to assume personal responsiblity?

# If your parenting methods include abuse of any kind; physical, sexual, emotional or verbal, please get help to stop as soon as possible. Adults are supposed to safeguard and protect the young among us. You may be repeating patterns learned in your family of origin or not know any other methods of parenting. I have included a number of different approaches to discipline that won’t damage the spirit of your precious children.

# Have you ever wondered where destiny would lead you? Have you ever pondered whether the road you are taking would lead to fulfillment and happiness? Will your physical body be able to accomplish all that your spiritual and intellectual being is destined to do? I made decisions that will impact the quantity and quality for the last half of my life. You can too.

# Psychologists teach that the only reasons people are ever motivated or moved to action is to gain a reward or avoid a penalty. As you teach the principal of personal responsibility to the children in your charge be sure to explain what they will gain or lose by the choices they make. Responsibility is an ever widening circle. We do not become responsible when we mature: We mature when we become responsible.We all learn to clean up after ourselves and leave a better world than we found it.

Home, home on the range, Where never is heard A discouraging word And the skies are not cloudy all day! Oh, that would be wonderful but most parents and bosses tend to feel that criticism and pointing out what is wrong will make others want to do what is right. However, people cannot improve unless they feel good enough about themselves to believe they are capable of improvement. An encouraging adult stops using negative comments about a child or employee.

Self care is hard when you are stressed, frustrated and worried about the future. If you want to gain confidence and learn to relax, here are some goals to aim for. The more you hit, the more relaxed and flexible you will become no matter what obstacles come along.

Character is the set of qualities that make somebody distinctive. It is the outward manifestation of what you believe inside your mind and spirit. It is your nature, personality and moral fiber. Your character is the attitude and set of mind which indicates to others who you are and what you stand for. As you read through this small list of admirable character traits, check the ones that you believe are a part of your inner guidance system.

Human beings have the longest dependency on others than any other living creature. We spend our lives in relationships, either toxic or nurturing. If the family of origin was not supportive and loving, we either repeat that pattern or look for other mentors and teachers. Can you visualize a closed fist as opposed to an open hand? That is the difference between a closed and dysfunctional group and a learning, sharing and supportive one. The closed one is turned inward and harsh in judgment.