Articles written by Mona Gallagher in Parenting & Pregnancy

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About me - Mona Gallagher

Hello, I'm glad you stopped by my little corner of Helium.

People write for different reasons. I write because if I didn't, I think I might burst with stored up passion for life events past and those up ahead and around the corner. We're living in a most

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Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenthood The myth of the good mother: 2 of 54
Is good mothering a myth? Some say yes and others say no, and to complicate things even more, we all have our own notion of what defines a "good mother." Whether a mother works, stays home, is strict or lax in terms of discipline has an impact on the children. Is parenting a matter of style or is it what we teach our childre... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Grandparenting Gift ideas for grandparents: Bath oils and body lotions: 1 of 7
If you know for certain that your grandparent would appreciate bath oils and body lotions, by all means buy it for them, but please try to honor their personal preferences. I'm a grandparent with grandsons who just entered the teenage era. I must say up front that I would not appreciate a gift of bath oils or body lotion. I ... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Grandparenting Single parents: Tips for dealing with grandparents: 3 of 20
Grandparents are wonderful blessings and much needed support for struggling single parents, yet some are difficult problems for the single parent home. Many offer a mixed bag of badly needed help while giving unsolicited advice and butting into areas that cause conflict in the home. These relationships don't come with a play... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Problems Parents Face GPS: Are we keeping up with our children or stalking?: 5 of 28
Scientific technology an ever-advancing industry allowing us to keep in touch with people around the world with the touch of a keypad. Cell phones are standard today where two decades ago they were just making inroads. The advancement of sophisticated tracking devices such as GPS has moved us to a new level of tracking our c... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Problems Parents Face Strategies for helping children with transition challenges: 1 of 5
We like to live in our comfort zones. Comfort zones provide a sense of security and we shouldn't be surprised when our children exhibit the same characteristics. Comfort zones are not a bad thing, they provide the framework we draw from when we need life resources. Change is an inevitable part of life, however, and children ... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Adoption Assessing child abuse risk factors: 19 of 92
Child abuse occurs globally, nationally, in communities and very often, in the home. Major threats exist in society and in parenting. Of late, danger of child abuse is delivered directly to our homes and children over the Internet. Sound parenting offers the first line of protection to our children in whatever economical or ... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Problems Parents Face Empty nest: Tips for coping with the first fledgling child from the nest: 9 of 35
Is there anything more difficult than watching your first fledgling child leave the nest? Parents typically suffer more separation anxiety than young adult children. From your perspective, your child was an intimate part of the family and suddenly that time screeched to a halt. It's not easy to let go of that first child. Th... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Teen Challenges How to discuss sexuality with your teen: 19 of 73
I confess total ignorance. When my sons were growing up I knew next to nothing about what boys go through when they reach puberty. All I told them was that girls were people with feelings and not 'objects' to be used for sexual gratification. Their father said nothing to them at all. With my younger grandson, I got a second ... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Problems Parents Face Single parents: Tips for taking care of yourself too: 8 of 28
Single parents sometimes feel like they're on a treadmill or worse; they may feel like the hamster running around the wheel at top speed with no stop sign. While taking care of the family, it's important to remember that you are a pivotal member of the family. You are the adhesive that holds the family together and your self... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenting Methods Authoritative vs. authoritarian parents: 4 of 14
Is your household run in a strict military manner or does the integrity of the family take precedence over one ruling voice? Saying, "I'm the boss" is equal to saying "I rule you and you must obey me under all circumstances." This authoritarian stance shuts down all connection between child and parent. When these words are s... More..