How do you keep your inner child alive?
922813
by feeding her lots of self love and chocolate
1127437
There isn't much you can do except to take a deep breath, stay calm, and do a good job.  Exercise helps to loosen up the muscles and the breathing.  As for working on your child's day, avoid it as a practice; if there is a temporary shortage, see if you can't work part of that day instead of all of it (and not work during the hours you would normally see your daughter).
471187
Your fun may just be beginning. My daughter started at 12 and outgrew it at 19. Things got so bad that I let her go life with her permosques dad. She ended up living on her own at 17. Sometimes we must let go so they can grow. It sounds harsh but you must stick to your morals and principles. My heart goes out to you. To be honest, giving her to God was the only thing to do. She is now the mother of two. Her and her husband are so king and loving. It just takes time and patience.
660124
Live and let live. \n\nTolerance is the key.
120207
An excellent book to read and keep in your private library is "The Explosive Child".  This book has a wealth of information about living with children that have difficult behaviors and explosive temperments.  \n\nFrom personal experience I can tell you that you have to have clear, concise, well defined and understood rules.  You must be 100% consistent.  It's not worth the fallout to give in if a rule has been made.  Implement a positive behavior support plan.  Rule out additional problems such as learning diabilities, seizures, mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, etc.  If the child exhibits violent behaviors address them swiftly with a zero tolerance policy.  Safety is a primary objective.  Make it clear that if the child cannot or will not control his behavior then he can be placed in an environment where safety is assured.  That can be a hospital, residential center, or juvenile facility.  Ask for help.  Actively seek programs and resources in the community to help involve your son in positive programs.  \n\nIt's a rough road.  Seek out some support for yourself also. Other parents that share similar difficulties can help you to cope or find resources when your well has run dry.  If nothing else it is a relief to be able to talk to other people that know just what it is like to be where you are.  If you can't find a local group Yahoo groups, MSN or one of the other online communities can be excellent sources of support.
275567
breath in deep and hold as long as you can.\nit works.
742225
First of all, as a Long Term Single Parent, let me give you a few hints:\n\n1.  Put the TV on a timer -- and Keep the control with you.  I used the Parental Controls built into my unit, and that was a way I LIMITED the amount of time that they had in front of the boob tube (and locked the Video Games in a Locking Cabinet -- I had the only key -- and once a week -- for an hour, they could choose which game to play -- but it had to be that they played together quietly -- after that .. the games went back into the cabinet).\n\nEach afternoon/evening is scheduled -- from the time they come home after school to bedtime.  I also made it clear that they would participate in certain activities -- like Scouting, an After School Program, and an Athletics Event/Program each season.  \n\nWhen they fought -- it was time out.  NOTHING -- no TV, no radio, no games, just do your homework or read a book -- and you had to be within sight of me while I was fixing the meal.\n\nEven small children can help with the chores -- list them out on a weekly schedule -- put the child's name next to a chore (and be sure to rotate them through all chores) and tell them you will check when they say they are finished -- and DO check -- and make them re-do if it is not the way that you know they can do it.\n\nHomework Time -- same time every day.  At least an hour to make sure that their homework is done -- and they would have to check off their assignments that were listed in their daily planners.\n\nIF fighting while out in public -- I would tell them and start walking to the Car right away.  We would NOT stay out and enjoy an activity or event IF they could NOT behave.  (and my children were disabled!)\n\nMake sure that you are WELL organized in the home.  Even the small children can put away their own clothes, or help you by learning how to fold laundry.\n\nSame with taking out the trash.  It is an easy job, and they can do it from an early age.
652170
kid? which kid?\nLike all kids? Or just like one?\nPatience is the key.\nDon't let it get under your skin\nKids are kids \nand it just a phase\nIgnore it if possible\nTake a deep breath\nand relax
654838
Be more understanding that they look up to you and want to do everything that you do.  I also saw something on TV that might help you.  Hang a sign on your door.  On one side saying Enter and on the other side DO Not Enter.  Tell the kids that you must have some privacy and they can only come in the room when they see the sign reads Enter.  Surprisingly once you give kids boundaries they listen.
653587
BE sure of your inner thoughts, don't tell too much of the inner self to people, try to do something different everyday or week what ever works for you, go to another town now and then, just make changes, so you don't dig yourself into a deep hole.
260033
The above respondant has great ideans.\nBe at the child's eye level when giving directions or just talking with child.  Put away things that you would have to say "no " about.  Have great manipulative materials:  cool toys, of course--but also play doh, crayons, markers, finger paints. . . not all at once! but available.  Toys to stack like blocks.  Little kids need to be shown how to do it.  Sit on the floor and show them, play with them.  Not just blocks, anything.\n\nPut a sheet over a table and play tent , and take a flashlight in there!  Give them cups and empty bottles (plastic) and a colander (strainer) in the bathtub.  Put food coloring, just a few drops, in the bathwater.\nLet them help cook, measure; talk about what you're making. . . grow something, in a pot or in the yard. . . \ntake care of pets together; go on walks, and read read read.\nLimit tv and video games, and let whatever they watch be age appropriate. . . have fun. think about what's fun and do it with them.  Dance crazy, sleep in the backyard together, buy a sandbox, or put some sand in a little rubbermaid container and play with in on the front porch. Answer questions when your kids ask, about rainbows or God or where babies come from. . . remember what it felt like to be a child. . .
770653
My experience with my foster parents was truly awful and has scarred me for life.\n\nJust make sure you don't beat and rape your foster kid and keep them locked in the cellar. But I guess you're not planning on that anyway were you ?\n\nin general I'd say :\n\nIf you treat your kid as a real person, try to make them feel part of your family and that they are valued and cared for. BUT you need to respect that they know they are not part of your family and that they are not your child and could reject you if you try to be too close to them and try to totally replace their real parent, as that is not a good plan.
652077
How did you do it?  How did you survive your technological infancy without destroying yourself?
163953
Remember what it is like to be a child.  Remember the frustration you felt when people wouldn't listen, how hard it was to tie your shoes and all the other woes of a small child.  Then be the person you wish YOU had around.  This is not to say you shouldn't enforce the rules of the center, that is necessary as well.  Just remember to do it the way you wish someone had done so for you.
961516
Children dont need the security of material possessions more than they need the security of a parent who loves them.  They would be devestated if you killed yourself and you know what, they would probably blame themselves.  Your kids should be the reason you want to live, want to see them grow up...to be there for them, see them get married and have children.  That is the most important thing in life....its not about money or possessions its about love and learning.  If you kill yourself you will have learnt nothing about what your journey has been for.  You may end your mental pain, but what about the pain and anguish and hurt and guilt you are going to leave behind.   Nothing ever stays the same....you may be having financial difficulties right now, but everything has a solution.  Please dont think your kids are going to be better off without you because they wont.  They love you, the need you.\n\nYou dont know what is around the corner and if you kill yourself you will never know.  There is no coming back.  You cant look down at your funeral and decide to come back when you see how much devestation you have caused to the people who love you.  If you kill yourself your kids will be scarred for life....You dont want that, surely, do you?\n\nPlease, for your kids sake, ring a crisis line right now....see a doctor, get some help.  You will solve nothing by killing yourself...All that will happen is that you will hurt the ones you love the most.  Dont do that to them...Get some help.
369504
Healthy eating and please don't starve your self. You need lots of energy to keep up with your little ones. Drink lots of water and involve the whole family in an exercise program.  Running, hiking, swimming and maybe join a health club. anything but find a motivation point. a dress you would like to fit in to one day or a healthy weight. remember it took you 18 months ( 9 months with each kid) give it at least that to take it off.  You can do it just take the first step.
110422
Love him. Feed him. Burp him. Change his diaper. Read to him. Raise him to be a good person.