From Susan Merrill

The Blog

Encouragement

The Sacrifices Mothers Make For Their Olympic Athletes

Every mom sacrifices for her child in countless ways, for countless hours and with countless tears. To sacrifice is part of the privilege and joy of motherhood. This video by P & G passionately captures the sacrifice and joy that make being a mom the best job in the world. For more real life inspiration watch these interviews of Olympic athletes and their mothers: Alicia Sacramone, Shawn Johnson, Henry Cejudo, Diana Lopez, Kortney Clemons, Ryan Lochte and many more! http://www.youtube.com/user/ProcterGamble

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Encouragement

Independence Day Games

The 4th of July is a great time to teach your kids about America’s Founding Fathers. Check out some of iMOM’s Independence Day Games to make this holiday fun for you and your family. Test your knowledge with our 4th of July Trivia game. Share this delicious and festive American Flag Cake with family and friends!

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Encouragement

JUMPING for JOY!

I finished! Finally, finished! The book is done or at least the first draft. But still, it is a HUGE relief because my deadline is July 1st. Everyone is pretty much jumping for joy. I have been cranky, teary, difficult to live with, short, and definitely not myself. Emily is jumping for joy because she says her “old” mom is back. I am not sure “old” is a compliment. Especially when it looks like this jump is taking a lot more effort on my part than on hers. Mark is jumping for joy because he got me into this commitment. Not that I have been whining about it or anything. He was talking to publishers about his book and introduced them to a speech I like to give. A speech! Hardly enough words for a book. Did you know how many words they like for a book? 50,000! I don’t think I wrote that many words in four years of high school and four years of college together–I was a finance major–I don’t like to write. 50,000! I’m at 52,000, just so you know. Now, if only I can finish the edits by July 1st …

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Parenting

Complimenting Your Children the Right Way

It’s easy to compliment your children for good grades and appearance, but encourage them by complimenting their character and obedience. Here are some great iMOM resources for complimenting your kids! Phrases for Praises 10 Compliments Your Kids Need to Hear

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Parenting

Teaching Kids Responsibility

Teaching responsibility at every age and stage in your child’s life is very important. Check out all of iMOM’s contracts that can help you establish clear boundaries and expectations. Pet Care Contact Cell Phone Contract Driving Contract

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Encouragement

A Sweet Memorial Day Reunion

I was talking with a friend of mine, who’s also a mother, about whether she would let her children go into the military. “No! I would never encourage that,” she said. She went onto explain that she just couldn’t bear letting her child go into harm’s way, even if he wanted to. I understand the fears she feels. But when my daughter expressed interest in the military, I swallowed hard, and let her go. That doesn’t make me a hero, by any means, but it does make me the parent of one. Just like the mother and father of this young man, who surprises his parents with his unexpected return from the battlefield.

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Encouragement

Do You Need a Tutorial on Pinterest?

I love Pinterest! I love that I can look up recipes for my family and the pictures make me drool! I love that I see adorable, easy crafts for every season. I love that Pinterest has made my home remodel easier. If you aren’t familiar with Pinterest, here is two minute overview that will help you get started and I bet you will love it too! Don’t forget to follow me and iMOM on Pinterest!

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