South Jersy MOM

Ten Special Ways To Say I Love You

by Eileen Bishop

I asked a lot of parents for help on this one. Advice ran the gamut, from not putting them up for adoption to celebrating the anniversary of their birthday every month (yes, you read it right, every month!). I think they deserve mention, but are probably too far off the spectrum in either direction to be included in a Top Ten List. When I asked my four-year-old daughter Cat what I could do to show her I love her, her reply was “Let me wear lipstick when I ask nicely.” I think more often than not, it really is that easy!

Publisher's Note

By Adrienne Richardson

Dear Readers,

We live in a performance based world. There are pressures put on moms to be everything to everyone and "perform" at all times. This type of pressure causes anxiety in us that you may or may not be aware of. We constantly feel like we should be spending more time with our children, keeping our house cleaner, giving our spouses more attention or working longer hours.

This anxiety usually gets taken out on those we care about most - our family - the ones we are supposed to treat with kindness and love. Since February is the month best known for love, I say, let's make a vow to change that.

Nana's 2 Sense

by Nana Jean

Revival

The realization that I am a fifty-plus grandma, and single for over 10 years, recently dropped me into a bit of a rut… the "I’ll probably be alone forever" rut. Not too long ago, I still had tons of energy, interests and goals, but never enough time for my pursuits. Now that I finally decided to "make" time, I seem to run short of energy and long on minor physical afflictions just irritating enough to squelch my motivation.