We all want to be good parents, perfect parents perhaps, but that just isn't possible. What is possible is to constantly strive to be a better parent. Parenting is a process; some things work and some things don't. The following are just a few suggestions on how to improve as a parent.

Patience

Parenting takes patience. From the first night without sleep, to the tantrums of toddlerhood, through the battle of wills that accompany the teenage years, it all requires patience. What is unfortunate is we often find ourselves running low on patience.

When we are running low on patience we tend to take our frustrations out on our kids, most often, more harshly than we would like. As you try to be a better parent, be more patient with your children by counting to 10, taking a deep breath, ask yourself, "Does this really matter?"� or leave the room for a quick break.

I was about six when I first realized my mom often took breaks from her children so she wouldn't lose her temper. It only took breaking her favorite cookie jar to realize this. Even though it was an accident, it didn't matter. I remember my mom grabbing her keys and simply leaving the house. She didn't leave the three of us alone, my dad was also there. But when she got back, although still sad and probably disappointed, she didn't yell or get angry with me. I watched her and my dad glue the cookie jar back together.

Time

Make time for your children. We all know that sitting on the floor with your kids playing Barbies or Legos isn't the most exciting part of your day, but chances are, it's theirs. Become a better parent by playing with your children. Put away technology, get rid of other distractions, and give your kids all your attention for an extended period of time.

This is one thing that I often find myself struggling with. I am constantly setting a goal to play with my children more. It works for about two weeks and then I find myself on the couch with the computer beside me checking the news and social networking sites, which then leads to me setting a goal again. I try not to get too upset with myself, all parents make mistakes, I just make sure I try harder the next time around.

Consistency

Set boundaries and be consistent. Kids need rules. They need to know what is expected of them day in and day out. Without boundaries or with boundaries that are always changing, kids get confused. With a clear set of rules children feel safe. Make sure you discuss these boundaries with your kids and adapt them as they age. Also, make sure your kids know that there are consequences associated with stepping outside the boundaries.

Example

Be a good example. Your kids look up to you. When they go to school they tell their friends they want to be just like you. Make sure you are someone you would want them to be. Children learn from what they see and hear. It is your job to ensure that everything they take in is positive. Be kind, be honest, be giving, be compassionate, be soft-spoken and have good moral values.

Work

Teach work ethic. Kids as young as two can start learning the value of work and should be learning it. It doesn't require much to teach a preschooler to sort the silverware from the dishwasher or add a scoop of food to the dog's dish. Nor does it hurt to teach the preteen and teenagers to vacuum, dust, clean the bathrooms and other simple household chores. Work will not only develop their character but will increase their self-esteem when they see a job completed.

My parents did an excellent job of this. I remember seeing a picture of me on the counter putting dishes away with my brother, I couldn't have been more 4 years old. I started cleaning bathrooms, including the toilets, at about 8 years old. I got my first paper route at age 9 and my first minimum wage job at age 15. This wasn't because my family needed the money, however little I earned. It's because my parents wanted me to learn how to work. I may have hated the chores, the paper route, and the endless dish washing at my job, but as I matured I saw the benefits. I far exceeded most of my college roommates in my ability to clean our apartment and purchased my own car to take with me to college.

Self

Take a break to take care of you. It is a well-known fact that it is hard to care for your family when you are not taken care of. Parenting is hard work. Make sure you reward yourself every now and then. Take some time alone or with a group of friends and do something that will renew your energy and refresh your outlook on life.

Parenting is one of the most fulfilling things many of us will do in our lifetime, but also one of the hardest. Use the above suggestions to help you on your journey to become a better parent.

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Congratulations, you've made it through the newborn and infant stage of your child's life. Welcome to parenting a toddler. This is such a fun stage; this is the point at which children really start to develop personalities and become more playful. However, this stage also brings one of the most dreaded tasks of parenting-potty training. Contrary to what a lot of veteran parents will tell you, there is nothing to fear. Potty training is not as hard and stressful as everyone makes it out to be. The following tips will help you on your potty training journey:

Wait till they are ready

Dry mornings and naptimes, interest in using the potty, and asking to be changed when their diaper is wet or poopy are all signs that your child could be ready for potty training. This is one of the most important parts of potty training. Although every child's readiness varies, typically the longer you wait the more ready they will be, thus the easier potty training will become.

Pick the way in which you are going to potty train

There are tons of potty training techniques available on the Internet or in books. No one way is the correct way; find one, or several, that you think will work best for you. You can also just go with your instincts, as parents typically know best.

Put away diapers and let them pick out their own underwear

Find underwear with a print or pattern that will interest your child. Little girls may like underwear with pictures of Disney princesses, while boys might prefer images of trucks.

Buy a potty chair that goes on the ground, and one for your toilet

Start with the one on the floor. At first, the more readily assessabled the toilet is, the better. When you think that your child is ready, you can move them to the one that sits on your toilet. This will eliminate your need to clean the potty chair out after every use.

Bribery is OK

Use whatever you think will work for the child, be it candy, stickers, or toys. Feel free to use whatever gets them to go (within reason).

Put a pull-up diaper over undwear when you're out and about

To help in the training, it's important that your child be able to feel when they are wet. With a pull-up over their underwear, they will be able to feel the wetness, but without creating a mess. When you first arive at your destination, take your child directly to the restroom, so that they are aware that a toilet is available.

Put on a Happy Face

Setbacks and accidents are expected; stay positive while the child is still learning.

Be Prepaired to Wait

Don't stress if it doesn't work the first time; put the underwear away for a few weeks or months and try again later. Typically, unsuccessful potty training simply means your child isn't ready.

Potty training is only as difficult as you make it. With the use of these tips anyone can have a positive experience undertaking the task.

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Anorexia nervosa

Can be characterized by emaciation, a persistent quest of thinness, distorted body image, a severe fear of gaining weight and unusual eating behavior. Those with anorexia think they are overweight although they do not fall into a normal range of weight. Those with anorexia become obsessed with food and weight control.

Bulimia nervosa

Is characterized by regular episodes of eating abnormally large amounts of food (binge-eating). Those who suffer from bulimia often feel they can't control the binging. This binge-eating is then off-set by a type of behavior that those who suffer believe will compensate for the binge. This is often referred to as a purge and can include vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting, or the use of laxatives or diuretics. Unlike those that suffer from anorexia nervosa, sufferers of bulimia can fall within a normal range of weight. Bulimics fear gaining weight, want very much to lose weight, and are deeply dissatisfied with their body shape and size.

Eating disorders not otherwise specified (ENDOS)

Is simply a diagnosis for those suffer from eating disordered thoughts, feelings, and behaviors but do not meet all the specific criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Binge-eating disorder can be categorized under EDNOS.

Binge-eating disorder

Is characterized by regular binge-eating episodes. Like the bulimic, those with binge-eating disorder feel as if they can't control the binging. Unlike bulimia, binge-eating episodes are not followed by a purge. Consequently, those who suffer from binge-eating disorder often are overweight or obese. Binge-eaters experience guilt, embarrassment and/or distress about their binge-eating, these feelings can often precede more episodes of binging.

It is a known fact that at times these eating disorders can be deadly if not caught and treated soon enough. However with careful detection and thorough treatment by professionals, those who suffer from eating disorders can recover. There are a few warning signs, although some are subtle and hard to detect, that you can look for that will help you determine whether or not someone you know has an eating disorder. Some of these include the following about someone:

• Dramatic changes is weight, both up and down

• Distorted body image

• Makes up excuses to avoid meals or leaves right after a meal, often to use the bathroom

• Is preoccupied with food, calorie counting, nutrition, or cooking

• Strange eating behaviors - picks at food, pushes food around plate, hides food, cuts food into really small pieces

• Strange bathroom behaviors - load music or running water are often used to cover up the sound of vomiting

• For a female, stops menstruating or has irregular periods

• Seems depressed, socially withdrawn or irritable

• Exercises compulsively

• Hoards or hides food

• Wears baggy clothing to hide thinness

• Unusual fatigue

• Always cold

Those with eating disorders are suffering both physically and emotionally. If you suspect someone you know has an eating disorder it is best to address it with care and concern and to provide them with the support they need.

For more information about eating disorders you can download or order a booklet from the National Institute of Mental Health.

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My grandparents made grandparenting look easy, although I am sure it took some effort on their part. The most important thing to remember when concerning your grandchildren is to make time.

Anyone can be a good grandparent and can become involved in their grandchildren's lives with the following seven ideas:

• Attend their activities; music and dance recitals, athletic events, plays, etc.

• Teach them a talent or skill; woodworking, sewing, painting, a musical instrument, cooking, etc.

• Host sleepovers.

• Volunteer in their school classroom.

• Host "dates"� with each child individually and in small groups of grandchildren; check out local parks, swimming pools, zoos, museums, go out to eat or for ice cream.

• If you live at a distance, video chat with your grandchildren on a weekly basis. Even if you live close, grandchildren can still get a kick out of seeing their grandparents in the computer.

• If you live far away and circumstances allow, try to visit your grandchildren at least twice a year.

The connection between a grandparent and his/her grandchild is a special one, but one that needs to be constantly nurtured. Making time for your grandchildren is a surefire way to enrich your life and the lives of your grandchildren.

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I have definitely done some things wrong while traveling, but I have learned many lessons and tips to make my life and my children's lives easier when traveling by air. The following list is one that I consult prior to all my trips:

1. Ask for a temporary clearance

If you are the only adult traveling with kids, ask the ticket agent if someone with you can get a temporary clearance to help you through security until you get to the gate.

2. Research security policies

Check out the TSA's website http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm before you go to find out what you need to know to make it through security without issue.

3. Skip the big bulky strollers and get yourself a decent umbrella stroller.

Since your stroller doesn't need to be checked, they will check it at the gate. The easier it is to get everything out of your stroller and fold it up, the better. Save the gate agents and yourself some time by asking for a gate-check tag when you first arrive at the gate. If traveling with more than one stroller-aged child, make one walk or wear one in a front pack.

4. Hold off on naptime (if possible).

Your kids are more likely to take their naps during the flight.

5. Keep luggage to a minimum, especially your carry-on luggage.

One diaper bag and a backpack is plenty. If you have responsible, school-aged kids, allow them to carry their own backpack.

6. Make sure you have enough to entertain your kids.

(But remember it has to fit in what you can carry). Electronics are great. There is nothing wrong with a child watching a movie or playing a game to make the time pass faster. If it keeps them quiet and well behaved, all the better.

Other good entertainment includes: stickers, crayons, and paper, books, action figures, and toy cars. Avoid toys with lots of small parts that can get dropped and lost, as well as loud toys that will annoy fellow passengers.

7. Don't forget your child's comfort item.

This includes a blanket, pacifier, stuffed animal, etc.

8. Bring easy-to-eat snacks.

...and fill up a water bottle prior to boarding to take care of any hunger issues.

9. Bring copies of important documents.

Always travel with a photocopy of your children's birth certificates, even if they are over the age of two, just in case of an emergency.

10. Have children suck on something.

This will help ease the ear pressure when taking-off and landing (pacifier, bottle, sucker, etc.).

11. Plan for the unexpected.

Make sure you bring enough of everything just in case you have an unanticipated flight delay.

Air travel with kids should not be something you dread. With a little prior planning things can go smoothly for all involved.

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