Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Rumer Willis, Micah Alberti, Emma Heming, Scout Willis, Bruce Willis, and Tallulah Willis with guest. Photo: Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos
As a divorced parent, you can never pay too much attention to your communication skills with your children. It keeps the doors open for a healthier, more positive relationship with them. It makes you more sensitive to issues of concern early on, so you can nip them in the bud. It also encourages your children to talk about what they are feeling, questions they have, and situations that are creating conflict for them.
The holidays are meant to be spent with the ones you love most: your family. Whether you’re a newlywed spending your first Christmas with your husband’s family or new parents trying to survive those sleepless nights, it’s important that you soak up this time together. With this thought in mind, CupidsPulse.com has pulled together these great articles from our partners, filled with the tips you need to have a fun-filled holiday with your family:
1. Bond as a family: It’s no secret that your kids won’t be little forever, so why not enjoy this time before it’s gone? Take a look at these gift ideas to bring your family even closer. (GalTime.com)
2. Show your bestie you care: Many women find a BFF in their sister or mother, but even if you’re not related to your best friend by blood, you probably still view her as family. These 37 friendship quotes will remind you how special your bestie is. (YourTango.com)
3. Celebrate your loved ones: Making people feel loved and special is important all year long, not just during the holidays. Here are four ways to show your family and friends just how much you care. (GalTime.com)
4. Embrace your inner kid: Take a cue from Alyson Hannigan and her husband of ten years Alexis Denisof and be a kid at heart. We promise you’ll enjoy the holidays even more through the eyes of a child! (CelebrityBabyScoop.com)
5. Tell your partner you love her: With the needs of your little ones filling you and your wife’s days (and often your nights), it’s easy for you to feel like you’re missing out on time as a couple. Use these 15 tips to make sure your actions show your sweetheart just how much you love her. (YourTango.com)
Cupid wants to know: How will you bond with your family during the holidays?
A stepparent who has different holiday traditions from the rest of the family, especially a stepparent with no child of their own, can feel left out of the celebration. All family traditions matter, and it’s vital for everyone to be considered when planning holidays.
A small town gets ready for their annual Christmas Carnival as Madea (played by Tyler Perry) gets persuaded by an old friend to help surprise her daughter with a visit over the holidays. Past relationships are put to the test and new secrets are revealed, while Madea celebrates Christmas her way.
Sitting at the park. Photo: michaeljung / Bigstock.com
By Kerri Sheehan
Being a new parent can be difficult, but adding a second or even third child to the family adds a new dynamic to the already-established way of doing things. Most couples don’t realize that expanding a household can lead to sibling rivalry, loss of patience, and, for many, marital turbulence. CupidsPulse.com has gathered some of the best tips and advice from our partners to help you out when it comes to that cute little addition:
1. Siblings: If your son or daughter is accustomed to being an only child, there could be a slight shift in personality when baby number two comes along. Make sure to prepare your other children for their new brother or sister so that they will feel just as happy and eager as you do when the baby comes home. (GalTime.com)
2. Parenting Style: It’s important to remember that every child is different. What worked for your oldest son Johnny may not work for little Ava. Be flexible. Rules of Engagement star Megyn Price recently dished that her daughter Grace is so unique that she has to be spontaneous when parenting. (CelebrityBabyScoop.com)
3. Work Together: Nobody said it was easy raising children, but when two parents share or take turns getting up in the middle of the night, driving the kids to school, making dinner, and cleaning the house, it can be much easier to handle. Find out if the division of labor in your house is equal. (GalTime.com)
4. Just Because: It can be easy to forget about your partner once you add children into the mix. What better way to make your man feel important than getting him an unexpected present? Here are ten gift ideas for even the pickiest of guys. (YourTango.com)
5. Say How You Feel: In the midst of providing your children with the care and protection that they need, it’s easy to forget to say those three little words that brought you together in the first place. Here are 20 inspirational ways to say “I love you.” (YourTango.com)
One of my subscribers sent me a fantastic question the other day: When are you ready to be a dad? I’m a dad. I never thought I would be one. And now, not only am I a father, but I love it. For me, there’s no greater feeling in the world. There’s nothing better than walking across the street holding my daughter’s little hand. There’s nothing better than sitting on my sofa while she climbs and crawls all over me — except when she bounces on my stomach after a big meal!
Since they’re parents of a two-year-old son, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr’s separation is more than just celebrity news. They have become role models for how to handle divorce. At the Child-Centered Divorce Network, we watch celebrity divorces carefully, honoring them when they do things right — and admonishing them if they’re doing things wrong.
Directed by Charles Murray, Things Never Said is about an aspiring poet who is still haunted by a past miscarriage and a dangerous marriage. Daphne, Kal’s best friend is also dealing with romantic issues. Her boyfriend, Steve regularly takes advantage of Daphne’s kindness. Kal is soon surprised when she begins to develop feelings for Curtis, a man who has a damaged past and an estranged daughter. Together, Kal starts to find her voice and her self worth.
Pleasant date. Photo: EastWestImaging / Bigstock.com
By Sheila Blagg for GalTime.com
The kids-or-no-kids debate is an issue for many couples. But, bring a child into a new dating relationship and the issue becomes even more complex. As people move from one relationship into the dating realm, they often wonder, “Does he want kids?,” Will she still want to date me?”
You’ve been divorced a while–maybe six months, maybe more than two years–and nobody better has shown up to tempt you. What’s more, parenting as a solo act has proven to be a heavy burden. And on top of that, the kids haven’t given up pestering you about getting their dad to move “back home.” You’d think by now they’d be used to the new order of things, but no, they’re relentless about wanting Daddy to return. And you’re tired of hearing them “singing the same old song.”
Man surprising woman with roses. Photo: EpicStockMedia / Bigstock.com
By April Littleton
So you’ve discovered you have a crush on your brother or sister’s best friend. Every time that person enters the room, your heart starts to beat just a little faster. What if your crush is reciprocating your feelings? Dating a family member’s best friend can turn into a complicated situation. Sure, the two of you could really hit it off, but there’s also the possibility of a horrible breakup. In a situation like this, you can’t just think of yourself because one way or the other, your sibling will be involved in this romantic rendezvous. Here’s some advice:
Denise Richards, ex-wife of Charlie Sheen and the mother of two of his children, now has temporary custody of Sheen’s sons with his other ex-wife Brooke Mueller. Brooke and Charlie have both struggled publically with substance abuse for many years. Though Brooke is not making comments at this time, US Weekly confirmed that the removal of the children from her home was due to an “‘unsafe environment’ caused by “[her] ongoing alleged drug use.” The children, four-year-old twin boys Bob and Max, have moved in with Denise and are living with their sisters, Denise’s children with Charlie, Sam and Lola, and Denise’s adopted daughter, Eloise. Denise, who has not remarried since her divorce from Sheen in 2005, is now a single mom to all five kids under the age of 12. She has cared for the twins before, saying the boys are “family” and she would, “do anything for them.” It has been reported that Charlie is supportive of the idea.
Ways to make a good first impression. Photo: Jasminko Ibrakovic / Bigstock.com
By Nic Baird
What’s the worst that can happen when you meet your partner’s parents? Projectile vomit over dessert. But, really, what are the chances of that? Obviously be yourself, because anything else is too hard for something so stressful. If it makes it easier you can be reserved at first, and let your hair down as you size up the situation. Here are the standard rules to follow when meeting the parents for the first time:
Babysit together as a weekend date! Photo: RockandWasp / Bigstock.com
By Ken Myers
It wasn’t that long ago that women were expected to have kids in their 20’s, and any woman that ventured into motherhood after she turned 30 was seriously testing her fertility waters, not to mention was destined to be an old mom who wouldn’t be able to keep up with her young children. However as women continue to gain a stronger foothold in the corporate world and are experiencing a shift in personal goals, they are also invoking a serious delay in when they decide to have kids; many are opting to have their children well into their 40’s.
Do you love talking about the potential of having children in the near future? Is your number-one goal to meet somebody, just so you can have children? Quite simply, are you dating because your womb has a vacancy? Well then, you’re dating 100% wrong. Let me tell you something: women that think like this are women that will be raising kids alone.
How do I know that? Because I’ve been through it. Here are some things to think about:
The independent woman. Photo: brickrena / Bigstock.com
By SMF Marcus Osborne for GalTime.com
If you’ve been a regular reader of StraightMaleFriend.com or if you’ve been following this column for the past year or so, you already know that one of my steadfast beliefs is individual independence.
In other words: “Be honestly you.”
When it comes to love, dating and relationships, the very best advice anyone could ever offer is for you to be who you truly are. But what happens when being yourself is pushing your love one away?
Forced to stay home for Valentine’s Day with the hubby? You’re not alone, as many celebrity families prefer to stay close rather than head out on romantic dates while dealing with the hassles of a babysitter or, in the celebrity case, overtime pay for the nanny.
Can you imagine Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie turning up for a special with the papparazi underfoot looking for clues about the latest celebrity plastic surgery? No – celebrity parents, especially in big families like the Jolie-Pitts, are looking for a bit more privacy when it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day. And you can enjoy romance at home, too. Here’s how:
