Reinaweiner.com

I’d Love to Wear My Hair Like Yours, But

reinarocks — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:36:33 +0000

There’s really a long list why I wear my hair short. To be brief or “short,” I love how it looks, it’s easy, it’s cheap, it’s convenient, and it saves time. But, there’s another long list – It’s the list of reasons why women tell me they can’t wear their hair short like mine, even though they’d really like to. Here are just some of the reasons I’ve heard recently: My hair is too thin, too curly, too wavy, my features aren’t right for that style (translation: I’m not pretty enough), my head is not the right shape, my husband likes long hair, I’m too fat, it will make me look older (my husband is younger than me) and the biggee: what if it doesn’t look good.

My answers are simple and hopefully, encouraging. “You can do it. You have a great face and your hair will be look really good short. You’ll be able to buy new earrings with all the money you save! Plus, you can cut it yourself or have a friend/husband do it for you with a $25 trimmer that lasts forever. Convenient, cheap and great looking – go for it! And don’t worry, it’s not permanent. If you hate it, it will grow back. “ Still though, after our conversation, I can see I haven’t convinced them. Their perceptions of their physical appearance remained unchanged.

After years of trying, I’ve just about given up on my motivational speech. Attempting to persuade women that they’re beautiful enough to wear their hair in any style they want to is like trying to explain to a teenager what their tattoo will look like in 20 years. They won’t believe it until they see it in the mirror.

Now, I just smile and say thank you to comments about my hair. Then, I tell my husband that I need an “appointment,” get out the little plastic chair, apron, and clippers. In no time flat, I’m out the door!

“Mom’s Taking a Break” on Let’s Talk Live, DC (News Channel 8)

reinarocks — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:25:49 +0000

If you miss it, not to worry. I’ll post it on youtube and my site.

My interview on “Let’s Talk Live, DC” Tuesday, July 12 from 11AM – 12 PM

reinarocks — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:33:25 +0000

We will be talking about “busy moms taking a break.” Taking care of yourself with a weekend away with girlfriends, husband/partner or just a date night without the kids. It all works and gives moms time to recharge, relax and enjoy some wonderful, restorative self-care. In addition, it encourages kids to become more independent and adaptable when mom takes a break and someone else watches them. We all benefit!

Reina S.Weiner Protects Your Kids From Anthony Weiner (We’re NOT Related)

reinarocks — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 01:32:22 +0000

These days the only ones not on the net are cats, dogs and your pet hamster. It’s possible they may be soon! For now though, your kids are surely on the net, night and day. That’s a concern for most parents. What specifically are they concerned about? Inappropriate photos and language unsuitable for children that they may be able to access. Let’s face it, there’s an awful lot on the net you’d prefer your children didn’t see or hear. With the enormous amount of texts, tweets, email and search engine availability, how can a parent protect the eyes, ears and literally minds of their children.

Blocking total access to the internet isn’t the answer. The net offers an abundance of useful information, loads of entertainment and even exercise. It would be crazy to totally shut it down. Plus, we might actually have to play with or talk to our kids and how much fun would that be! Seriously, here are a several valuable sites that will keep your kids safer on the internet.

Go to:

Protectkids.com – They offer helpful tips for parents. Some general ones and more detailed ones as well. A great place to begin your search and increase your sanity.

Netnanny.com/mac – This site is solely for Mac users with specific filters and monitors. It blocks kiddos from seeing what they don’t need to see.

Windows Vista Parental Controls/Windows 7 Parental Controls – For Windows users. This software limits the time your child can spend on the internet and blocks access to sites you consider undesirable.

You’ll also want to look at Windows Live Family Safety – This augments standard safety controls: Games parents approve of, when and what programs they can run. It also monitors what kids have been looking at previously.

In addition, don’t forget to talk to your kids about what you believe is age appropriate for them. Don’t hesitate to use your best judgment. Set the boundaries and be clear about your expectations for your children. Don’t forget – you’re the head honcho/the big kahuna and still, numero uno!

Reina S. Weiner – Author/Speaker/Mentor – “Strong From the Start – Raising Confident and Resilient Kids” www.reinaweiner.com

“Kids Can” – 3 Simple Strategies for Raising Confident and Resilient Kids”

reinarocks — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:27:27 +0000

Brunch + Moms Chat = Fun

Reina S. Weiner on Artscape TV – Raising Resilient Kids

reinarocks — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 03:52:32 +0000

Raising an Independent Son

reinarocks — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 19:15:14 +0000

Hilary – Herndon Mom – comments on Reina’s raising confident kids workshop

reinarocks — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 18:26:15 +0000

Families Flying in Formation

reinarocks — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:55:47 +0000

Just read an article referring to an effective leadership technique, i.e., how flying in formation cuts down on drag. I know you’ve seen bird leadership many times. Eyes to the sky, it’s easy to spot one bird in the lead with the rest following along in a neat, organized grouping. A uniform formation with one leader at the head, cuts down on drag allowing the group to move swiftly and easily toward their destination.

As parents, we need to cut down on “drag” too. In the most human sense, our families function best, don’t get slowed down or diverted easily if parents maintain the lead slot. Although it can get tiring facing the metaphoric wind, our group will be far more likely to land successfully when we guide and direct with plenty of love and support.

Don’t be afraid to parent, to lead and to change course when you believe it’s necessary to do so. Storms come and go. You’ve got the experience and the reliable road map to confidently lead your group, take a break when needed and continue on to the end-point.

My friend used to say – “What do you think it’s easy?” He was right. It’s not always easy to be the one to take charge, be the parent, choose the direction of the group with all that wind in your face. With time, the wind dies down and those “birds” following behind you will one day encourage you to drop back in the formation, take the lead and land safely on their own.

They’re Watching Us

reinarocks — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:22:36 +0000

When we’re busy running around doing what we do – home, work, sports, volunteering – we sometimes forget that they’re watching. They’re watching silently – keeping an eye on every move, every choice, every emotion and every action. Day in and day out, moment by moment, they continue to observe our expressions of generosity, sincerity, love or the lack thereof – continually noticing our reactions and responses. And, they’re waiting. Waiting until it’s their turn to act, to choose, to decide.

Who are these “on-lookers”, those who are taking it all in surreptitiously ? If you guessed ghosts or the IRS, guess again. Give up? They’re our children who begin to watch what we do, what we say, how we act and react every day from the very beginning of their lives. We’re teaching them, although we may be unaware of their ability to record, remember and repeat the choices that we’ve made.

What’s my point here? It’s this: Often, we’re so busy talking, trying to impart what we hope is our well-earned wisdom, that we lose sight of what’s really going on – that our actions speak with such ear shattering volume, that our well-intentioned words are unable to be heard.

Yesterday I watched two not-so-young people speak softly and act loudly – they chose to make room in their hearts and their home for an elderly, loved relative. The “volume” of their choice, the kindness of their actions spoke so eloquently that no words were necessary. I listened with rapt attention to the words to their loving song and heard their gifts. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for all of us, kids included, to listen to that song on our Ipods.