http://www.minti.com/members/lisapetrarca/advice/ Most Recent Advice on Minti by LisaPetrarca Copyright 2008 Minti en-uk LisaPetrarca I know many people feel as I do, "I want to make a difference in the world, but what can I do?" This can be a common dilemma...I would often just do nothing because I don't have money to visit countries that are in desperate need. Even locally, how do I find the time ~ with work, kids, sports, grocery shopping, house cleaning...whew...I ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9436/Ryan-Seacrest-American-Idol-Host-and-You--Making-A-Difference/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9436/Ryan-Seacrest-American-Idol-Host-and-You--Making-A-Difference/ Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:43:59 -0700 LisaPetrarca I have been planning to go through my closet and get rid of ALL the clothes I never wear. This can be a problem because I always think, "No not this, I might wear it again." Time after time and my bag ends up with just a few things in it, my closet is still a mess.I also have a ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9160/Lifes-BaggageClean-Your-Closet/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/9160/Lifes-BaggageClean-Your-Closet/ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:18:45 -0700 LisaPetrarca My true story below will hopefully offer advice that will help you and your children (through your example), reach out to others and make a difference.Last Saturday my middle son Jullien really upset me when I picked him up. He said some pretty mean things to me, so I dropped him off at the house and just took off for ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8879/The-Invisible-Man-and-The-Child/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8879/The-Invisible-Man-and-The-Child/ Sat, 17 May 2008 11:53:14 -0700 LisaPetrarca I was driving home after rushing to pick up my son's Tux for his Prom, when all of a sudden all of the cars in front of me started to slam on their brakes and rapidly change lanes.  I thought, "Now what? It never fails, when I'm running late something always goes wrong."  My husband had already called me three ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8835/Does-Somebody-Need-You/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8835/Does-Somebody-Need-You/ Wed, 07 May 2008 23:47:02 -0700 LisaPetrarca I've recently been exposed to the world of drug abuse. I know what you're thinking...wake up it's been a problem for years! Well I know that, BUT I had no idea about the HUGE prescription drug problem going on in our High Schools, Middle Schools, and even Elementary Schools.Most parents check and snoop around their kids rooms for cigarettes, pot, ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8618/Teenage-Prescription-Drug-Abuse-Are-You-Their-Dealer/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8618/Teenage-Prescription-Drug-Abuse-Are-You-Their-Dealer/ Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:29:29 -0700 LisaPetrarca What if you found a way to play a fun vocabulary game with your children and with each correct answer you were able to feed a hungry person?  I know many of you will wonder, "What is the catch and how much will it cost me?"  My answer to you is, "ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, it's FREE and it's REAL?!"  I always write ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8568/Play-Vocabulary-Game--Feed-The-Hungry-Free/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8568/Play-Vocabulary-Game--Feed-The-Hungry-Free/ Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:01:55 -0700 LisaPetrarca I often wonder what it would be like to have that special relationship that you often hear daughter’s have with their father’s.  To have them look at you with pride and admiration, knowing that under any circumstance daddy will protect them, be there for them and guide them through all their joy, heartache and tears.I sometimes sit and watch the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8437/Never-Daddys-Little-Girl/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8437/Never-Daddys-Little-Girl/ Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:17:28 -0700 LisaPetrarca I went to work today and my boss said she had to tell me something and I have to say yes.  I said, "Not until I know what it is," I’ve learned my lesson in the past.  She said, "I am going to take you shopping for groceries today for your family!"  I started to cry and told her, "No, ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8245/CAN-YOU-MAKE-A-DIFFERENCE-IN-A-DAY/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8245/CAN-YOU-MAKE-A-DIFFERENCE-IN-A-DAY/ Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:54:26 -0800 LisaPetrarca I know that this is a parenting advice website so after you read my true story, I have added some very important advice for all of you Minti parents in regards to Christmas this year........  My Christmas Miracle - A True StoryChristmas time was closing in on me and it had been a hard year.  I was just newly separated ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8030/My-Christmas-Miracle-A-True-Story/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8030/My-Christmas-Miracle-A-True-Story/ Sat, 08 Dec 2007 08:36:08 -0800 LisaPetrarca The benefits of Omega 3 have been life changing for my children, as well as my whole family.  I initially started my son on Omega 3 supplements due to his ADD along with a learning disability, (which unfortunately often goes along with the ADD/ADHD diagnosis).  His memory improvement, mood swings, anger and overall health showed amazing improvement after 2 months of taking the supplements three ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8016/Omega-3-Health-Benefits/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/8016/Omega-3-Health-Benefits/ Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:50:00 -0800 LisaPetrarca As a single mother, dating is often very difficult.  Trying to find a babysitter who will be able to stay out late, dealing with your own guilt at leaving your children, and wondering when it is right to introduce someone new to your children.  All of these are concerns facing single moms.  I found that trying to develop a social life ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7682/Single-Moms-and-Dating/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7682/Single-Moms-and-Dating/ Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:25:16 -0700 LisaPetrarca I just got back from doing a 5K run/walk ( I just walked, not in running shape yet)  Susan G. Komen Race for the cure breast cancer fund raising event.  My bosses wife was just diagnosed with breast cancer 3 months ago.  She gets her mammograms annually and was fine last year, but cancer showed up this year. She just started chemo ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7522/Breast-Cancer-Race-For-a-Cure/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7522/Breast-Cancer-Race-For-a-Cure/ Sun, 23 Sep 2007 11:22:10 -0700 LisaPetrarca I decided to volunteer for Working Wardrobes "A Day Of Self Esteem For Woman."  I've always wanted to volunteer but just could never step outside of my comfort zone.  I finally made the commitment for today, which was a full day of makeup, hair, business attire, jewelry, shoes & purses for women in shelters.  They would then get to have lunch and be in a ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7475/A-Life-Changing-Experience/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7475/A-Life-Changing-Experience/ Sun, 16 Sep 2007 22:48:27 -0700 LisaPetrarca Middle children often are the forgotten children.  This is especially true if the older sibling happens to be the same sex as the middle child. I was a middle child who had an older sister and a younger brother.  My sister was the first born so needless to say received tons of attention.  By the time I came, everyone was hoping ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7263/Middle-Child-Syndrome/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7263/Middle-Child-Syndrome/ Mon, 27 Aug 2007 17:59:26 -0700 LisaPetrarca This is a problem that I thought I would not have to deal with since my children are older.  However, my 12 year old son Elijah had a friend stay the night after a full day of hanging out with a group of friends. Unfortunately during all the fun, my son's friend, Roman, who has long surfer hair, got a huge clump of ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7260/How-To-Get-Gum-Out-Of-Childrens-Hair/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7260/How-To-Get-Gum-Out-Of-Childrens-Hair/ Sun, 26 Aug 2007 22:19:51 -0700 LisaPetrarca I have recently been exposed to the difficult task of parenting a child with autism.  My best friend is a single mother with a  healthy twelve year old daughter and a ten year old son who has autism.  She just moved here from out of state and stayed with me while her apartment was getting fixed up.  I was amazed at ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7241/New-Help-For-Autism/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7241/New-Help-For-Autism/ Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:54:07 -0700 LisaPetrarca I have spent several years of my life dwelling on the past.  I had a hard time letting go of the pain of my childhood and first marriage.  The feelings of hurt and self doubt left me with scars so deep that I began building walls of protection around myself.   I decided that I would never let anyone get close enough ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7160/Dwelling-On-The-Past/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7160/Dwelling-On-The-Past/ Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:43:12 -0700 LisaPetrarca I've just recently discovered that not only is Minti about giving and receiving advice, it is about connecting with other people who need friendship, understanding and a non judgemental ear.  While reaching out to others, you start to see your own problems as less important.  The things that you have spent your day dwelling on and stressing over become minor because you are ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7004/Finding-A-Positive-Outlook/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/7004/Finding-A-Positive-Outlook/ Sun, 05 Aug 2007 22:01:40 -0700 LisaPetrarca I suffered for years from endometriosis and it almost cost me my life!  Endometriosis is a silent, often undetectable problem for many women.  I had been suffering from severe lower abdominal pain for a year.  It became so bad that I started getting a fever and having trouble going to the bathroom.  I went to the doctor who passed it ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6795/The-Importance-of-Detecting-Endometriosis/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6795/The-Importance-of-Detecting-Endometriosis/ Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:02:58 -0700 LisaPetrarca My middle son had pneumonia when he was four months old.  This contributed to a weakened immune system his whole life.  The minute he would get a little bit of a cold, it would go straight to his chest.  After several years of constant trips to the doctor for bronchitis, at 4 years old I started treating the cold/cough at the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6784/Home-Cures-for-a-Cough/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6784/Home-Cures-for-a-Cough/ Mon, 16 Jul 2007 22:41:28 -0700 LisaPetrarca  Your courage and strength is your crowning gloryThey can never take away your personal storyYou alone determine your destinationPush ahead, without hesitationTry as they might to break your spiritYour heart and faith will keep you in itBelieve in yourself and your path will be clearPush ahead, your dreams are so nearFear and doubt will creep insideYou sometimes want to just ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6767/Push-Ahead/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6767/Push-Ahead/ Sat, 14 Jul 2007 13:59:59 -0700 LisaPetrarca In the shadows of despair, I walk through the world without a care. The memories of you still linger everyday, I cannot understand why you were taken away.  Agony and sorrow fill my heart, as I ponder all the things that were left unsaid before your abrupt depart.  I carry the burden throughout my life, as I try to go ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6732/Poem-Shadows-of-Loss/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6732/Poem-Shadows-of-Loss/ Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:05:48 -0700 LisaPetrarca I was a single mother of three boys for seven years.  Raising boys without a father in the picture can be pretty tough.  I decided to be more of a father figure to my boys.  I took them out to play sports,  I didn't baby them when they got hurt,  and I would tell them to get up, they're okay if ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6719/Single-Mom--Raising-Boys/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6719/Single-Mom--Raising-Boys/ Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:11:09 -0700 LisaPetrarca This is a very sensitive subject not only for the children involved but as a parent.  It is frustrating & hard to understand.  Why is it that some children continually wet the bed well into their teens?  My son had this problem.  I spent so many nights trying to stop him from drinking after 7:00pm, to having an alarm to wake him ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6713/Older-Children--Bedwetting/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6713/Older-Children--Bedwetting/ Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:30:59 -0700 LisaPetrarca We've all been there, the moment you look in the mirror and wonder, WHAT HAPPENED? Whether you've just had a baby or you are just putting on the pounds as you age, I found an incredible way to stop the cravings. I have a terrible sweet tooth. The more I would try to diet, the worse my cravings would get. ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6614/Lose-Weight--Stop-Cravings/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6614/Lose-Weight--Stop-Cravings/ Mon, 02 Jul 2007 19:24:07 -0700 LisaPetrarca  I was told I should put my son on ADHD/ADD medication, but after doing intense research and reading the statistics of the number of children who turn to drugs as adults after being on ADHD/ADD medication, I opted for a different method. My son who is now 18 years old was diagnosed with ADD and a learning disability (which is ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6607/Help-For-Kids-With-ADHDADD/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6607/Help-For-Kids-With-ADHDADD/ Sun, 01 Jul 2007 20:30:31 -0700 LisaPetrarca So, the big day has finally arrived, my oldest son and stepdaughter are graduating from high school.  Money, money and more money, this is what you have to look forward to senior year.  I was not aware of the outrageous cost that we would be incurring this year.  Senior pictures, cap and gown pictures, yearbook picture page,  graduation announcements, senior breakfast, grad night party, ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6361/How-To-Survive-Graduation/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6361/How-To-Survive-Graduation/ Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:23:54 -0700 LisaPetrarca  My inner strength only seemed visible during times of difficulty. I always considered myself someone who played it "safe". I didn't try out for anything in high school until my senior year because I was to afraid of the rejection. I knew that my senior year was the last shot I had to do something in High School, so with ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6256/Inner-Strength--Overcoming-Difficulties-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6256/Inner-Strength--Overcoming-Difficulties-/ Tue, 10 Jul 2007 08:30:31 -0700 LisaPetrarca  Summertime, signals a sense of freedom, a time to get outdoors, and away from the stress of work and household responsibilities. The problem then becomes, so much to do, so little time, pool parties, barbecues, camping, beach trips, oh how we all look forward to summer. I used to think that planning a summer vacation was the way to make ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6255/How-To-Have-The-Best-Summer-Vacation-/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6255/How-To-Have-The-Best-Summer-Vacation-/ Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:55:54 -0700 LisaPetrarca  After seven years of being the "Brady Bunch" family, I can say that I have finally mastered the art of mothering my children vs. the stepchildren. Now when I say verses, in the beginning that is what it felt like. My children were trying to compete with his children for attention, love, equality and finding their place! In 1999 the ... http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6231/How-to-Be-A-Great-Step-Parent/ http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/6231/How-to-Be-A-Great-Step-Parent/ Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:18:56 -0700