In this issue:

1) Val’s Views: Learning to Write Articles Quickly

2) Parenting corner: Are You Hurrying Your Child?

3) Stress buster of the month: Can You Sing in the Rain?

4) Time Management: Take Your Time

5) Money Saving Tip: Does It Pay to Buy in Bulk?

VAL’S VIEWS

Learning to Write Articles Quickly

When you’re trying to establish a web presence, you’ll find that you must learn to write articles quickly. You need articles for content on your website. You will frequently hear people say that content is king! The more content you add, the quicker you’ll attract a following. Then, you need to also frequently contribute to article directories as a method of promoting your website.

What can you write about? Some typical article starters are product reviews, opinion pieces, how to articles, tips and techniques. You can also use a list of keywords as a catalyst for article ideas.

The stronger your background in the topic you’re trying to write about, the easier it will be to write the article quickly. Since writing for the web must be done quickly, research must also be done quickly. Rely on search engines for an overview, and visit news sites for up to date information.

The ability to write quickly comes with practice. In your early attempts at article writing, you may find that it takes an hour or two to write an article. With practice, you’ll eventually be able to write a 400-500 word article in twenty or thirty minutes. Improvement isn’t likely, though, unless you are writing every day.

Don’t overcomplicate what you’re trying to do. An article consists simply of an introduction, the body of the article and a conclusion. It may be helpful to write an outline ahead of time, or even just a list of three or four points you want to make in your article.

If you can, leave the article alone for a day or so before going back to read it and critique it. You’ll see it with a fresh, more objective eye. Revise the article if necessary.

Like any skill, your ability to write quickly will improve with time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you’re at the stage where it takes you an hour or more to complete an article. Keep practicing, and the ability to write articles quickly will come.

********************************************

Are you looking for a place to get started? If you’re looking for a way to start making money on complete autopilot without your own list, website or product - then this 'secret weapon' from my friend Ewen Chia will shock and thrill you. Ewen has created a revolutionary *turnkey* system that has to be the easiest way for ordinary folks to make real money for once...check it out yourself at secret affiliate weapon.

PARENTING CORNER

Are You Hurrying Your Child?

What is the most competitive adult sport? Some experts say it is parenting. Many parents over-enrich their child’s environment and over-schedule them, encouraging them to participate on one or more teams, have music and dance lessons and be tutored in school subjects. Too many commitments leave both children and parents frazzled.

Even parents of babies are encouraged to over-stimulate their children by piping Mozart into nurseries or showing videos that will supposedly teach their child to read or do mathematical calculations ahead of everyone else.

Parents often gauge their own success by comparing their child to everyone else’s child. They want their child to walk and talk and learn to use the potty ahead of schedule. They want their children to excel academically and athletically; to consistently perform better than everyone else.

The underlying message that a child is not good enough if they are not #1 at everything can lead to teenage depression, substance abuse and even suicide attempts. We need to de-emphasize over-stimulation and accomplishments. We need to embrace our child for his or her uniqueness.

The best support parents can offer is to communicate that they know their child is good, intelligent, talented and deeply loved, regardless of whether they are the very best at everything. Children need to enjoy hobbies, not work at them like jobs.

Families need to embrace the joy of just being together – camping, taking a walk, playing cards. Children need to know they are loved just the way they are.

Parents need to give themselves a pat on the back for doing the best they can. They need to allow each child to unfold into the unique creature he or she is meant to be.

Raising kids isn’t a competitive sport. We can set role models of enjoying our own life at a less than frantic pace. We ourselves would benefit from rushing a little less and reflecting a little more.

.

********************************************

STRESS BUSTER OF THE MONTH

Can you sing in the Rain?

by Michele Rogers

Singing in the rain brings to mind the old movie with Gene Kelly, singing in the rain. For today’s generation, most do not know who Gene Kelly was. No matter, have you gone out when it was raining and just soaked up the rain and fresh air? So, you get a bit wet, you won’t melt. By taking a bit of your time, next time when it is raining and go outside and soak up the rain, you may find it to be very relaxing. Breathe deep and enjoy! You will not melt like the wicked witch in Wizard of Oz. Although some that are overweight probably wish they would melt off a few pounds. When was the last time you walked through a puddle of water and splashed? Take time in your busy schedule and do it, its fun! These are all stress busters. You will feel so much better. You will also find that craziness, and fun can have a catching effect on others. Splashing in water, like a sound machine is very calming. Any water sounds can have a calming effect on others. So think back, when was the last time you splashed in a puddle? Was it when you were a child? Lets face it kids are drawn to all puddles. Let the kid in you come out to play. Show others and family members you too can have fun. So the next time your around a puddle, splash the kids ! Show everyone you can sing in the rain! Author is Michele Rogers, owner of http://www.lilyputtshomedecor.com Lilyputts Home Decor, and http://www.backyardfancy.com Backyard Fancy. Both online stores feature home and back yard decor and both have blogs where you can read tips on decor and view featured items. Please visit Backyard Fancy and Lilyputts Home Decor for descriptions and product presentations.

This article is provided by Amazines.com - The Ultimate Article Database

********************************************

TIME MANAGEMENT

Take Your Time

Hurrying can become a habit. We can literally spend tons of energy just on racing the clock, trying to meet deadlines, some of which are not as pressing as we make them.

As C.S. Lewis said, “The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”

Or as Will Rogers said: “Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.”

It seems to me it would be in our best interest if we deliberately started working to slow down. We can stop and smell the roses. We can kick back and put our feet up. We can treat ourselves to a hot bath. Take a nap or spend an extra hour in bed if you can.

Above all, take your time.

********************************************

MONEY SAVING TIP OF THE MONTH

Does it Pay to Buy in Bulk?

One strategy that can save both time and money is buying in bulk. It may seem obvious that if you buy items in a large quantity when they are on sale, you are saving money and trips to the store. The thing is, you have to know your prices. Just because a merchant has an item marked “sale” doesn’t mean it costs less than items sold in a smaller quantity. One would assume that the per unit cost of an item would automatically decrease as the quantity purchased increases but that is NOT automatic. Always calculate the cost per unit.

If you are buying in bulk, make sure you are able to use each item before the expiration date.

Storage space is another factor. Do you have a way to store excess quantities?

Avoid buying on impulse. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it. Buying things you don’t need isn’t a way to save money!

********************************************

If you haven’t checked out our resource page recently, be sure to visit http://www.work-at-home-parenting.com/workathomeresources.html

I’ve also added a page of ebooks under $10 at

work at home parenting bargain ebooks

I would be happy to hear from you if you have any requests for something you’ve been looking for and can’t find or something you want to see more of. Fill out the contact form at http://www.work-at-home-parenting.com and I will be sure to get back to you promptly.

Best of luck on your journey,

Valerie Dansereau

http://www.work-at-home-parenting.com

Don’t just build a website! Build a website that works.

http://buildit.sitesell.com/valerie2.html