The rules for raising children are in constant mutation!  These changes include everything from the rules of whether baby sleeps on her back, side or tummy to toliet training, to discipline, to how your child should learn at each age.

One thing that never changes for this grandmother though is her unconditional love for her grandchildren.  Yes, there is discipline.  It is necessary to set boundaries for safety and in order to learn to function in society.  However, the discipline is always accompanied with love and the boundaries outlined in caring.

In fact, this grandma often will take her five-year-old grandchild in her arms and sing the second verse of the poem, I love myself the way I am, by Emma Jane Rae.

It is a powerful affirmation of unconditional love.  Here are the words.

I love you just the way you are
There is nothing you need to do
When I feel the love inside myself
It´s easy to love you
Behind the tears, your rage and fears
I see your shining star
And I love you just the way you are

I know the child loves it because she will climb into my lap and begins the tune for me with a smile on her face. Yes, this, too, is important for my age-esteem.

Bonnie Fatio

Happy Mother’s Day to All the Women of the World!

Whether you are a mother, grandmother, aunt, godmother, fairy godmother or friend, this is YOUR day.

Thank you for all that you do to assure that our children and grandchildren grow to be happy, educated, concerned citizens of our planet.  Thank you for your guidance and unconditional love. All of us at AgeEsteem are grateful to you.

Happy Mother’s day!

Bonnie Fatio

Happy Mother’s Day!

Most countries have a special day to celebrate mothers.  Mother’s Day is a wonderful occasion for traditions:  children make little gifts and cards in school; bouquets of flowers are gathered; poems are written; mother’s chores are done by others so she can rest…  There are multiple ways to make a mother feel special.  Why not try one of the following?

• Make a picture album with photos of you and your mother and grandmother.
• Create a book of Memories with Mom.  Fill each page with a special memory.
• Sprinkle her home with notes of love.  Put notes in places where she is sure to find them: refrigerator, medicine cabinet, pillow on her bed,…  On each note write something that you love about her.  This can be fun to do with your children for their grandmother.
• If your mother is no longer alive, adopt a mother for the day.
• Reach out to women who have touched your life and remind them of what they mean to you and that you love them.