* More than half of U.S. households have pets, and many of them are including their "best friends" in holiday plans. * According to a survey conducted by Pet Supplies "Plus" chain, 97% of its customers will buy gifts for their animals this Yuletide season. * 28% of owners will spend more on their pets than on their spouses when buying gifts. * 47% will spend more on their pets than on relatives other than their spouse. * 54% will spend more on their pets than on their in-laws. * 83% will wrap their pets' gifts. * 68% claim that their pets will unwrap presents themselves with their paws. * 71% will buy something practical for them.

Buying gifts for our pets is only half it. If someone we know is a pet lover, we often show our support by giving person a pet-related gift. And, since saying goes, "love me, love my dog", there's often pressure to throw in a little dog gift for Spike too. For a casual dog-loving aquaintance, our dog lover gift might be a simple coffee mug with a picture of their favorite dog breed. A set of plush doggie-themed golf club covers could make an amusing gift for a colleague. Maybe Aunt Janine has a collection of dog figurines we can add to. Or, at other end of spectrum, one could splurge on a diamond-studded doggie themed bracelet for wife (although I wouldn't recommend this as an anniversary gift. Unless you're verrry sure.) and a new house for Spike. The good news is, there's no shortage of goods and services to inspire even most rabid of dog lovers and dog gift shoppers. And dog lover gift shoppers. Whether names on your gift list are human or canine, you'll never run out of things to buy and places to shop. If you're one of those gifted gift givers who's never at a loss for what to get and where to find it I envy you. If you're more like rest of us, and you need a little help, you'll find plenty of ideas online (Ahem!). You can also look for future articles in this series, in which I'll hone in on various ways you can pamper and reward dogs and dog lovers in your life. So go ahead, spoil your furry friends. Celebrate your love for your dog, and your sister in law's love for her dog. Shower them with goodies and gifts. It's a dog's life. And if I get to come back for another round, I want it to be as one of those lucky dogs!!

· Maintain consistent routines. Children feel more secure when there is a standard routine. At times, some parenting issues require communication and coordination between parents, if child spends time with both parents. Both parents don't have to do things exactly same way, but it is easier for children if most things are similar at each home. · Set limits and rules clearly, and enforces them. But within these limits do allow leeway for your children to be children.

4. Continue to hold reasonably high expectations for children, regardless of trying circumstances.

Help your children have positive feelings about themselves. Children who feel good about them usually succeed. They seem to get better grades in school, they are better at taking on hard jobs, and they try their best. Also, they tend to make better friends because they seem surer of themselves. As parents, you can play an important role in helping children have positive feelings about themselves. Here are some ways you can help your children to feel good about them.

· Help them learn to set realistic and reachable goals so they can regularly achieve success. Praise them for success. · Give your children responsibility so that they feel useful, and valued. Asking nothing of them implies that you think they are not capable of doing a job well, which is demeaning. · Encourage them to make decisions, and teach that they must accept responsibility for those decisions.

5. Shield children from their parental disagreements and resentments.

Stop fighting and work hard to get along with each other. Rumbles of discontent between parents leave children feeling insecure. It is therefore so important for you and your partner to try to agree on matters related to children and their needs. You can employ strategies such as:

· Be able to step back and keep your feelings about your ex-spouse separate from those you have about your children's parent. Many people make lousy husbands or wives, but they are terrific parents. · If you cannot be civil with your ex-spouse, then work out a plan and set up rules so that your child does not have to witness your wrath. Let your children feel with ease rather than going through a gauntlet of your venom for each other. · Get to work on resolving your feelings about your ex-spouse. That means if you can't get over this yourself, get some help. Other people are suffering besides you, and those other people are your children!

Certainly, some children still do best after divorce and separation. All their parents did were employing tested divorce parenting approaches that really work. You can raise healthy, happy and successful children even if you're divorced. Follow above approaches for your children sake.

Copyright by Ruben Francia. All Rights Reserved.

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