I realize opening up this can of worms can lead to heated debate and death threats. But if we all agree to keep our tempers in check (if not read this article here on tantrums and how to avoid them) and talk about the benefits and negatives of the spanking position. I’ll be up front and honest with you on my beliefs. I believe babies and very young toddlers should not be spanked. However, I do believe that toddlers who are old enough to start showing their will and are capable of making a decision that defies what mommy and daddy say can be spanked. My husband and I spanked all three of our children during their growing up years.

First let’s start with the definition of what a spanking is. When I speak of spanking I am talking about a couple of swats on the bottom of a child. Even as they grow older the only place to physically discipline a child is on their bottom. I have slapped a hand of a toddler or two as well. We used spankings from our children’s toddlerhood to their middle school years. The purpose of a spanking is for the child to understand that the disobedience that they committed was not allowed or could have harmed them. The intent was not to hurt them physically or injure them in any long standing way. The sound and sting of a spanking when properly done is used to let the child know not to defy the authority in his life again and for the mind to bring up the unpleasant consequence if the temptation should visit him again.

I know that spanking is not in vogue right now. And those who do not believe in the practice share that violence only leads to more violence. My view is that anarchy leads to ruin. There are laws and consequences from the laws of Mother Nature to the laws of society, we as humans need to be taught that authority in one’s life can be good. We all need to learn this and follow it so our neighboring humans can enjoy a quality of life as well as us.

With that being said I do believe that hitting and striking a child is wrong if you are not using the rules of swatting on the bottom. If a parent’s true intent is to train a child not to do disobedient behavior then the adult must be in complete control of themselves and have at the forefront of their mind what the purpose of the spanking is really for. It is ok to send a child to their room and for the parent to wait until they are calmed before you go in to disciple the child. We used the approach of sending the child to their room, one of us would follow shortly ask the child if they knew what they did wrong if they did they would tell us if not we would tell them. Then we would ask them to lie over the bed and then swat their bottom. Afterwards we would cuddle and talk letting the child know that we loved them. To this day my kids know that even if I am angry with them I will always love them.

I’d love to hear what you think about spanking. Have you done it or do you believe that your form of discipline is better? Drop me an comment and let me know.

Ron and Shawn make up the “Odd Couple.” We are a husband and wife team who have been together for the last 27 years. We have laugh, cried, fought, made up, and made more mistakes then any two people could. Through it all we have raised the greatest three kids in the world! We would like to offer you a free report we put together titled 10 Marriage Help Tips Report with video. Click here for the report. Here is a picture of us at the World Famous Ft Worth, TX  Stockyards

If you are a parent then you have been an audience to some form of tantrum from your child. The first time your child throws a fit it might take you by surprise and you wonder where that show of temper came from. When they are little it might even seem cute when a child shows his temper but please don’t be tempted to laugh it off and not make it a learning experience for your child. Believe me, your child will learn something from the tantrum and it is up to the parent on what that lesson will be.

What might a couple of reasons for a tantrum and what you can do to help put avoid them. As a young toddler your child is working on the tools to be able to communicate his wants and needs. When they are unable to communicate these wants then that might be the trigger to set your toddler into a tantrum. The best thing a parent might be able to do is pay attention to what the child is trying to communicate. Get down on their level, look them in the eye and let them know that you are listening to them. Often times, the fact that you are paying attention to them and trying to help them can sooth the child and help end an ugly mood.

Another situation that might bring about a tantrum could be their physical, mental and emotional attitude, usually wrapped up in the one word, tired. Nothing sets up the stage for a tantrum faster then your child being tired. This is such an easy situation for a parent to avoid if they think ahead. Do not plan outings right before nap times and get home in time for dinner and bedtime. Avoiding a tantrum is as simple as making sure your little one gets the rest they need.

Spoiled children throw tantrums because they have learned the lesson that all they have to do is pitch a fit and they get what they want. Parents who give in to the demands of a tantrum are not doing their children any favors. If you have a child who believes they should have a toy or some type of treat every time they go to the store and will throw a tantrum if they don’t receive one then you have a spoiled child. The best way to avoid this behavior in your child will take some time but the best way to start is to talk to your child telling them the behavior you expect. Keep the shopping short, do not spend a long time in the store and then if the behavior is acceptable praise your child. Telling them what a big boy they are, how good they where, etc. but do not buy them anything. This will be a process that will last for several months, just do not give in and buy them anything. If they are naughty and throwing a tantrum take them out of the store and go home.

Now that we talked about what might be a couple of reasons for a tantrum and what you can do to avoid them. Remember to listen to your child so you can see if you can help them tell you what they need and to avoid frustration for them. Also, if your child is tired it is easy for them to spiral into a tantrum. Make sure to let them rest and don’t ask them to be on their best behavior when you know they are going to be cranky and hard to please. Also, remember that the pattern you start when they are young they will learn to expect. So, if you don’t want to be held hostage of always buying a toy or treat for your child when you go shopping don’t begin the habit. You, your child and those around you will regret the decision you made when they were younger. The most important thing a mom and dad a can do to avoid a tantrum in their child is to agree on a way to handle the situation right from the beginning and to be consistent every time a tantrum is displayed.

Ron and Shawn make up the “Odd Couple.” We are a husband and wife team who have been together for the last 27 years. We have laugh, cried, fought, made up, and made more mistakes then any two people could. Through it all we have raised the greatest three kids in the world! We would like to offer you a free report we put together titled 10 Marriage Help Tips Report with video. Click here for the report. Here is a picture of us at the World Famous Ft Worth, TX  Stockyards.

Today, I wanted to share with you Mother Goose a personalized kids book. If you aren’t sure what a personalized kids book is look here.

The great thing about this particular book is that is can grow with the child. It not only has the nursery rhymes that you grew up with but also the personalized story that has your child’s information in it. This is a beautiful book for a baby shower and any holiday present for your special baby.

Below you will be able to see both parts of the book.

Old King Cole was a merry old soul, and a merry old soul was he. He called for his pipe and he called for his bowl, and he called for his fiddlers three.

One sunny day Lylia Fardello, age 2, from Michigan was enjoying the afternoon with Megan, Samantha, Jamie and Jaclyn. Suddenly, Mother Goose landed in front of her. “Oh fiddle de de, fiddle de dum, I was visiting Old King Cole and I have lost my way home!” exclaimed Mother Goose.

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe. She had so many children, she didn’t know what to do. She gave them some broth, without any bread. She whipped them all soundly and put them to bed.

“Please do not worry, Mother Goose. I will help you find your way home,” Lylia offered eagerly. They soon came upon an old woman living in a giant shoe. “Let’s ask for directions” suggesed Lylia. There were so many children playing that Mother Goose and Lylia didn’t know what to do.

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall, all the King’s horses and all the King’s men, couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty together again.

In the distance Lylia saw brightly colored balloons flying high in the air. So, they strolled down the cobblestone road toward Humpty Dumpty’s house. “Oh help, I’m falling!” yelled Humpty Dumpty. “We will put you back together again,” reassured the king’s men. Everyone was very busy helping Humpty Dumpty, so Lylia and Mother Goose decided to ask someone else for directions.

Little Miss Muffett sat on a tuffet, eating her curds and whey. Along came a spider, who sat down beside her and frightened Miss Muffett away.

“Up ahead I see Little Miss Muffet sitting on a tuffet. I’ll be she can help,” said Lylia. But everyone was frightened away by a huge spider wearing a little brown hat. Lylia was so scared she wished Megan, Samatha, Jamie and Jaclyn could have been there to help.

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary. How does your garden grow? With silver belles and cockle shells, and pretty maids all in a row.

They wandered a while and came upon a beautiful garden of colorful flowers with smiling faces. “The blossoms are beautiful, Mary, Mary! How does your garden grow?” inquired Lylia. “With silver bells and cockle shells and pretty maids all in a row,” answered Mary, Mary quite contrary.

Sun Light, Star Bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.

If you would like to see the rest of the book visit us at Kidz Fun Media where you can order your own Mother Goose book.

Ron and Shawn make up the “Odd Couple.” We are a husband and wife team who have been together for the last 27 years. We have laugh, cried, fought, made up, and made more mistakes then any two people could. Through it all we have raised the greatest three kids in the world! We would like to offer you a free report we put together titled A Special Report on Information about Personalized Children’s Products. Click here for the link. Here is a picture of us at the World Famous Ft Worth, TX  Stockyards.

With the passing of Whitney Houston this week I like many thousands of others have thought about her and the beautiful music she sang. Her movies and the incredible talent she was. My favorite movie that she was in was “The Body Guard” and I loved the song, “I Will Always Love You.” The song is bittersweet but if you look at the words it is the way to truly love someone in the most unselfish of ways. Putting the other person and their happiness before you even if it means that you will hurt and miss them but are they words that will last in real life? The verse in the song that has the following words is the lesson that all of us should have for those we proclaim to love. “I hope life treats you kind, and I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of. And I wish to you, joy and happiness. But above all this, I wish you love.” *

The words, I hope life treats you kind are easy to utter when we are happy with our spouse and on the same thought process and agree with each other. There are times however when our spouse might be growing faster in his job then we are. Or when life seems to be going so easy for them and it is not the same for you. You are happy for the other person but deep down the resentment can grow. You need to re-evaluate your situation and ask are you truly wishing that your spouse is treated kindly in life always or is it true only when you are receiving the same treatment from life.

I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of is a beautiful statement in theory or on a painting with a magical picture in the background. When it comes to real life and used in a marriage or a relationship setting sometimes it is a statement that causes more friction then warm fuzzy feelings. Dreams are wonderful and we often admire a person who chases those dreams and when it seems that the person gets all that they have dreamed of their significant other can get left in the dust. Great care has to be given that a dream includes two people growing at the same time. A young couple would do well to hear the others dream to see if it fits in with their own dream.

I wish to you, joy and happiness. What beautiful sentiments to send to the one you love. Whatever could be wrong with these words? These are emotions and something that we have talked about before and how emotions are not a good thing to rely upon in a relationship. For the first time that you are upset or angry the joy and happiness you were wishing can turn to uglier emotions. When you are in a relationship there has to be a deeper anchor then the emotions that can change with the circumstances. The wish that would help a couple out more would be a wish of loyalty and longevity.

But above all this, I wish you love. It seems like the right thing to wish for someone that you care deeply for. But, I prefer action verbs when we talk about relationships. So something better then wishing would be the giving of love. To give you love, the unconditional love that is needed in a relationship. To give you loyalty and longevity in our relationship. To give you the freedom to dream and grow even if the same is not true for myself. I’m not a song writer and I’m sure my lyrics wouldn’t sell millions of records. But what I do hope is that it can help those of us in real relationships meet the demands of love in real life.

* a verse from the song by Whitney Houston, “I Will Always Love You.”

 Ron and Shawn make up the “Odd Couple.” We are a husband and wife team who have been together for the last 27 years. We have laugh, cried, fought, made up, and made more mistakes then any two people could. Through it all we have raised the greatest three kids in the world! We would like to offer you a free report we put together titled 10 Marriage Help Tips Report with video. Click here for the report. Here is a picture of us at the World Famous Ft Worth, TX  Stockyards.

Love, marriage and romance have been in the air at our house for the last year. It started last summer when our oldest boy got married and has continued through to this year with our daughter getting engaged this last Christmas Eve and her wedding is coming up in July. I have looked at more wedding magazines and wedding invitations and cakes then ever before.

I love the atmosphere of love and happiness in the air. Valentine’s Day does that for me too. What are you doing for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day? This year, with the pinch of finances, because of two weddings almost within a year of each other and the economy. I was wondering what I could do for my man that wouldn’t cost any money but show him how much I love him. You are welcome to use some of these ideas for your own loved one this Valentine’s Day.

1. Time is something that we can give to our men. I’m not talking about the fixing dinner, yelling at the kids, and surfing the internet with him in the room, nodding as he scans the TV telling you about his drive home. Long ago in our marriage we were trained that the first 30 minutes when Ron gets home we spend them talking. Doing nothing else and giving our full attention to each other. We usually use this time to determine what is going to happen the rest of the evening. The important thing is we connect. Also give your love a big old kiss when they get home. Touch is an important element for a person.

2. Words of love and kindness. Most of us spend a lot of time with strangers and co-workers talking to them with respect and give pats on the back to them. But when was the last time you complimented your mate? It doesn’t have to be a big thing simple household chore that have to be done but show gratitude toward your love one and you will make their day. Did he take the trash out? Thank him for it. Did she cook dinner? Give her a wink and compliment her meatloaf. Nobody can make it as good as she can. You might give a strange look especially if you have not complimented much in the past but they will like it. So today, make sure to find something you can compliment your spouse about.

3. Attitude is very important. Think what a happy upbeat attitude would do for the special person in your life. If you sent them off to work with a hug, kiss and a smile telling them to have a good day. Your spouse would float through the day with a smile on their face eager to head home back to you at the end of the day.

4. Show respect for your significant other in front of others. If it be in front of your mother or your children or any one else, we need to be careful with the things we say to others about our loved one as well as to them. Respect can also be shown in our actions towards them, when they are talking turn towards them, engage them in conversation and treat them as another adult if nothing else.

5. Touch is so important to a person’s psyche. For most their love language is touch. A kiss, hug, a back rub, touching their hand as they walk by all of these things signals to your mate of your care for them.

So, this Valentine’s Day if you would like to give your special Valentine something that is much more important then a card and some chocolate think about the above gifts that you can give to them and spend absolutely no money.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 Ron and Shawn make up the “Odd Couple.” We are a husband and wife team who have been together for the last 27 years. We have laugh, cried, fought, made up, and made more mistakes then any two people could. Through it all we have raised the greatest three kids in the world! We would like to offer you a free report we put together titled 10 Marriage Help Tips Report with video. Click here for the link. Here is a picture of us at the World Famous Ft Worth, TX  Stockyards.

 Top Five Free Valentine’s Day Gifts to Give To Your Special Valentine

Love and marriage and romance have been in the air at our house for the last year. It started last summer when our oldest boy got married and has continued through to this year when our daughter getting engaged this last Christmas Eve and her wedding is coming up in July. I have looked at more wedding magazines and wedding invitations and cakes then ever before. I love the atmosphere of love and happiness in the air. Valentine’s Day does that for me too. What are you doing for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day? This year, with the pinch of finances, because of two weddings almost within a year of each other and the economy. I was wondering what I could do for my man that wouldn’t cost any money but show him how much I love him. You are welcome to use some of these ideas for your own loved one this Valentine’s Day.

1. Time is something that we can give to our men. I’m not talking about the fixing dinner, yelling at the kids, and surfing the internet with him in the room, nodding as he scans the TV telling you about his drive home. Long ago in our marriage we were trained that the first 30 minutes when Ron gets home we spend them talking. Doing nothing else and giving our full attention to each other. We usually use this time to determine what is going to happen the rest of the evening. The important thing is we connect. Also give your love a big old kiss when they get home. Touch is an important element for a person.

2. Words of love and kindness. Most of us spend a lot of time with strangers and co-workers talking to them with respect and give pats on the back to them. But when was the last time you complimented your mate? It doesn’t have to be a big thing simple household chore that have to be done but show gratitude toward your love one and you will make their day. Did he take the trash out? Thank him for it. Did she cook dinner? Give her a wink and compliment her meatloaf. Nobody can make it as good as she can. You might give a strange look especially if you have not complimented much in the past but they will like it. So today, make sure to find something you can compliment your spouse about.

3. Attitude is very important. Think what a happy upbeat attitude would do for the special person in your life. If you sent them off to work with a hug, kiss and a smile telling them to have a good day. Your spouse would float through the day with a smile on their face eager to head home back to you at the end of the day.

4. Show respect for your significant other in front of others. If it be in front of your mother or your children or any one else, we need to be careful with the things we say to others about our loved one as well as to them. Respect can also be shown in our actions towards them, when they are talking turn towards them, engage them in conversation and treat them as another adult if nothing else.

5. Touch is so important to a person’s psyche. For most their love language is touch. A kiss, hug, a back rub, touching their hand as they walk by all of these things signals to your mate of your care for them.

So, this Valentine’s Day if you would like to give your special Valentine something that is much more important then a card and some chocolate think about the above gifts that you can give to them and spend absolutely no money.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

To receive your free Fiery Hot Top 10 Marriage Help Tips Report with the videos click here.

Please join us at The Odd Couple Blog

Shawn

Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love. – Erich Fromm

Chi’s Corner

This month is all about love and believe me I know plenty about love. The humans in this house all love and adore me. I wouldn’t have it any other way; I can usually use this influence to get a night time cookie or pig’s ear. If you have a cutie at home (human or hairy) who had a fun Valentine’s Day please email the picture to us at support@theoddcoupleblog.com. We would love to feature your cutie in our next Ezine.

Remember that influence I was speaking of. I got my people to give you a free ebook called Hundreds of Things You Can do to Better Your Relationship. Just click here.

Helping Your Child to Love Reading Part 2

Last month we shared part 1 of this report. We wanted to continue on with it this month.

Let the Questions Begin

Ask questions when you are done reading. Treat him like an expert in what he is reading. What was your child’s favorite part of the story, which was his favorite character? What didn’t he like about the story who where his least favorite characters? How would he of liked the story to have ended? Make sure to take his opinions seriously.

Write and Talk, Too

While reading with your child is most important, there are other activities that help to get children ready to read. With a solid foundation, your child will not only read, but will read with enthusiasm.

Begin long before you expect your child actually to read, and continue long after your child is an independent reader.

Talking about Stories

* Have your child tell stories like those you have told. Ask: “And then what happened?” to urge the story along.

* Listen closely when your child speaks. Be enthusiastic and responsive.

* Encourage your child to express him or herself. This will help your child develop a wide vocabulary. It can also help with pronouncing words clearly.

Having a good audience is very helpful for a child to improve language skills, as well as poise in speaking. Parents can be the best audience a child will ever have.

To The Library We Go

Visit the library. Learning to use the library is a true lifetime skill. Do start early. Get a library card in your child’s name and one for yourself if you don’t have one. Go to the children’s section and spend time reading and selecting books to take home. Check out books yourself to show your child everyone can use and enjoy books and the library. Be sure to introduce your child to the librarian and ask about special programs the library has for children.

One of the most powerful tools in creating a child aiming for success is to create a hunger to learn. This can be done with just a regular visit to your local library. Make it a must have activity for your week, getting out a mix of both non-fiction and fiction books for them to read. Teach your child to check the table of contents and the preface or introduction of a book to find out what is in it.

Help them find books on that topic to investigate further. For older children make sure they learn the different services offered by the library such as reserving books, using the computers or other media opportunities. Encourage your child to join any reading programs that might be available. They can also learn how to look up authors and subjects of special interest in the card catalogs.

With computers in every home it might be tempting to use that as a child’s only source of finding information. But surround yourself with books first and you’ll be setting up a life long journey of self education and success.

As you can see the beauty of a public library is that there is something for every age.  For toddlers of 18 to 36 months old they enjoy activities that they can be active and included in such as finger plays, rhymes and songs. These are activities that help with the development of language skills.

Let Their Interest Lead the Way

Your child may go through a period when they favor one book and want it read night after night. It is not unusual for children to favor a particular story, and this can be boring for parents. Keep in mind, however, that a favorite story may speak to your child’s interests or emotional needs. Be patient. Continue to expose your children to a wealth of books and eventually they will be ready for more stories.

Children’s reading interest depends on many different things some of which are their general intelligence, the development that they have in their reading skills, their likes and dislikes, where they live, their age and gender.

The outside influences that touch a child’s life leads to curiosity on their part. If they drive by a construction site they want to know how the equipment is run. If they spend the day in a park the interest in insects and bugs become important. Why is the sky blue, the grass green and the tree trunks brown? These are all great ways to open up the world to your child and to help them understand how it operates around your child. That is the correct time to find books that have these subjects in them and expose your child to stories that tell what they are curious about.

Your childhood memories of your favorite books can also help you to steer your child to some great titles that you know they would like but have not yet found on their own. The great classics that you enjoyed as a child might make the perfect story for those nighttime readings that you share.

Also, think of books as a way to broaden your child’s interest outside of their own little community. Reading books about different lands and people learning their customs. How different people dress and foods they eat, these are still concepts that a younger child will understand and find interesting.

Give the Gift of Books

Start your own home library. Designate a bookcase or shelf especially for your child. Encourage your child to arrange the books by some method-books about animals, holiday books, and favorite books.

Keep an eye out for inexpensive books at flea markets, garage sales, used book stores, and discount tables at book stores. Many public libraries sell old books once a year. You will find some real bargains!

Consider giving your child a monthly book allowance to encourage him to buy new books. Your willingness to spend money on books shows him how much you value reading. You can also subscribe him to a children’s magazine or a book of the month club that will foster his interest in reading.

It is not hard to build a child’s library. How many holidays do you hear from friends and family we just do not know what to get for the child? The adults in a child’s life will find it a breath of fresh air to be able to offer to the child in their lives that they love very much a book that they know will bring happiness and enjoyment for years to come. Nobody enjoys buying nor receiving the cheap plastic toys that will be broke tomorrow and also having an alternative to the games and equipment that go with the entertainment systems that many children have today.

The Free Reading Report 10 Tips to Get Your Child to Love Reading is a great resource for any parent. Get your free report here.

Love is a game that two can play and both win. – Eva Gabor

To fall in love is awfully simple, but to fall out of love is simply awful. – Bess Myerson

February Goals and looking ahead

In February think of new, inexpensive or free things you can do to show your sweetie that you love them. Chi shared a great free ebook with 100′s of things to do to better your relationship.

Look at the things you can do to help your child to enjoy reading. Download the instant report that will give you those tools.

Send in a picture of your cutie (child or animal) that enjoyed Valentine’s Day with you.

Shawn, Mrs. Odd will be in Atlanta in February at the NAMS conference. If you are going to be there make sure to say hi!

Next month has St Patrick’s Day. Start planning right now how you can use green technology to make our world a better place.

Love is not a matter of counting the years, but making the years count. – Michele St. Amand

About The Odd Couple:

Ron and Shawn make up the “Odd Couple.” We are a husband and wife team who has been together for the last 28 years. We have laugh, cried, fought, made up and made more mistakes then any two people could. Through it all we have raised the greatest three kids in the world! Mostly, we learned how to use commitment and communication to keep our marriage intact.

Our hearts break when we see the marriages and families struggle and at times not make it. We have no marriage counseling degrees just on the job training, our desire is to give you simple, back-to-basic principles to help your marriage and family life thrive and grow.

Here is a picture of us at the world famous Ft Worth, Texas Stockyards enjoying Christmas in the sunshine!

It seems that the media is being flooded with shows like “Dr. Phil” & “What Would You Do” that are featuring stories about children that are disobedient, hostile and come with a sense of entitlement. These kids think that they can and should have anything that they want. There is no thought in their heads for others or the idea of working for the high tech gadgets that any tweens and teens in today’s society thinks should have 24/7 at their fingertips. These demands are met and supplied by overstressed, checked out parents who will do anything for a smidge of quiet by their openly defiant child.

So what can we learn from Dr. Phil or any other parent that has been through this situation before to make sure that the above child this isn’t your child in the near future?

1. Responsibility – Good old fashion chores helps a child to learn that a family must work together because as a person in the family we have to do things that benefits each other. Cleaning their room, this should be one of the first chores that your toddler should learn. Pick up toys and make the bed, they will not do it as neatly as you can but you are teaching work ethic and they will get better as they get older. Assign easy chores for young preschoolers and give more responsibility as they grow.

2. School – it is your child’s responsibility to get homework done, to study for tests and to be a good citizen of their school. Make sure that your child lives up to their full potential at school. Are they capable of getting straight A’s then you should expect that from them. If they are doing their best and get C’s then they are achieving what they should. You know your child and what they can do.

3. Recreation – Children need to be able to play to release stress that builds in their lives. Make sure that your child has some form of physical activity but be warned about getting them into to many sports. You want them to be able to unwind not place more responsibility on their shoulders.

Being given every new iPhone, Xbox or whatever the newest gadget is does not necessarily help your child. A parent should be responsible for providing a roof over a child’s head and food in their belly. There are children in the U.S.A. who would be grateful for that. On the other hand we have kids who don’t know what work is nor any type of suffering feels like. As a parent we want to give to our children, let them have a better life then we had, give them things that make them happy. But we have to remember that we are raising the next generation and if the tools are never shared on how to be a productive person then what chance do they have to succeed?

Try this experiment the next time they ask for the newest gadget that is available on the market. Look them in the eye, tell them how much you love them and if they would like to get a job to pay for the item, the service contract that comes with the item and any type of financial obligation that comes with the item you will consider it after they meet the three items listed above for a month. Those four steps will help keep you from raising a Dr. Phil child.

Send me an email in a month and let me know how it is going.

Ron and Shawn make up the “Odd Couple.” We are a husband and wife team who have been together for the last 27 years. We have laugh, cried, fought, made up, and made more mistakes then any two people could. Through it all we have raised the greatest three kids in the world! We would like to offer you a free report we put together titled A Free Reading Report 10 Tips to Get Your Child to Reading.  Click here for the link.  Here is a picture of us at the World Famous Ft Worth, TX  Stockyards.

For the last several years we have had a section of our business that offers personalized kids products, we specialized that into personalized books, music and movies for kids. You might wonder what that has to do with The Odd Couple Blog? We deal with marriage & family and all that goes with it so anything dealing with kids is something we are excited about. And if we feel it can benefit your child plus be a tool you as a parent can use to teach life skills we want to let you know about it.

Personalized movies are so much fun! You can see the different ones available here. The technology for these movies changes so quickly right now it is difficult to explain how it works but for the most part all that is needed to make your child a part of a movie with some of their favorite childhood characters is a picture that has your child looking straight at the camera. The technology takes your child’s face and puts it on a character in the movie. Usually they have an adventure with a favorite character during the movie.

Next is the music that is made just for your child. Here are the titles that are available. Again the music is sang by favorite characters of your child. And then listen carefully and you will hear your child’s name repeated several times during the personalized music. These songs are songs that the child will know if they are familiar with the character. The only difference will be their name in the songs. Watch your child’s eyes light up when they first hear their name. Don’t be surprised when they clap their hand and dance to the beat. You can visit our YouTube channel and listen to some of the music here.

The backbone of the personalized kids products that we carry is our personalized books. These great books are just right for preschool to early elementary aged children. It helps wet their appetite for reading. These books are personalized with your child’s name, age, where they live and their friends. There are over 30 books that you can view here. These are great storybooks because on one side of the page the story is written and on the other side is a colorful vibrant picture that makes the story interesting and fun to look at. Here is a link to one of the favorite story, Batman.

These personalized products are a great thing to bring into your home for your children. They are a unique personalized item which it made just for your child. They are something special that you can not be bought off any supermarket store. They are also educational in the information that is given to your child in a fun and interesting way. They won’t even know that they are learning with these products but you as the adult will be able to see the benefit that are being offered. In today’s world it is so hard to find wholesome entertainment for kids, you don’t have that concern with these personalized products. Here is a link to see all of the products that are available.

Ron and Shawn make up the “Odd Couple.” We are a husband and wife team who have been together for the last 27 years. We have laugh, cried, fought, made up, and made more mistakes then any two people could. Through it all we have raised the greatest three kids in the world! We would like to offer you a free report we put together titled A Special Report on Information about Personalized Children’s Products. Click here for the link. Here is a picture of us at the World Famous Ft Worth, TX  Stockyards.

In sports by the time your team is good enough to have gotten into the Super Bowl some basic key foundations have been laid down, gone over and practiced for months and years. For any team to win there has to be a strong team effort put into place. This is not a one man sport. A playbook has been established and all the plays learned by the team players. The different coaches have been chosen and there in nothing left but for the team to get out there and play. There are parallels that can be made from preparing for the Super Bowl to how to be in your marriage.

The first thing to consider is the team effort that your marriage will require. We can look at the beginning of a relationship like you are a free agent. You have to decide if you are going to sign up for this team or walk away and go somewhere else. But once you decide you are joining the team of your marriage you need to be committed to it one hundred percent. When you are part of a team you are dedicated to it, work at it to do anything that you need to do to make your team win!

The playbook is the most important part of any team that is working together and that includes your marriage. With a playbook all the members know what plays to run, what to expect out of the other members. That is just as important when it comes to you and your spouse having certain plays agreed upon before either of you are confronted with a decision. It keeps arguments from occurring and helps you to know what the other person would want done in certain situations. Keeping harmony in a marriage is a wise thing to develop early on.

And like any good football team there are coaches, staff and referees. These people are there to guide the team, to support them and to let them know when they are not playing fairly. The same people are available in a marital situation, they might not always be appreciated but they are important to the health of the marriage just the same. The coaches are people who can help you make wise decisions in your marriage, perhaps your parents, the church and others who have a better understanding of long term consequences that may happen if you make a wrong decision today. The staff is there for support somewhat like friends and family who want nothing but good for each of you and your marriage. The referees are people who you respect enough that when they point out problems there is a willingness to listen and make adjustments for the betterment of the marriage.

So this Sunday as you sit around the TV eating nachos and enjoying the Super Bowl game all I ask is that you give the same kind of dedication and work to your marriage that you give to the NFL. Remember, the Super Bowl can give you all the knowledge you need to succeed in marriage.

Ron and Shawn make up the “Odd Couple.” We are a husband and wife team who have been together for the last 27 years. We have laugh, cried, fought, made up, and made more mistakes then any two people could. Through it all we have raised the greatest three kids in the world! We would like to offer you a free report we put together titled 10 Marriage Help Tips Report with video. Click here for the link. Here is a picture of us at the World Famous Ft Worth, TX  Stockyards.

1. Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love. – Erich Fromm

2. Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit. – Khalil Gibran

3. Relationships require 100% commitment 100% of the time

4. Love is loving what your lover loves. – Anonymous

5. Where there is great love there are always miracles. – Willa Cather

6. Love is not self seeking, it’s not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong. (1 Corinthians 13:5 )

7. Love is saying “I feel differently,” instead of “You’re wrong.”
- Anonymous

8. He who finds a wife finds what is good. (Proverbs 18:22)

9. Pray for God’s blessings on your marriage.

10. Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards.
- Benjamin Franklin

11. Pray for your spouse today.

12. Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. – Robert Frost

13. You know you love someone when you know you want them to be happy, even if their happiness means that you are not a part of it. – Anonymous

14. Love is a game that two can play and both win. – Eva Gabor

15. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. –Genesis 2:24

16. To fall in love is awfully simple, but to fall out of love is simply awful.
- Bess Myerson

17. Love is not a matter of counting the years, but making the years count. – Michele St. Amand

18. Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate. ~Barnett R. Brickner

19. Love is free…..share it, give it, embrace it! It is not perfect, it is messy, often cranky, full of twists and turns. Love anyway. Love again. Believe in miracles.

20. Pray for God to help you be a better spouse.

21. A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. ~Mignon McLaughlin

22. You cannot be lonely if you like the person you’re alone with.
Wayne W. Dyer

23. Love is everything it’s cracked up to be. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for.- Erica Jong

24. A man falls in love through his eyes, a woman through her ears. – Woodrow Wyatt

25. The shortest distance between two people is a smile. —Author unknown

26. There is no remedy for love but to love more. – Henry David Thoreau

27. Love doesn’t make the world go ’round, Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. – Franklin P. Jones

28. Do you love me because I am beautiful, or am I beautiful because you love me? – Oscar Hammerstein II (Cinderella)

29. Don’t marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can’t live without. – James C. Dobson

30. Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years.~Simone Signoret

31. Marriage, ultimately, is the practice of becoming passionate friends. – Harville Hendrix

32. Every good relationship, especially marriage, is based on respect.
If it’s not based on respect, nothing that appears to be good will last very long. – Amy Grant

33. Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthian

34. Love is like a butterfly, it settles upon you when you least expect it. – Anonymous

35. Guys are like stars, there are millions of them, but only one to make your dreams come true. – Anonymous

36. Sometimes new love comes between old friends. Sometimes the best love was the one that was always there. – Anonymous

37. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up …                I Corinthians 13:4

38. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for her…     Ephesians 5:25

39. Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future. – Paul Boese

40. To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. – Bill Wilson

41. If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, its yours forever. If it doesn’t, then it was never meant to be. – Anonymous

42. To get what we’ve never had, we must do what we’ve never done. (Anonymous)

43. Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. – Hamilton Wright Mabie

Ron and Shawn make up the “Odd Couple.” We are a husband and wife team who have been together for the last 27 years. We have laugh, cried, fought, made up, and made more mistakes then any two people could. Through it all we have raised the greatest three kids in the world! We would like to offer you a free report we put together titled 10 Marriage Help Tips Report with video. Click here for the link. Here is a picture of us at the World Famous Ft Worth, TX  Stockyards.