Make The Most of Winter Family Vacations

By Ian Botham

For some families there is nothing better than good old winter family vacations. There are some really fabulous places to travel to if you like winter family vacations and want to get out there in the snow and get active, or maybe just lounge around in a luxurious chalet.

If you are interested in planning and making the most of your winter family vacations but you are not sure where to start, then know that there are a few basic steps you can follow which will help you through the entire planning process of your trip.

Where to go
One of the very first things you are going to have to determine is where you want to go for your winter family vacations. Aspen, Austria, the Rockies, Montana, there are some really great choices, areas that are beautiful and breathtaking and perfect for a family winter vacation.

Where to Stay
The next thing you have to do is find a place to stay. There are many different types of accommodations that you can choose from including lodges, chalets, resorts, and even condos that offer a kitchen and living room. It all really depends on how many people you are traveling with, what your interests are, and what you are looking to do during your time there.

If you want to spend a day on the slopes and then come home and cook your own dinner, then a condo is going to be your best option because it is the most similar to a regular house and offers the amenities that you are going to be looking for here. If you would rather the option of ordering room service then a hotel may be more your style.

What to do
Of course one of the most important things for all winter family vacations is deciding what it is that you are going to do. If you have younger children coming on the winter family vacations then you are going to have to include them in activities, whereas if it is just you and a partner you can go skiing on treacherous slopes, go dining and dancing for the night, or just relax in a hot tub overlooking the beautiful snow-lined landscape.

Winter vacations always offer a great time for the whole family and are even perfect if you are planning on going solo on the trip. Just make sure that you plan properly beforehand so that you have everything taken care of and can really make the most of your time there.

Ian Botham runs his own online sports goods mail order business as well as several sports related websites. Check out this great Ski Vacations site or the more specific Heavenly Ski articles and resources.
http://www.heavenlyski.net

Holidays With The Family - Talking Politics & Stirring Up Conflict

By Paul Davis

Political views that permeate and run throughout our families differ and delight us all. Undoubtedly such political persuasions make for a great intellectual and very stimulating conversation. How else could we truly discover the values of our loved ones?

As a master in negotiations, conflict resolution, transformative mediation, and advanced interrogation I truly enjoy all the intense conversation and amusing emotional outbursts I experience at big family gatherings when everybody "comes together" and further discovers new things about each other.

Apart from grabbing for a drumstick, some desperately want a little health care also to be provided by the government. Some women want a handsome President and therefore feel Romney is their man. Other women eager to assert their rights like Hillary. Many blacks and young voters like Obama. Republicans who claim to be pro-life while supporting a war that kills innocents daily in Iraq have their own personal favorites.

Guys like Fred Thompson's vivacious wife. Liberals like Giuliani as he's been divorced a couple times and isn't overbearing in regard to sexual orientation. Military servicemen like McCain as he wants to win the war more than the election, or so he says. So much political posturing going on and yet so early before President Bush says good-bye, though he's already begun work on his presidential library.

Such issues and many more make for political Thanksgiving ramblings. As if there wasn't anything better for us to talk about. Yet we like to hear and discuss issues in this country. That's what makes our nation great and preserves democracy. The freedom of speech is paramount to secure the rights and privileges of the people.

So grab the best resources of all - my new Pulitzer Prize nominated books for history and poetry respectively to heat up the dinner discussion and prepare yourself adequately for some political conversation.

Long live the United States of Arrogance! After you can't take it any more and need some peace for the soul try Poems That Propel The Planet - Love, Liberation, & Reconciliation.

Paul Davis is a highly sought after professional speaker, life purpose coach, worldwide minister, and change master.

Paul is the author of several books including United States of Arrogance, Breakthrough for a Broken Heart; Adultery: 101 Reasons Not to Cheat; Are You Ready for True Love; Stop Lusting & Start Living; Waves of God; Supernatural Fire; Poems that Propel the Planet; and God vs. Religion.

Paul's compassion for people & passion to travel has taken him to over 50 countries of the world where he has had a tremendous impact. Paul's organization Dream-Maker Ministries is building dreams, breaking limitations & reviving nations.

Paul inspires, revives, awakens, impregnates with purpose, imparts the fire of desire, catapults people into a new level of self-awareness, facilitates destiny discovery and dream fulfillment.
Contact Paul to minister, speak at your event or for life coaching:

RevivingNations@yahoo.com407-284-1705

http://www.PaulFDavis.com
http://www.DreamMakerMinistries.com
http://www.CreativeCommunications.TV

Where To See Help For Depressed Family Member?

By Rachel Broune

The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment for depression. This may involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until the symptoms of depression begin to abate (several weeks), or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs. The very nature of depression can interfere with a person's ability to get help. Depression saps energy and self-esteem and makes a person feel tired, worthless, helpless, and hopeless.

Offer emotional support. This involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Do not disparage feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer hope.

Do not accuse the depressed person of faking illness or of laziness, or expect him or her "to snap out of it."

Learn all you can about depression.

Learn all you can about the helping system for depression in your area.

Bond with your friend. (That is, in the depressed person/helper relationship) Learn to communicate with the depressed person.

Encourage and help them to strengthen themselves physically, mentally and emotionally as much as possible given their depressed state.

Do provide the depressed person with practical help, as you are able. For example, you may provide them with babysitting; this can be especially helpful if they need to go to a therapy appointment or support group. If possible and appropriate, you may provide financial help. Do model positive behaviors. One of the best ways to influence someone else to become more healthy, is to be more healthy yourself. Be a good role model for your depressed friend or family member by living a positive, growing, balanced life yourself.

When helping someone who is depressed, don't expect the depressed person to overcome his or her depression all by himself or herself. When depressed a person can't "pull himself or herself up by his or her boot straps." The depression relates to chemical changes which have taken place in the brain. A person can't just change his or her brain chemistry back to normal.

Depression and dual diagnosis affects the whole family. There are many ranges of emotions from anger and fear to hopefulness and hopelessness. Having others that have experienced it before can help eliminate unhealthy coping mechanisms such as isolation, shame, control and low self-esteem.

Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional: We are all going to feel pain in life never mind a home with mental illness. Surround yourselves with knowledge, self-care, experienced support and nurturing. There are no such things as victims ... only volunteers.

Make a list of early symptoms such as sleep, appetite and mood changes. Early intervention is the key to stopping a downward spiral. Determine what worked in the past to get the person with clinical depression back on track and do the things that worked before.

Research shows that medication in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy is more effective than medication alone. Combined with therapy, the person who is clinically depressed may need to make lifestyle changes, including dietary and exercise changes. The family needs to find ways to reduce stressors by simplifying their lives.

Listening carefully can also make you more aware of signs of suicide which should not be ignored.

Rachel Broune writes articles for depression. He also writes for anxiety and phobias.

Family Visits in Boston

By Valerie Wilk

The moment I married a man who had nine brothers and sisters, I couldn't help but wonder what I was getting myself into. Though I don't have anywhere near that many family members, between my husband and me, we have our fair share of sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews who love to visit from every corner of the U.S - especially since we moved to Boston.

With its rich history and fun atmosphere, Boston seems to be our family's hot spot for spring break, summer vacation, or any three-day weekend. And since we're the only ones who live in the New England area, we've quickly learned the best places around town to keep our many visitors entertained.

My sister-in-law and her family recently visited from the Southwest - anxious to experience the beautiful fall landscape of Boston in October. Since she has three little kids, I was so glad we had recently bought a brand new 2008 Buick Enclave - with enough room to seat 7 people comfortably.

Just moments after they got off the plane, we were cruising around the city in the Buick Enclave. Wanting to take our guests to a French brasserie along the Boston waterfront called Sel de la Terre, we headed in that direction. But soon realized we weren't sure exactly where it was! Thanks to the OnStar® Navigation system in our Enclave, we were able to find it in no time and enjoy what we locals like to call the best bread in the whole New England region.

That weekend our guests were treated to all our favorite Boston attractions. From the Revolutionary history of the Freedom Trail to a Boston Red Sox game at the infamous Fenway Park, we hardly let any grass grow under our feet. And whether we brought picnic baskets or a whole lot of Red Sox souvenirs, the Enclave always had room to spare!

One morning we piled into the Buick Enclave for a day trip to Salem, Massachusetts. The kids dressed in their Halloween costumes to take part in this year's Haunted Happenings Opening Parade. I must admit, the drive to Salem was pretty rowdy with a witch, a princess and a Jedi singing The Monster Mash in the back seat. And even though it was a short trip, I was glad we could tune the music towards the back of the Enclave so the grown-ups could enjoy a more comfortable (and a little less noisy) outing.

In Salem, the kids had a blast marching in the parade and everyone enjoyed the haunted houses. We also checked out some of the historical buildings that signify Salem's "spirited" history. It was as fascinating as it was spooky!

As our final event of the week, we left the nieces and nephew with my neighbor and spent the last few days in Providence. Just a couple hours south of Boston - Providence has some beautiful areas, such as Water Place Park and Riverwalk. From Venice-inspired bridges to gorgeous flower gardens and scenic views, it was the perfect getaway for my sister and brother-in-law before they had to head home.

Overall, it was one of the best visits we've had since moving to Boston. And I know everyone (including myself) felt like they were in the lap of luxury thanks to our Buick Enclave. Now it's time to plan for the next family member to come into town, but at least we have the knowledge of the town and the transportation we need to make each visit even better than the last.

About the Author: Valerie Wilk is a newlywed who loves to explore Boston in her Buick and eat all the lobster she can get. As a writer and travel enthusiast, Valerie creates articles for many online publications. For more information about the Buick Enclave visit Offersbybuick.com

Family Therapy for Happy Families

By Kevin. Smith

What is family therapy?
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims at solving family issues through family counseling. In a family therapy treatment multiple or all family members are involved as this technique considers family as one unit. The emphasis is on the members who are directly related to the problem. Issues like marriage, divorce, children-parent relationships, family conflicts, depression, addictions and similar family issues are generally handled by family therapists. The focus of family therapy is on family relationships and family interaction. Instead of pin pointing the cause family therapists work on solving the issue by emphasizing on the strengths of the family unit.

What does a family therapist do?
Family therapy sessions have helped hundreds of families live together happily and peacefully. A family therapist informs the family members about the family as a unit and the importance of each member performing his/her roles effectively. A family therapist helps the family members to resolve conflicts through effective communication minimizing the gaps. Family members are made to realize the significance of family as a unit. Their behaviors are analyzed and if they need to change their conduct they are explained why and how. Family therapy is a very effective technique to create happy families.

To resolve issues family therapists conduct regular sessions after intervals. They ask the family members to do certain activities or behave in a particular way to resolve issues and to attain the objectives of family therapy sessions. Family therapy works best when people involved understand its importance, are convinced, and willing to participate to resolve issues.

In what areas does family therapy help?
Family therapy for parent-child conflict: Parent-child relational problems are very common and can arise due to indifferent attitude of parents or child, bad company, less time for children, disagreement on various issues, etc. Family therapists work towards achieving a better understanding to resolve conflicts. Family therapy can also help family members solve on-going issues in family life, like problems at work, raising children, social relationships and relationships between family members.

Family therapy for Learning Disabilities: Family therapy can treat children with learning disability (USA) or development disability (UK). Learning disability refers to low general intelligence of the person in comparison to others. Family therapy can develop cognitive-social-emotional competencies in young minds and guide children to control their emotions and enhance their performance.

Family therapy for Marital Issues and Divorce: Family therapy can transform relationships gone sour into happy relationship through therapy session for couples. Family therapists educate both members about handling conflicting situations tactfully. They also try to resolve issues that can lead to happy relationship through in-depth discussions and change in attitude.
They encourage the couple to make a new start.

Family therapy for Chronic Medical Illness: Family therapy also works well in case a family member is suffering from chronic illnesses like AIDS, which can cause mental trauma to the whole family. Family therapy discussion sessions enable families to handle this difficult situation and help the patient overcome illness with a positive attitude.

Apart from the above listed issues, one can also contact a licensed and qualified family therapist to resolve issues related to family violence, child abuse and incest, death in the family, traumatic incidents, etc.

Ackerman Institute for the Family is dedicated to helping families and devoted to train family therapists. For more information, please visit: http://www.ackerman.org.

Kevin is a freelance writer and has written many informative articles. This time around he has written article on “Family Therapy for Happy Families”.

Family Support and Interaction While Working at Home

By Tara Martindale

Working at home sometimes cuts you off from the world outside and it may become lonely after time. Adult interaction is limited especially if working on line and phone conversations are minimal. People who work at home should make a special effort to go out and socialize with friends and family. This will keep them from feeling lonely and isolated while working at home. More work performed over the phone may also help with this. Meeting new people, even if it is over the phone, can keep things interesting and exciting.

The family may not view a work at home business and a legitimate business because the person gets to stay home. Especially in the beginning when the profits are not rolling in and a lot of time is spent learning and reading. More time may be spent away from the family when in the learning stage and the family may not take a liking to that. How can this be resolved to keep family peace?

A simple conversation about what is needed to start a work at home business and the time involved may be all it takes to make a family understand why so much time is spent on a business. Some may need more convincing and may also need to feel involved. This may help the family, especially children, not feel left out or abandoned.

If the children are old enough they can help out with small tasks such as, filing paper work, organizing office supplies, proof reading articles, clicking traffic exchanges if those are being used as an advertising tactic, coming up with ideas for advertising and articles and passing out or posting flyers around town. They could even make the flyers if their art skills are good enough.

Sometimes just being in the office with you would be enough for children, especially the smaller ones. Set up an area for them with their own table or desk and give them some supplies to color or draw with or small toys to play with to keep them busy and occupied. This may make them feel closer to you and allow them to interact with you so they don’t miss out on time being spent with you.

Spouses can get involved also. They can proof read or type out articles if they are prewritten. Advertise you and your business at their work place by word of mouth, posting flyers, emailing friends and coworkers and handing out business cards. If they would rather not get involved with the business but want to spend time with you, maybe they can help out more around the house so the chores are done and you’ll have more free time to spend with them after your work is complete.

It can sometimes be difficult to balance work and family but it is not impossible. Find the right schedule for you and your family and run with it. Be sure to make an effort to spend time with the family though, as they can get left behind in the shuffle of making your work at home business a success.

Tara Martindale specializes in helping people find the best work at home business opportunities available. Visit Tara's Work at Home Business Opportunities site for details.

Disney Cruise Ships Offer Something for the Entire Family

By Richie Wells

If you are looking for a different type of vacation that the entire family can enjoy, a Disney cruise is certainly one to consider. Of the many cruise lines that are on the ocean today, few can cater to every age and preference as well as the Disney Company can. Disney Cruises makes it possible for even families with young children to enjoy a vacation at sea with complete comfort and entertainment available for everyone. You can take a quick trek to the Bahamas or spend a week in the Caribbean and Mexico. For longer vacations, there are Mediterranean and transatlantic itineraries available as well. No matter where you want to go, Disney Cruises will get you there in plenty of style and fun.

The Ships of Disney Cruises
Currently, Disney Cruises has two ships in its fleet; the Wonder and the Magic. These two ships are sister ships meaning that they are similar in size and structure. The ships were created in the style of the classic cruise liner, and this timeless elegance is found throughout the interior and exterior of the ships. The only difference between the two ships is primarily the itinerary that you choose. In 2011 and 2012, Disney plans to add two more ships to its fleet that will be considerably larger than the current ships. While the Wonder and the Magic hold about 2400 guests, the new ships will hold up to 4000. There has not yet been information about what the itineraries will be for these new additions, but you can bet that there will be considerable excitement when these new Disney cruise ships make their debut.

Unusual Dining on Disney Cruises
One of the features that makes Disney cruises unique is their rotational dining system. Instead of one large dining room, or two matching dining areas, Disney provides three unique dining experiences that are all completely enhanced with the Disney magic. Each night, you get to try out a new dining room to enjoy the ambiance and menus that each area offers. The really exciting part of this rotational dining idea is that your wait staff travels with you to the various locations. So while you are checking out the splendor and beauty of each dining area, your wait staff will come right along side you, remembering your drinks of choice and exactly how you like your food cooked and served. It is truly an advantage for families traveling with children, since the kids never have time to get bored at meals with new things to look at every night!

Besides the beautiful ships and unique dining, Disney cruises has created an entire vacation at sea with the entire family in mind. State rooms are bigger, and there are family suites available to house groups of four or five. Entertainment is consistently up to the Disney standard, and is always family friendly. You will never be at a loss for things to do, or places to see. Try a Disney cruise for your next family vacation and watch the magic come alive.
Rich Wells runs his own online travel business. His particular specialty is cru
ises. Check these great Cruise Ships ideas and info.

Top Family Vacation Destinations

By Jolana Klobouk

Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family resorts that have fun sports and activities for the whole family, all inclusive resorts where meals are included and kid clubs? Here are some of the most popular beach destinations for families to unwind and relax:

Mexico
Mexico, especially the Cancun area, and Mayan Riviera, an hour’s drive south of Cancun, is a popular place for family beach vacations. The Mayan Riviera is one of the regions of Mexico - and the world- which offers the richest variety of landscapes and archaeological treasures including Mayan ruins, coral reef, snorkelling lagoons, and eco-theme parks such as Xcaret. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and attractions throughout Mexico welcome families with open arms.

Jamaica
Jamaica is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Caribbean Islands and is one of the top family-vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Many of Jamaica’s resorts offer supervised children's activities, babysitters, family discounts, and kid's meals. Jamaica has an abundance of top all-inclusive chains including: Sandals Beaches, SuperClubs Breezes resorts and Club Med. There are also many other family vacation options such as the Franklyn D. Resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, where families have their own vacation nanny during their stay.

Turks and Caicos
On a 12-mile stretch of satiny white-sand, Beaches Turks & Caicos is one of the premier family resorts on the island.With separate programs for infants, toddlers and teens, each is designed to give each age the activities they love. So when you're off doing your thing, they're off doing theirs. There are many other resorts to stay at this idyllic family beach destination

Bahamas
Home to the Atlantis Bahamas resort and many other excellent family resorts, there will not be a dull moment on your Bahamas family vacation. Blessed with the perfect location-less than 100 miles off the coast of Florida, the perfect climate- averaging a little over 75 degrees, and the perfect surroundings-crystal clear turquoise blue waters and pearly white beaches, the Islands of the Bahamas is the perfect destination for your next family beach vacation.

Hawaii
A Family Hawaii Vacation has it all. Beautiful beaches, world-class golf, surfing, shopping, swimming, top notch hotels, condominiums, eco tours, national parks, warm weather, and cool ocean breezes. The four islands that are popular for a family Hawaii Vacation are Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.

Florida
Florida is a popular family beach destination because the climate is warm year round, it is easy to get to, it offers good value for your money, there are endless options for sightseeing and attractions for you family depending on what area you are in, and the beaches in Florida are numerous. In addition to beach destinations and of course Walt Disney World, there are tons of other family outings including Universal Studios, Sea World, Bush Gardens and many more.
Don’t Forget Family Cruises

This is a very popular family vacation option and my personal favorite. Cruises with kids offer great value, choice and freedom! There are a lot of misconceptions about cruising such as it is only for older people and not suited for families, it is too rigid, there is nothing to do, you’ll feel trapped, you’ll get seasick, it’s too expensive! All is these statements are false and could not be further from the truth. Bring your kids along on almost any cruise and they'll have the time of their lives.

Jolana Klobouk is a former travel agent who has traveled extensively for work and vacations with her family. She is the editor of http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com and http://www.FlyFromCanada.com Visit them for great travel information.

A Cheap Bahamas Vacation Can Be The Perfect Family Holiday

By Suzane Gray

In today’s world of deadlines and hectic schedules our lifestyle leaves us little time to relax. A vacation with our close ones can help us unwind and rejuvenate our stressed body and soul. A cheap Bahamas vacation could be just the solution for your knotted nerves and economic budget. A call to a reputed travel agent can give you the complete schedule of the places that you could include, budget for the entire trip and the list of fun activities that you could do on your vacation. The internet has made this task even easier. A click of your mouse could give you access to numerous websites that offer detailed schedule for a cheap Bahamas vacation and you get the luxury of planning your trip form the comfort of your home.

The Bahamas are known for the idyllic locations and scenic beauty besides having numerous opportunities for adventure lovers. The crystal clear water also has a soothing effect on stressed out nerves of travelers and holiday makers. A cheap Bahamas vacation could therefore be the ideal opportunity to bond with your loved ones whom you may have neglected in the daily humdrum of regular life. Since a vacation is a time when we generally lose our inhibitions and find ourselves amidst the surroundings it provides a great chance to reunite with people who were alienated due the hectic workload that kept us busy throughout our regular life. A vacation is also prescribed to burnt-out individuals by therapists who feel that a holiday could work wonders for our subdued personality. A cheap Bahamas vacation could therefore help us touch base with our soul.

A cheap Bahamas vacation would also provide us ample scope to bond with nature and discover our timeless connection with the elements. It might have been ages since you noticed the rustle of leaves as the wind passes through them or the ripple created on a water body when a stone is thrown into its centre. A cheap Bahamas vacation could help you rediscover these little joys that you had long forsaken with the passage of time. It is no wonder that people who have been n a vacation to these beautiful islands come back with memories that last them a lifetime.

Photographs clicked and movies created on handy cameras are lovingly cherished through the years and fondly displayed to friends and family each time you want to relive your vacation.

The perfect gift for your parents on their anniversary or as a reward to your daughter who has fared well in her examinations could be a cheap Bahamas vacation. The thoughtful gesture on your part of accessing the web and planning a trip to the Bahamas will always be treasured by the loved ones and make the trip even more memorable. So next time you feel all tied down and under stress all you need to do is enter the world of internet and surf a website that provides detailed instructions regarding various holiday packages. Selecting a cheap Bahamas vacation could be the key that could unlock your soul and rejuvenate your body and mind in a uniquely refreshing manner.

Suzane Gray has been offering Bahama travel and vacation packages advice for quite some time. To find Cheap Bahamas vacation packages, freeport bahamas, Cheap bahamas vacation, Bahamas travel package that best suits your needs, visit www.gobahama.com

How Vacation Ownership and Timeshares are Helping Family Relationships - More Famililies Buying It

By Lori Wilk


Vacation ownership and timeshare is definitely helping families get together again and in a more comfortable style as the fast-growing vacation lifestyle choice.

Whether you have a small or large family, if you have people you love, you feel obligated to see them and spend time together. This doesn't mean that you don't also need a vacation. Let's face it, we love our family members, most of the time, just kidding, but it can be very stressful visiting family members.

Anyone who says that there's no stress in juggling the commitments of getting together with family members is probably not being honest with themselves. The more people you plan to visit, the more arrangements you need for the logistics including lodging, transportation, and all those meals.

Timeshare and vacation ownership is changing the way families visit and vacation and helping take some of the stress out of these family visits. There's a huge difference between visiting in someone's living room and sleeping on an air mattress and then sharing a bathroom with 7 or 8 other people as compared to staying at a luxury resort with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenities such as swimming pools and outdoor barbeque grills.

Now that we own our vacation, we select a resort to stay at which is close enough for our family to come to us and enjoy the quality time together. Most of the time, we are flying into their city and have already spent money to get within an hour of their home location and we've taken time off of jobs to be with them. It's great to have the family come to our resort and then to have them leave and go back to their own homes so we can have a combination visit and vacation.

Our adult children are also coming to our city more and staying at the ownership resorts instead of our living room. They tell us they like features such as shuttle service to drop them off in town so they can have some recreational activities and shop and make their time fun and our family-time together less stressful.

In fact, the happier the family members are with the vacation ownership and timeshare, the more they are looking forward to family get togethers and this is changing our family for the better. Vacation ownership could just might be best thing that ever happened to yours.

Lori Wilk, MBA is a high-energy, Las Vegas motivational speaker, author, and producer of television, radio, internet, and live events.

She hosts "Successipes" at http://www.success-talk.com about success in business and living. If you enjoyed this article, syndicate me, add me to your web site , or click on http://www.loriwilkarticles.com. c.2007 Lori Wilk.

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