If you would like to surround yourself with magnificence,  join the community Social Media Girlfriends!

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Hello Divas!

Many of my clients struggle with toxic relationships. How do you protect yourself and avoid unhealthy relationships? I wanted to share a post of mine that was very popular when published in MOMeo Magazine. Take a look and let me know your thoughts!

xoxo
Dabney

I have been hosting the Social Media Manners chat for over one and a half years, and have enjoyed every single moment of building a community of people who value positive interactions on social media.

About Last Night…

Last night our guest for our live chat was Klout.  As most of us know, Klout has become the industry standard for online influence measurement.  Most of us value our ability to use social media effectively and we tend to take such measurements seriously.

Typically in the chats that I host, I value that the hour is not about my guest, or me but about the community.  The hour is about you, the individuals who allowed our community to become “US”.   For most chats, I will come up with a list of questions for my guest, and encourage your questions throughout the chat as well.  This allows you to engage and be heard.

Given the recent changes Klout has made, I knew I needed a plan to avoid confusion and to produce an hour where all concerns and questions could be addressed.   I asked for questions in advance and heard from many of you and was able to compile a list of questions that covered your concerns.

My goal was to avoid having our guest being inundated with hundreds of replicated questions. I announced our new format for the night many times prior to and during the chat.

Most of you followed the plan and I appreciate it.  In doing so you showed great respect to our guest and our community.  Respect in all relationships is key and a very core component to online success.

About Last Night…

Often, when boundaries are set and new rules are instituted, there are idivdiduals who will resist change, dismiss the boundaries and take it personally if they are asked to do modify their behavior.  As in all cases, this is about the person resisting change, not the actual changes being made.  When one is immature, reactions are often misplaced and amplified.   Just as the child who is given a cookie each day and then suddenly given carrots… what happens?  Think about it.  One word.  Tantrum.

Tantrum.  During our chat last night, we had a member of our community do just that.  I was shocked and dismayed, as this member of our community is one whom I have engaged with and connected others to.

What occurred was this; in attempts to gently send a reminder to stay on course with our format during our chat, I simply sent this tweet….

”Shhhhhh, hold your questions until the end. xo”

In return, this individual created a blog post.  In reviewing timelines, one can easily see the intent was clear.  The objective was to write the post and deliver it to our stream before our chat was over.   The post was titled….

“I was Thrown out of a Twitter Chat”

In reading my message again, I am not clear as to how my words could be interpreted as “Throwing someone out of a twitter chat”.  I was simply sending a reminder to hold questions until the end of our chat. In this case specifically, I knew that the questions being posed to our guest were on my list and I wanted to allow our guest to continue with her amazing content without disruption.

Let me be clear.  I at no time asked anyone to leave our chat and in no way felt it wrong to ask a member of our community to respect the format for our planned event which I prepared and moderated.

To leave our chat to write a post to defame my brand and our community was a breech of the very core values of which I speak to.  Such actions showed an ultimate act of disrespect, and I view such as an example of extreme immaturity and very poor Social Media Manners.

To act out of anger with intent to humiliate and diminish my professional standard, and then laugh and take joy in the fact that many of us were offended was disrespectful beyond measure.  To outwardly lie in a public blog post and say one was “thrown out of a chat” coupled with further untrue accusations was legally and ethically wrong.

About Last Night…

To the members of our Social Media Manners community, I thank you for your support and your defense of the words posted in the blog discussed and disrespectful tweets.   I appreciate that many of you are choosing not to respond to this person’s mentions or read the post as in doing so, we will continue to give this bully type behavior the intended results of increased web traffic.  In fact, in giving mention to such a person on twitter, regardless of the reason, we learned that our high Klout scores will in fact, give this person a score increase.

As I have stated many times ~ to bully another person on or off line is unacceptable.  However, we are only able to control our REactions to another’s actions.   I do believe in accountability however and feel strongly that one should not be allowed to simply post non-truths as a result of hurt feelings, grudges and tantrums.   Often accountability comes in many forms.  Legal, Social and yes…even Karma.  Time will tell as to what form accountability takes in this situation.

About Last Night…

Beyond the dissidence of last night, I learned much.  I learned I was valued.  I learned I was respected.  I learned what really matters is that in coming together each week as a community; we have formed a family and partnership making millions of impression in regard to Social Media Manners each week.

Let’s continue to focus on the amazing things we share and learn together.  Together, we have built an amazing community and surrounded ourselves with leaders in our industry and relationships we respect.

Let’s release the bully.  As in the playground of our childhood, when the bully is ignored…he will simply stomp off and target another group.

Goodbye Bully….  You don’t live here anymore.

I recently shared an article that was published in Momeo Magazine.  This is a must read if you are having difficulty with toxic friends!

Please  click here or on the picture below to read the article and come back to tell me what you think!

xoxo

Dabney

Recently, I have become very good friends with Tami C Gaines, the author of Preemie Parents. In her book, Tami shares her lessons learned as the mother of twins born at twenty five weeks into her pregnancy. Tami and I share the same desire to learn and grow through adversity and I am inspired by her story. As I watch my friend walk in her greatness, I am reminded of a lost chapter in my own. It is one that I seldom share or discuss and until recently, I never realized that this lost chapter in my story is one that has defined so much of who I have become today.

Some of you may know that I am the mother of two children. My daughter, the “Little Diva” is twelve and my son, “The Teen” is sixteen. What many of you do not know, is that I am also the mother of a “Little Angel” who left this world before she ever lived. Her name was Emma Turner Porte and on April thirteenth, I will celebrate her fourteenth birthday.

I recall with sadness, the day fourteen years when I noticed something was just not right. I was in my twenty-fifth week of pregnancy and had been feeling simply fabulous and excited about welcoming my second child. On this day however, I noticed that the blissful movement and stir of life within me had stopped. No kicking, no squirming from my baby. Just silence. I intuitively knew before I was told that something was very, very wrong.

Testing was ordered and I was sent to the hospital, as I was reassured that all was probably well. I recall my intuition telling me that was not so, yet hoping and praying it was. During the sonogram, the monitor was turned away from me and as the probe was rolled over my baby within, the technician’s face confirmed by biggest fear. Then doctor spoke the words that I thought I would never hear. “Dabney, I am so sorry. Your baby has died.”

I was not prepared. My body shook and trembled and I cried from the depth of my soul. I had never experienced such emotional and physical pain. It was as if the sounds of my sobs were coming from someone else. I clung to my swollen belly and cried for hours. In that moment, I learned what true loss felt like.

As I exhausted myself from crying, I looked within my soul for energy to go on. I knew I needed to take this journey of grief in a manner that would allow me to experience the pain fully so that I would find success in letting go and moving on. Even fourteen years ago, I knew I did not want to be a victim of adversity.

I delivered my sweet Emma two days later. We held her lifeless body in heated towels as I sang to her, kissed her and told her how sorry I was that she would not be joining us here. I still recall how beautiful she was. She was physically perfect and looked much like my twelve year old daughter looked on the day of her birth. When they took her from my arms, a piece of my soul went with her and I physically felt pain in my heart. The word Heartache now truly had meaning to me.

My journey beyond that day was more difficult than any journey I have taken since. There was the funeral, the maternity leave without a baby, the empty nursery, the wave of pain and the challenge of moving ahead looming in front of me.

Each spring, as the tulips and daffodils start to bloom and signs of new life surround us, I am carried back to memories of Emma. I think of how old she would be, what her passions would have been and what her laugh would have sounded like. I can clearly picture her when I close my eyes as I connect with her spirit that has quietly and privately surrounded me each day over the years.

For years, I have celebrated Emma’s unlived life privately, as many do not understand what if is like experience a death of a child in the manner in which I did. It is as though because her life was not lived outside of my womb, it was not lived at all.

Today I am choosing to celebrate out loud the gift that was given to me for those brief twenty five weeks. For you see, it is today that I realize that the pain of my past has lead me to exactly the place I belong. As my first experience facing true adversity, I challenged myself to walk through it and in doing so; I was led to this present moment.

During the funeral, words were spoken to offer peace. Many told me there was a reason for my loss, that God had his purpose. I was told in the end, we would all see the lesson Emma taught us. The words whispered to me on the day I lay my daughter to rest with my Grandmother, are the ones I recall most.

Only a daughter of yours would be sweet enough to never live, so that she could teach lessons to us all

Today, I now know the lessons I learned are ones I share through my work today. Adversity can in fact define us. It is up to us to choose how. In revisiting this lost chapter of my life that I seldom turn to, I smile. It is with a mother’s love that I realize it is my own child Emma, who taught me how to be a Diva. Through losing her, I realized the importance of getting better and not bitter when faced with a life changing moment of adversity, loss and pain. In the end, I became stronger and embraced my power. Fourteen years ago I started to walk in my magnificence.

I celebrate Emma for her gifts and thank her for teaching me a lesson long ago. It is my daughter who taught me the many lessons I would need to be prepared for future adversity. I believe it is Emma that sprinkles Diva Dust on me when I need it, giving me my sparkle. Today, I celebrate my most precious angel for giving me my Diva Wings and helping me soar.

xoxo Happy Birthday my Sweet Emma xoxo

~~~~~

Each month, I will be choosing a very special woman who inspires me and captures best, what I define a Diva to be ~ A woman who is walking in her magnificence and beyond.  A true Diva has that special sparkle which captures the attention of those around her.  Most importantly, a Diva is a strong woman who has the ability to recover from adversity, refusing to be defined by a painful experience.  Instead, she is able to learn and grow from a crisis or life changing event, making the choice to let go and move on.  She embraces her power as she walks right into her newly claimed brilliance with confidence and success.

The person I have selected for our first “Diva of the Month” captures the true essence of a strong and brilliant woman.  I have chosen her because she is someone who has inspired me throughout my life and touched my soul with her fearless determination and ability to recover from pain and trauma.  This amazing woman is my beautiful sister, Kim.

I did not choose my sister out of devolution to family or favoritism.  I chose her for the reasons I have discussed and because today is her Birthday.  I am a big believer that we should all celebrate ourselves and define our most perfect moments on the day set to celebrate our entrance to this world.  It is the perfect time to review our accomplishments and celebrate our success.  Many of us do not take the time to do so, and my sister is no exception.  So, in honor of her birthday, I wish to celebrate who my sister is, who she has become following adversity and what a gift she is to me and everyone around her.

Let me tell you about my sister Kim.  She is loving, giving and an amazing mother and friend.   She gives so much to many and expects nothing in return.  Kim will take in any stray animal or child and has been a safe place for many teens that have faced difficult times and were in need of a home and loving family.  She shares her time as a community volunteer, coach and advocate.  She has the energy of a teenager and a laugh like nun other.  When she enters a room, the sparkle is so bright you must slip on your Diva shades or you will be blinded by her brilliance.

Several years ago, Kim was involved in a life altering automobile accident through which she sustained multiple injuries and a significant loss.   Her vast injuries included serious injury to her entire body and significant facial trauma.  Kim has faced countless surgeries and pain that is unimaginable. Beyond the physical pain, on that day in which I believe her life was changed forever in a brief moment, she faced an unimaginable loss.  Kim’s very best friend, a woman who stood by her side through everything and brought so much joy to her life, left this world as she passed away.

I remember sitting by my sister’s side for days and weeks in the hospital after the accident.  Only days earlier, Kim and I returned from a “girl’s trip” to Mexico where we had the most amazing time. I was in shock that the beautiful, radiant woman I had seen dancing in the sun just days ago was the same person lying in a hospital bed covered in bandages and medical equipment.  Her facial injuries were significant and her beauty was hidden by swelling and bandages.  The only recognizable reminder of the person I loved so much and hugged goodbye in Mexico as we boarded different flights home was the hint of pink on her still tanned toes.   I recall the initial hours when the trauma physicians looked somber, unable to tell us if my sister would be ok; unable to be certain if she would walk well, think clearly or ever really be “Kim” again.

As my sister regained awareness, she began to ask for her friend.  We were told to give her more time to heal   before being told of her friend’s passing, as her state was fragile.   Like me however, my sister is very intuitive, she knew before being told, that her friend was no longer with us and putting her questions off was not an option.  I recall the day the words of truth were spoken to Kim by her husband. The pain and loss in my sister’s eyes is something I will never forget.  My heart broke then, and it breaks now as I remember….

Close your eyes and think about the story I am sharing with you.   Imagine losing your most trusted friend in a moment when you needed her most.  Imagine still, the physical scars and pain that you are left with and years of surgery you knew lie before you.  What would you have done?  Often, I think about it, and as strong as I know myself to be, I believe I may have simply crawled into my bed, and never wanted to get up.  Such a life altering event like my sister endured may have taken my ability to walk in my magnificence away.

What I have witnessed over the last several years, is that this event did not take Kim’s emotional power away at all.  In fact, it is has given her more. Kim showed extraordinary strength within the days following the accident.  The doctors and staff looked on with disbelief and applauded her as she began to walk assisted and then alone, fighting the pain as she showed great courage.   Her persistence and determination in the weeks that followed beamed from her soul.  In those moments she seldom spoke of her feelings yet, I could hear her unspoken words, “I will not let this define me”.

Kim has recovered physically from her injuries, although she continues to have surgeries to address her facial trauma.  She has scars that would take a large toll on other women’s self-esteem, but she is not affected.  In fact, she feels and looks more beautiful than ever.  She continues to require all of us to put on our diva shades when she enters a room.  Her endless sparkle fills any space with a very bright light.

Moving forward, not only has Kim recovered physically from this experience, but emotionally as well.  She is simply soaring.  She stepped out of her fears and uncertainties and recently opened a small business in her home town of Simsbury, Connecticut.  Not surprisingly, her love of children and the worlds environment, led her to open Teenage Wasteland Consignments.  Her store has become a haven for teens who can recycle their clothing and purchase the latest trends affordably.   It has become the “cool” place to go and her energy attracts teens from across the state. Her business is exceeding her expectations but not mine.  My own words, remind me of why she has found success….

“If you do what you love, while being who you really are, you cannot hide from success”

Like many women, Kim does not see who she is as a gift to others and seems unaware and unable at times to believe that who she is and what she accomplishes as an exception to the norm.  What touches my soul so completely is Kim’s ability to overcome physical and emotional trauma without letting it define her.  In the end, my sister’s journey of pain has led her to become a stronger and more beautiful person. As I watch Kim walking in her magnificence, I am truly in wonder and awe.

So today I celebrate my sister.  I define this day a perfect moment.

“Always the best big sister”

Happy Birthday “My Kim” I love you!

XOXO

Dabney

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]]> http://divacoachdabney.com/blog/179/our-diva-of-the-month/feed/ 17 http://divacoachdabney.com/blog/170/the-lessons-learned-when-falling-in-love-with-what-you-do/ http://divacoachdabney.com/blog/170/the-lessons-learned-when-falling-in-love-with-what-you-do/#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:07:14 +0000 Dabney http://divacoachdabney.com/blog/?p=170

Hello my fabulous friends!

Many of you have probably been hearing much about bullies in news recently.  In fact, it seems there is a marked increase of news stories reporting incidents related to “the bully”.  It is clearly a problem in our society…and typically addressed as it related to the child/adolescent population.

As adults, most of can recall some type of interaction with “the bully” in our childhood.  Some of us have been targets and many of us were witnesses.  Years later, if we allow ourselves to recall, we are reminded of the shame we felt either as the target or the witness.  Have you ever wondered what happened to “the bully”?   Look around you…”the bully” is still here.

Although “the bully” in your current world, may not be the same person you had interactions with as a child…you can be sure that “the bully” of today is a grown up version of “the bully” from someone’s childhood.

You see, “the bully” never really changes.  Many studies report that children and adolescents who engage in such behavior will present with anti-social and narcissistic tendencies as adults.  What this means,  is the school yard bully is now the person who may be emotionally bulling you today.

Let me clarify what narcissistic tendencies in adults looks like.  This is the person who only seems to see situations from their view.  You may call them “self centered” or “self involved”.  People with narcissistic tendencies are unable to see situations outside of themselves.  The personality disorder affects the way they think and process which leads to lack of empathy and insight.  This individual may appear unwilling see things from “both sides”, when in fact, they are unable to do so.  Most individuals with narcissistic tendencies do not take responsibility for their actions.  More disturbing, is the clear observation that this person feels no remorse.  In fact, the narcissistic person will frequently feel an increase in self-esteem when they get what they want by manipulating others to achieve their goal.

Now, combine the narcissist tendencies that “the bully” has with the anti-social tendencies that are often present as well.   Anti-social tendencies include aggression, callousness, impulsiveness, irresponsibility, hostility, a low frustration level, marked emotional immaturity and poor judgment.   A person with such issues overlooks the rights of others, feels little guilt and does not respond to punishment or consequences.  Most disturbing, is that an adult with anti-social tendencies has great difficulty learning from past behaviors.  In fact, this person tends to rationalize his or her behavior and place blame on others.

As you can see, “the bully” is loaded with significant issues, none of which should be taken lightly.  Is there a “bully” in your world?  In real life terms, most people describe “the bully” as a person who basically has a temper tantrum to gain control of others.  These tantrums will lead you feeling angry or afraid. The bully will often put-down, embarrass, intimidate and engage you in behaviors that are belittling at best.  Most clients tell me, and I have experienced directly, that “the bully” who walks among us as adults, will typically only target the victim in private.  They have learned to go under the radar from witnesses.  That part at least has changed.  The “adult bully” has learned to not target on the playground.   Do you know someone like this?  Are you shaking your head yes?

The difficult part of defending yourself to the “adult bully” is most of us feel the need to prove to others that the behavior is occurring.  Trust me on this on…you need to prove nothing.  In fact, although “the bully” has learned some lessons…remember, this person does not seem to change as a result of such lessons.  “The Bully”, in time will show his or true colors to many, many others.  You have probably witnessed this yourself…you attempt to tell others of  “the bully” and not one person believes you.  Yet, months later…people are talking about their own experiences.  You see, “the bully” is sadly not in control.

What you need to worry about is the present moment.  If you are being targeted by “the bully”, here are some steps to take now.

• Assess the relationship

If “the bully” is someone you call a friend, you must reassess the relationship and why you are in it.  Be sure to read my blog post, The Friendship Divorce. If you are being bullied by anyone within your definition of family or friends, seek help to remove yourself from the relationship.

• Ignore “the bully”

Remember, you will not change another’s actions, only your reactions to them.  Keep in mind you are able to be empathic.  Understand that “the bully” is acting out of their own insecurities, fear and pain.  It is not about you.  It is about them.

• Do not enable “the bully”

Set those boundaries and limits.  Be clear, calm and firm.  State the behavior you do not like and state what is expected instead.  Remember, “the bully” will typically target people who do not stand up to him/her.

• Be careful

Be sure to monitor “the bully’ once you have defined boundaries.  Often, this setting such limits and stating your disapproval can escalate the bully.  Think about the young child who has a cookie each day after school.  Suddenly you give him a carrot.  What happens?  Tantrums.  Whenever we set boundaries with any dysfunctional relationship in our lives, the person may react badly.  If “the bully” physically threatens you in any manner, seek help and report this to the authorities immediately.  Remember, you are dealing with an emotionally challenged person who lacks social skills and impulse control.

Bulling can take many forms in our society.  From the playground to the cooperate word…within social circles and social media… “the bully” is present.  It is my hope that I have helped you to understand “the bully”.  Often, understanding the “why” behind behavior, will lead to ones ability to “manage” their reactions to it.

If you are experiencing difficulties with an unhealthy relationship or dealing with “the bully” I would love to help you.  If you are a subscriber to my bi-monthly “Diva Tips and News” you will receive a very special code to access a free thirty minute session with me on the Diva Line, so that we can work together on how to set boundaries and limits.  If you are not a subscriber, please subscribe soon, so you can access this very special code!

I would love to hear your stories…from your past or your present in regard to bullying.  Were you a victim?  Were you a witness?  Have you been bullied as an adult? if so, how?  Do you have advice on how to manage “the bully”?

I will close with a reminder on the importance of helping our children walk through the world where “the bully” lives.  Teach them well….help them set limits and boundaries.  These skills will stay with them into adulthood and serve them well.  But remember, in order to teach our children well, we must master the skill ourselves.  I encourage you to lead by example.  Stand tall, shoulders back, diva shields up…..set examples of respecting yourself and encouraging only healthy relationships!

Go! Divas! Go!

XOXO

Dabney

If you follow me on Facebook, you may have seen my many posts in regard to the lack of active parenting that is taking place there.  There are an increasing number of teens who are engaging on Facebook and on all forms of social media.  It is the new party going on and it is probably going on in your own home, most likely in your teen’s bedroom.  Through Social Media, your child has the ability to connect with the entire world.  If your child chooses to attend, the party is an open door event and everyone without concern to who they are, where they are from, what their intentions are…the entire world is invited to the party.  So…Your Teen is Throwing a Global Party.  Are you Home?

Think about it.  If your teen were to have a party in your home…would you be there?  Would you discuss the invitation list?  The time limits?  Would you set clear limits in regard to assuring that your policy of no drugs, no alcohol and no sexual activities took place during the party?  Would you be there to supervise?

My hope is that most of you answered yes to the above questions.  Clearly, most of us do not allow strangers into our home.  As parents, we set limits on all of the things I discussed.  In the real world and in real life, you may consider yourself an actively engaged parent.

When we as parents are actively engaged with our children, it means that we know what is going on in their lives.  We are aware of the friendships and we encourage healthy social relationships.  We teach and set boundaries on acceptable behavior and most importantly we keep them safe.

Let me put it this way, when you are actively parenting…you are involved. What I find interesting and very concerning however, it this same type of parenting does not seem to take place as it relates to how teens are living in their “virtual” world.  I have spent the last few months engaging many parents in conversation surrounding this very issue.   Although my discussion would certainly not be considered scientific data…what I have learned from the parents I interviewed, is stunning.

Let me ask you what I have asked them…Are you involved in your child’s activities on social media?  Do you know if they have an account?  Do you monitor these accounts?  Do you have all login information including passwords?

If you answered no, you must ask yourself why.  When parents did answer no, and more than half did, I was shocked and dismayed by their response..

Here were  the answers I heard most often:

• I don’t think my teen is on Facebook.
• I don’t understand Facebook
• I  don’t have the time for Facebook
• I don’t want my teen to think I am snooping
• Isn’t that like reading my teen’s diary?
• He/she needs their privacy

Here were my most popular responses:

• Your child is most likely on Facebook.  If Facebook were a country, it is the third largest country on the globe.
• You are not snooping.  You are parenting.
• There is no privacy on the internet, ever.
• If they need a diary, and I encourage the use of one for teens, buy them one.
• If you don’t have time for Facebook and are unable or unwilling to educate yourself in how it works…your teen should not be there at all.

Your job as a parent is to educate your child in all areas of life. The best way to educate your child on social networking sites like Facebook is to educate yourself first.  There is a great deal of information out there.  It is your responsibility to find it.   Do you remember when you were pregnant with your first child?  Most of us gathered every book possible to educate ourselves and prepare for motherhood.  When faced with parenting responsibilities such as potty training your young child, did you say…I don’t have time to learn how to do that?  I know for some of you, the task of learning how to monitor your teen on Facebook may seem particularly daunting, but that can never be an excuse for not parenting well.

So, start there.  Educate yourself on how Facebook works.  Get your own account and navigate the policies.  Most importantly, learn and understand how the privacy settings work.  I am not going to teach you how to do these things in this post, but I am encouraging you to check in, and take the responsibility to educate yourself.

I believe it is necessary for parents to have all login and password information for Facebook.  You cannot assess your child’s safety settings simply by being connected as their friend.  Furthermore, you are not their friend.  You are their parent.  Give them their space, but make it clear that there is no privacy and you will be checking in on their page regularly.

Do not allow your teen to manipulate you into the “you don’t trust me” conversation.  It is not about trusting your teen.  It is about not trusting a worldwide network, unlimited access to very personal and identifying information about your child. It is about good parenting and it is about keeping your child safe.

The most difficult part about checking in to this virtual world is that you will see there really is a global party going on and most parents are not aware that it is taking place.  If parents would check in and monitor Facebook, they would not only protect their child form unforeseen danger, they will also see much of what is going on good and bad within their child’s life.  I have seen many parties announced on Facebook.  A party in my community was announced on Facebook and it took place while the parent’s were out of town.  Had they only checked in, they would have seen the planning and chatter.  It was all right there on the Facebook feeds and on the walls of many teens in town.

I encourage you to begin the process of educating and monitoring your child’s activity on Facebook and all forms of social media.  Check privacy issues, monitor behavior to include checking photos and posts.  You would be shocked to see some of the very inappropriate things put out there.  Adolescence is a critical time of development and many opportunities are available to turn mistakes into teachable moments.  The important thing to remember is this: If your child is making social mistakes on Facebook, they are much more difficult to recover and learn from than social mistakes made in the real world.  On Facebook, error in judgment such as inappropriate picture posting, writing posts without thinking and all other impulsive behavior typical of the age group, are recorded and retrievable forever.  Need I say more?

If you want more insight on how to parent effectively, be sure to sign up for my Newsletter Diva Tips and News.  You can do so by leaving me your Diva In-box information in the form located next to this post!  My next edition of Diva Speaks will talk about the importance of parenting with a passion and presence.  Be sure to get your copy!

I would love to hear from you!  Please let me know what you think in the comment section below.  I would love to hear your stories and experiences  that you may have in regard to this issue.  Let’s learn from each other….

Go! Divas! Go!

xoxo

Dabney

Are you an entrepreneurial Mom looking for an on line magazine loaded with support? If so, I highly recommend MOMeo Magazine. I have found this maga zine to be an amazing resource to me over the past year.  It is simply filled with great information including current articles addressing work life,  family life, and parenting tips.  How fabulous is that? 

Recently, MOMeo Magazine published a very special Back to School Issue.   I was asked to submit an article for this brilliant edition as a resource to moms.  The article is titled  Navigating Parents and Politics where I give tips and strategies on  how you can successfully  navigate the many relationships and  politics that may often challenge you during the school year.  Below is an excerpt of my article…..

MOMeo Back to School Guide 2010

“Often times, parents are unsure of how to handle the politics of such relationships. Many situations may occur during the school year that will test your patience and completely Boggle your mind. It is important for you as a parent, to brush up and fine-tune your backpack of social strategiesso that you too will be prepared for the upcoming school year”…

If you would like to continue reading the article,  simply click on the MOMeo Magazine and download your copy for free!  Let me know what you think!

Go! Divas! Go!

xoxo

Dabney