http://www.isnare.com/?s=author&a=Maria+Macfarlane Family Concerns Maria Macfarlane Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=211080&ca=Family+Concerns I must admit…at first I felt a bit sorry for myself.I was alone at home--and as I stared at our bare Christmas tree I realized that, for the first time in my life as a mom, I would have to put the decorations up myself this year! It was the day to do it, so I poured myself some eggnog and tackled th... Parenting Maria Macfarlane Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=119413&ca=Parenting It takes courage to step out and make your mark on the world. In an egocentric society of narcissistic bravado (check out MTV) and falsely inflated egos (ŕ la American Idol), parents tread a fine line. How do we build our children's self-confidence and, at the same time, teach them how to be realist... Poetry Maria Macfarlane Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=132240&ca=Poetry As I look kindly upon this complex visage, I reflect. I see the joy, The grace And the mystery that is motherhood. Behold a face that has felt every feeling And lived so many emotions! I survey the lines, Notice the imperfections And ponder the passage of time. My eyes are filled with wonder. They h... Parenting Maria Macfarlane Mon, 08 May 2006 00:00:00 +0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=50902&ca=Parenting What better way to affirm all that is good in our lives than to keep a gratitude journal? This increasingly popular concept of taking time in our day to notice even the smallest blessings, can only encourage a greater appreciation for life’s daily miracles. It is a labor of love which can either be... Family Concerns Maria Macfarlane Mon, 08 May 2006 00:00:00 +0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=51153&ca=Family+Concerns If you are like many North American families, your kids enjoy the privilege of watching TV in their bedroom. Have we, however, given this decision the deliberation it deserves? Consider this - Both the American and Canadian Pediatric Society are not in favor of allowing children to watch television... Parenting Maria Macfarlane Sun, 12 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=34343&ca=Parenting It's amazing how an impulsive burst of creativity from a new mom in the throes of maternal infatuation can transcend time and become a calming antidote to the angst of coping with the stubbornness of a strong-willed teenager. As a doting first-time mother cooing over her infant daughter, I was inspi...