Problem: Article: No matter how you pray or whom you pray to, it can be difficult to find time for prayer during busy times. One way to deal with this is to make prayer part of your daily routine, such as praying as soon as you wake up in the morning, right before you go to sleep, or before every meal. There is no wrong time to pray.  Many people pray during emotional times, like when they feel sad, scared, or happy. You can pray at any time of day, and as much or as little as you feel is sufficient for your spiritual life. Some people make it their goal to maintain a state of prayer all the time by remaining conscious of their spiritual connection throughout the day. Observant Jews pray 3 times a day (Shacharit, Minchah, and Maariv/Arvith) and Muslims pray 5 times a day. Still others pray completely spontaneously, when the mood calls or when certain occasions arise (for one's parents, before a meal, etc.). In short, do what you feel compelled to do. You will find that you can pray anytime, anywhere, anyhow. It may help to be in a place where the focus is on spirituality (such as a church or temple) or where the environment reminds you of your spiritual bond (like a natural setting, or a spot with a big view). You can choose to pray in the presence of others, or you can pray privately. For some religions, like Buddhism, meditation is a standard form of prayer (or, sometimes, prayer is a standard form of meditation). Finding a place where you can quiet yourself and feel connected to your spirituality is an equally respectable form of prayer. Whether an open field or a bowing congregation zens you, find your "place of worship." Often, prayer accompanies a ritual, giving purpose to the prayer. It can be a lengthy fire-burning ceremony offering sacrifices to ensure good luck the coming season or it can be a simple, thoughtful utterance in thanks for a meal. It does not have to ask, plead, question or thank; all it must do is appreciate.  Prayer can be a conversation, but it certainly doesn't have to be. Some religions relish prayer as an opportunity for intellectual contemplation. In addition, prayer does not have to have anything to do with you. Roman Catholic tradition includes specific prayers and devotions as "acts of reparation," or amending others' sins.  Once you know why you're praying, is there anyone specific you're thinking of to talk to? If you are looking to have a dialogue, who with? It can be virtually anything. Song and dance have long been parts of many religions' repertoires of prayer. Even some Christians pray while exercising their body! Whatever gets you closer to your spirituality, your God, can be an activity of prayer. If a runner's high gets you there, fantastic. If curled up in your sheets does, great. You can scream at the top of your lungs and dart for the hilltops if it makes you appreciative, full of wonder, or thankful.
Summary: Take the time to pray. Find a good spot to pray. Know your purpose. Understand that prayer does not have to involve crafted, reflective silence.

Problem: Article: Another effective way to help your child obey is by praising or rewarding them when they are behaving appropriately. When you see your daughter eating her food instead of throwing it, say, “Mindy, I love how you are eating and using good table manners. Keep that up and you’ll earn your favorite dessert!”  Experts believe positive reinforcement such as praise and rewards is much more effective than a consequence. Rather than lecturing or withholding privileges when undesirable behavior occurs, they suggest ignoring it and only giving your attention when your child is behaving appropriately. The goal is to get the child to do more positive behaviors to get more attention. This encourages the child to behave well, leaving less opportunity for misbehavior. For example, the parent might ignore it when their child throws food but lay on the praise when they eat as they should. If your child knows and understands what’s expected of them, they are less likely to break the rules. Sit down with your child and explain your family’s rules. Keep the rules clear, simple, and consistent. Also, make them aware of any consequences, such as if rules are broken, gaining points on a chart. When disciplining the child, discuss the rule, its consequence, and how the child can do better.  For instance, your rules might sound like, "Walk indoors. No running!" "Complete homework before playtime," or "Clear away your area after an activity, such as homework or arts and crafts." As an example, you might have a rule to treat others with respect. If your child throws a tantrum, you could talk to them about how it's disrespectful for them to behave that way. Then give them an example of how they could express their emotions differently. Post the rules in plain sight, so your child is constantly reminded of how they should behave. Try pinning them to the wall near your points chart (or jar), posting them on the fridge, or hanging a sign up on your kitchen door. It's important that your child learn to follow rules even when no one is watching. Resist the urge to micromanage the child's behavior.  For example, you could have the child check off positive behaviors, such as doing their homework and cleaning up after themselves. If you have multiple children, teach them to help each other follow the rules, rather than to tattle. For example, if one child notices that the other is running in the house, she could say, "Hey, we're supposed to walk when we're in the house. You could get hurt or break something." Maintain the same rules and the same consequences within your household to help your child establish norms of behavior. That way, they know what to do, and what will happen if they don’t comply.  Try to be consistent across contexts and caregivers. For instance, the child shouldn’t be able to break the rules simply because friends are visiting. Similarly, mom shouldn’t have one set of rules while dad has another. You should also have the same expectations for your child even when you are tired. Don't let them use your exhaustion as a free pass to misbehave. In addition, your rules should be consistent between your children—one child shouldn't be allowed to break rules and not have consequences enforced. When other children visit your home, they should follow the same rules as your children. Ask your child to explain the rules to their friends or relatives when they get to your home, as this will help reinforce the child's understanding of the rules. Some kids have bucketfuls of energy and they get into trouble because they don’t know how to effectively channel it. Give your child plenty of opportunities to move their bodies and work their minds. They’ll be less likely to misbehave, as a result.  Let your child go outside to burn off energy or dedicate a special place inside where they can play. Try keeping fun coloring books, puzzles, and games nearby to keep them preoccupied. Be realistic when it comes to your child. Don’t expect an energetic child to sit quietly for hours at a time. Observe how your child functions and set up parameters that increase their odds of being obedient.
Summary:
Use positive reinforcement to increase good behavior. Set clear rules to help your child know right from wrong. Teach the child how to hold themselves accountable. Be consistent across caregivers, situations, and children. Provide outlets for them to release energy.