Christine Martinello, America’s Momager

What can America do to empower families?

Should the government pay stay at home parents? How about a bigger tax break? You know one that really helps.

Yes, I’ve opened “Pandora’s box”. One part of me says “Quick-shut it fast”. Another part of me thinks “It’s time America supports the foundation of our country–the family. Actually, it’s past time.”

During the past few months I researched (a lot) & did over 20 radio shows across the country from New Mexico, Chicago to New Jersey. Here’s some fascinating facts:

• Numerous studies have shown that a stable, parent-involved environment dramatically reduces the likelihood of a child engaging in destructive or criminal behavior.
• CRIME - Study by Professor Mark A. Cohen of Vanderbilt University found that for EACH high-risk child prevented from adopting a life of crime, the country could save between $1.7 and 2.3 million.
• Canada, England, Germany, France, Finland and Norway are just a few of the countries who give parents financial support or a stipend.
• A full time parent is worth at least $142,000/year. (You know we’re priceless!)

As a Momager® (mom & manager) of three kids and after listening to countess moms here’s what I think. I believe the government should invest more in programs to support healthy, balanced families. Momagers® work hard and are contributing to our society in a valuable way. Our kids and grandkids deserve better.

I believe we can support families with more financial support, education, community support and more flexible work places.

What do you think? What should America do?

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“Grace under pressure”. That’s how I felt during my entry into TV land. As is typical everything came together & happened so fast and furious. I hardly had time to think. In less than 2 weeks I was a guest on 3 TV shows! Whew — so exciting , thrilling and challenging. Here’s a ‘behind the scenes’ look.

TV Show # 1 - “Momagers Unite and the Momager messages”. Fox 45 in Ohio did an awesome job. They taped the show at my home. My children and I were ‘taped and miked’ for hours. Do you know how hard it is to watch everything you say and do for 2 hours? At one point I told my kids, “You know, be careful what you say because anything you say can be used against you.” They were wonderful and I’m so proud they got to be on the ‘big screen’ with me — especially the first time. They get to share the spotlight and like it — mostly.

TV Show # 2 - ‘How Momagers can balance their life?” I arrived at the Fox 45 & ABC 22 studio at 8:15 am for a ‘live’ taping. The show aired for a whopping 3 minutes. Do you know how fast 3 minutes is? Come on — I can talk for hours and hours about the subject. Why don’t we have our own TV series on this topic?!

TV Show # 3 - Palm Springs, CA. “How moms manage differently as kids age”. KMIR TODAY.
After shoveling 17 inches of snow, cancelled flights, streaming tears, and a long drive to the airport I escaped ‘Ohio’s blizzard of ‘08′ to catch a flight to Palm Springs. Bob, my husband is the best and the most supportive man on earth! When I was ready to give up, he kept going. Being in the desert and with my sassy friend Brenda was a welcome reprieve from winter. We had a blast. I found peaceful emptiness in the desert and greater clarity.

It’s great to go away but even better to be back home ’safe ‘n sound’. I love the rhythm and comfort of family life. Even if I did arrive home at 11:15 pm to a feverish, coughing child and then took care of three sick kids for the next 8 days.

TV is fun and I’m honored to share the Momager messages. Sharing all these events with my family and friends is so fulfilling. Not to mention now my dentist treats me like a celebrity. Seriously, if I can serve, have fun and give encouragement and real hope to others — life is good!

Next Oprah?!!!

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I’m so excited I can hardly contain myself. Look what I’ve designed just for you!

Momagers Rule! Be the Queen of Your Life and Castle”
An Interactive Tele-Seminar Series to Help You Grow in Family & Business Leadership.

Have you ever wondered “How can I be a happy, fullfilled mom?” “How can I raise good, productive kids and stay sane in the meantime?” Well, wonder no more. If you’re a mom who wants to grow in balance, leadership, and take your family to a higher level, you’ll want to join me for upcoming live tele-seminars. When? Monday, March 24, April 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th from 12-1 pm EST. Can’t attend the sessions? No problem. Programs are recorded and you can download them. Talk about flexible. You can learn whenever you want in the comfort of you own home or office.

“Kids don’t come with a manual but now moms do! “-

Want to find out more? Go to: http://christinemartinello.com/momager_teleseminars.html

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The holidays are fast approaching. Here’s the ‘Holiday 9-1-1’ workshop program brought right to your home or car.

If you want everyone organized, happy, and willing to take some of the load off you this holiday, this message is for you. Awesome education gift for every woman.

“Thanks again for the great workshop. I can’t wait to try the new ideas and put up the sign up sheet! What a great way to take the load off one person & create some family fun at the same time” ~ Daina Levine, Owner-Jenna Claire Handbags

CD’s & DVD’s available

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Thanks so much for traveling this journey with me. It is with deep and sincere appreciation that I share some of my gratitude from ‘07

Gratitude Highlights from Momager® Christine:

1. To God for strengthening us and giving me more and more and more perseverance.
2. My supportive husband Bob and three amazing children. They’ve put up with another year of my ups & downs. I actually enjoyed my two middle schoolers. Surprise.
3. Sharing my gifts of speaking and writing with wonderful groups (and they liked it too!)
4. Our family pulling closer together and learning how to embrace dying in a healthy and joyful way. Journalling the book, “Living Life to the fullest while waiting to go home.” Hhhmm – need an agent for it.
5. Got Momager® as a registered trademark! It took years to get it. . . watch out world.
6. Lobbying for my child’s disabilities – then rejoicing with him and see him succeed with the right help.
7. Visioning my next book, ‘The Momager Manual: Kids don’t come with a manual, but now moms do.’ An agent wants to see it.
8. Being healthier and losing 12 lbs. That’s the ‘baby fat’ I’ve been trying to lose for 5 years! Now that I’ve lost it I hope it doesn’t find me again.
9. Singing way too loud, dancing wildly, being ok about embarrassing our kids, being silly, crying and laughing more.
10. Hiring a pr firm to share the Momager messages nationally and internationally launching in Jan. ‘08.
11. Talking to producers about hosting ‘The Momager Show’ – yep, TV!
12. Dreaming bigger and better about what we can achieve in ’08.

Hope you have a magical Thanksgiving. Take the time and effort to shower your loved ones with gratitude. We’re talking “go over the top, embarrass the heck out of ‘em and make a scene.” Look around the dinner table and really see the abundant blessings surrounding you. They’re right there in front of you.

Gratefully,

Christine

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There’s two simple words that are the most important you’ll say today. They are: ‘Thank You.’ They can change your life, and research is proving it.

Can you choose gratitude even through difficult times. Once in a while you just have ‘one of those days’ or maybe even ‘one of those months’. You know, the type where you wake up and dark cloud’s follow you around.

Recently my daughter Tina woke up late, her oatmeal overflowed, she had the last shower and yes, the water was cold. Then she breathlessly ran outside to catch the bus ten seconds late — only to miss it. All before 8:30 am. That’s a tough morning for anyone but for an emotional middle schooler, a tragic start.

Her first reaction: “Ma why did you make me miss the bus by telling me to part my hair?” Then she broke down into tears. Later, while driving her to school we talked about the morning routine and what her plans were for the day. I said, “Tina, I’m so glad we could have this time and I could bring you to school this morning. I’m thankful I don’t have an early morning meeting so I can support you. And this Tina is where you say, “Thanks Mom!” We both burst into laughter and the whole mood changed. By the way, to thank me back she agreed to write a Momager® song that we can upload onto ‘You Tube’. Won’t that be fun?!

We chose gratitude. What would happen if we all chose to focus on being thankful – even in the most difficult circumstances? We’ll feel more optimistic and enthusiastic. We’ll sleep better. We’ll be more active and joyful – searching for the next good thing that’s just around the corner.

The Science of Thank You

A study was conducted to discover the role that gratitude plays in physical and emotional well-being.

Robert Emmons, PhD at the Univ. of CA and Michael McCullough of the Univ. of Miami studied three groups and kept journals. Group 1 focused on everything that went wrong or was irritating. Group 2 highlighted situations they felt enhanced their lives and areas they were thankful for. Group 3 recalled recent everyday events.

The results: The study found that the people who were consciously grateful:

1. Felt better about their lives
2. Were more optimistic and energetic
3. Were more determined
4. Were more joyful
5. Exercised more
6. Had fewer illness including less depression and anxiety.
7. Got more sleep
8. Were more likely to have helped someone else.

How about those benefits? I sure want more of these in my life.

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