Listen To Your Little One

Like every parent i could brag & boast and say my kids are the best, smartest, cutest, funniest, and on and on..
But, there is one trait, i can be extremely proud of and have all the right in the world to brag.. Their SWEETNESS!
My husband, myself, and the kids were at Mcd's (sitting inside, of course) and as our 3 yr old Lilly sits down, she looks over along the wall and sees a man with a hook for his left hand..
Oh course, she asks me, LOUDly, mommy, why does that man have a hook on his arm? She was really curious. By then the man was looking right at us, i know he had heard her and was listening for my response. I was a little surprised and embarrassed to be put on the spot.
I decided then to avoid the question until later.. I just told her because he needed it to pick up things, and to please don't stare, it's rude..
A few minutes later, little lady, had to go to the restroom. We passed the man and he looks up at us so i smile.. Lilly-sweet thing, looks at him and says i'm Lilly, nice to meet you. What's your name? The mans face lit up with a huge smile! She would of talked to him forever if i hadn't dragged her away.. LOL!!
When we got back to the table, she got back to eating and really surprised me: she had stopped starring and asking questions. Even as we were leaving, she made sure to say good-bye to the man and everyone else in the restaurant.
In the car, daddy and i explained to her that the man had lost his arm and used the hook to pick up things.
It amazes me how much kids put us on the spot all the time. Sometimes they even change your mind or opinion(s). Beyond teaching you things you didn't know, maybe they change your mood or something that causes realization or a reality check. Either way, every parent knows all kids are a blessing.
Kids should be encouraged to express their feelings and imagination. Let your child voice their own opinion! (But, stick to your decision~ Lilly sasses- says what she has to say, then is sent to her room for sassing till she says she is sorry and we discuss what happened) In my opinion, children should live in a monitored environment, not in a controlling environment.. They are more likely to respond positively if they are talked to instead of yelled at. (sometimes you can not help but to raise your voice- to demand authority or control of a situation)
Punishment is in time-out form. I don't like to spank my child. To me, that is teaching your child that it is okay to hit! Going to regret the spankings when your son is 4 ft taller than you and ready for the challenge!
We as parents may disagree on the spanking issue but, there is one thing that is agreed upon: It is important to listen to our children- they are our future and need our guidance to achieve their goals in life. We are their support and voice!
If we aren't listening to our children, Who is??

Games To Play With Your Tot

All parents should encourage their children to use their imagination!! Allowing your child to express themselves, shows them that it is okay to be themselves...
~Play School:
Let your child play teacher and you be the student.. You will be amazed at what you learn!! (I try to give Lilly a homework assignment at least 2 times a wk.)- This gives her some experience of how real school will work..

~Play Store:
Set up a store with your child's toys and books. Put prices on the items and give them so much fake money...
Teach them about spending and saving!

~Play Restaurant:
Allow your child to take you order, cook your food, and give you the bill..
Try sending your order back and complaining! This will help teach them how to deal with criticism, plus it's fun to see their reaction!! LOL..

~Play Doctor:
Let your little one play the doctor and you be the patient.. Tell them your symptoms and get their diagnosis..
Just don't let them perform surgery! LOL..

Smile!! :-)

Because of them, i am blessed!!

Treat Them Like A "Little Person"

Being a mom means, not only, being loving, caring, protective, and a role model, but also being giving, supportive, understanding, and patient..  Being a mom means being strong, brave, adapt to a new life, and learn from all the mistakes along the way.

And some say being a mom is easy!lol :)

COMMUNICATE with your kids and encourage them to do the same. Remember, try not to yell: you are suppose to be talking to them.. I believe they understand better when you have eye contact and speak slowly, so they can understand what you are saying..

After a tantrum and a time-out, make sure you sit down with them to discuss what happened after their fit and why. Remember that well-behaved kids don't happen over night! And they are kids, it is a learning process to them as well.. It is a working progress that takes tons of patience and a strong voice. It may take 100 tries but, eventually they will realize and stop and listen, or think twice before a tantrum.

It also never hurt to ask nicely! (Seriously!) Showing politeness and  manners make it seem more a favor than a chore..

Giving choices is also a big  habit at my house! Especially, when it come to picking up toys, which is one of the only chores given at this age!- Teaches responsibility and teaches your child to pick up after themselves...

1) Pick up toys! 2) GO to room, sit on bed!~ works at least 50% of the time, after the 7th or 8th trip..~Just wanted to give example of choices..

If crying or throwing a fit is an issue: explain to them that the longer they continue, the more time is added to time-out..

When yelling and screaming for no reason: the tv goes off and a time-out is given.

After time out discussion goes as follows:

Why were you screaming and yelling?

"                                                      ".......

Is "            " really a reason to be fussing?

So why did i sit you in time out?

"  "

What do you think i'm going to do the next time you scream for no reason?

"put me in my room"   (quoted from Lilly- my 4 yr old after reading!)

So, are you going to be throwing a fit like that again?...

" no"     Why not?

Because i don't want to!

Don't just settle for a sorry. They will say sorry just to get out of being in trouble. FOLLOW through with time-outs! Stay in control & keep your cool. Being a parent takes patience! ~Jess

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Winding Down!

Not only is it important to set a schedule for your child,it is especially important to set a schedule for night-time.

From dinner-time, bath-time, story-time, to bed-time, setting a schedule is important in order to establish habits and to wind down for the night, but also for time to bond with your child.

The hard part is maintaining the schedule. To make this easier, give yourself a time frame for each task and start early when possible. Writing down notes can help until your family has a set schedule.

Try not to stress or rush! Remember, no-one gets everything accomplished, all at once, all the time! It should get easier when you have found a balance and figure out what works best for you and your kids.

Don't forget to leave time for you to wind down!!       
It will probably be a long day tomorrow too!!

Just because you really can be prepared for parenthood, don't mean you can't try to prepare yourself for each day!

Even if you are the type to say schedules or planned days are not for you, i have two questions for you:   1. Is the parenting methods you are using now even working (are the kids listening?)                               
2. Do you think there is room for improvement?
Don't be afraid to try new things. Remember parenting is a learning experience and each child is different in their own way.

Tomorrow- Mon. Jan. 9th "12"                              

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