It isn't often that I don't have some type of comeback or reply to something my children say to me. I often listen to protests and whines, as they try to explain why they can't clean their room, take a shower, or do any chores. I also hear plenty of remarks and comments about why they should be allowed to do something they want.
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Worrying When You're a Mom
Last week I went to the bus stop to pick up my son, and he got in the car (without a coat on). After trying to convince him it was cold out and he should be wearing a coat, I tried asking him how his day was. I received the usual response, which is usually something as descriptive as "OK" or "Fine." Some days I am told "Leave me alone." or "Stop asking me all these questions."
My son has had some trouble recently, which he won't really discuss with me. I found out from another parent that he was being teased on the bus, which is apparently how all of the older children treat the younger ones. Apparently he had the audacity to try and sit near the back, which is only a privilege for the older kids that have been deemed "cool." Yes, I went to school once. Yes, I know a lot of older, "cool" kids sit in the back. Yet, I do not think that just because my son wanted to sit in the back one day that he should be continuously teased and told he isn't allowed to sit with anyone (apparently he tried to sit with another child after this and no one would sit him). This is unacceptable to me, and not just because he is my son. I went through some pretty intense bullying as a child, and I never want to hear that my children are experiencing the same type of bullying or teasing. I was almost ready to pull him off the bus, because I think it is ridiculous for that type of behavior to continue and I don't want him upset over it either.
He has started sitting with another boy around his age, and things have seemed OK. I still wanted to check, because I worry, as parents usually do. This is how the conversation unfolded:
Me: "How was the bus ride?"
Son: "Fine."
Me" "Was anyone bothering you on the bus today?"
Son: "No."
Me: "You can tell me if someone was bothering you."
Son: "I said it was fine! Why do you keep asking me all these questions?"
Me: "Honey, I am just worried about you and want to make sure no one is bothering you or teasing you."
Son: "Well, the only thing actually bothering me right now is YOU, and all your questions."
OK, point taken on that one. I decided to drop the conversation after that.
Yet, all I can do is worry about him and the effect this has on him. My son is unique and special, he has several behavioral/emotional issues that I will discuss more in the future. He can be incredibly sweet, but also incredibly sad and even very angry, which usually results in destruction and violence. He uses up all of his strength just to make it through each day at school. He tries to please people, which is actually kind of manipulative (he lies often). Yet, he still tries to do his best in school, as much as he can. He really holds himself together, which has amazed me this year. So, once he comes home, he is finally able to really be himself and kind of let loose all those tensions and things that bothered him that day. This usually results in a very chaotic house after he comes home, but I know he is trying so hard to "keep it together" all day.
He is not open about what happens at school, but I can see the way he acts at home and know when something happened that bothered him. I know I will not let my son have to deal with bullying every day, and if it results in me removing him from the bus, then that is what I have to do.
Have you ever dealt with your child being bullied? Did your child talk to you about it? What did you do (call the school, call the parents, remove your child from the situation, talk to your child about bullying and standing up for himself or herself)?
My son has had some trouble recently, which he won't really discuss with me. I found out from another parent that he was being teased on the bus, which is apparently how all of the older children treat the younger ones. Apparently he had the audacity to try and sit near the back, which is only a privilege for the older kids that have been deemed "cool." Yes, I went to school once. Yes, I know a lot of older, "cool" kids sit in the back. Yet, I do not think that just because my son wanted to sit in the back one day that he should be continuously teased and told he isn't allowed to sit with anyone (apparently he tried to sit with another child after this and no one would sit him). This is unacceptable to me, and not just because he is my son. I went through some pretty intense bullying as a child, and I never want to hear that my children are experiencing the same type of bullying or teasing. I was almost ready to pull him off the bus, because I think it is ridiculous for that type of behavior to continue and I don't want him upset over it either.
He has started sitting with another boy around his age, and things have seemed OK. I still wanted to check, because I worry, as parents usually do. This is how the conversation unfolded:
Me: "How was the bus ride?"
Son: "Fine."
Me" "Was anyone bothering you on the bus today?"
Son: "No."
Me: "You can tell me if someone was bothering you."
Son: "I said it was fine! Why do you keep asking me all these questions?"
Me: "Honey, I am just worried about you and want to make sure no one is bothering you or teasing you."
Son: "Well, the only thing actually bothering me right now is YOU, and all your questions."
OK, point taken on that one. I decided to drop the conversation after that.
Yet, all I can do is worry about him and the effect this has on him. My son is unique and special, he has several behavioral/emotional issues that I will discuss more in the future. He can be incredibly sweet, but also incredibly sad and even very angry, which usually results in destruction and violence. He uses up all of his strength just to make it through each day at school. He tries to please people, which is actually kind of manipulative (he lies often). Yet, he still tries to do his best in school, as much as he can. He really holds himself together, which has amazed me this year. So, once he comes home, he is finally able to really be himself and kind of let loose all those tensions and things that bothered him that day. This usually results in a very chaotic house after he comes home, but I know he is trying so hard to "keep it together" all day.
He is not open about what happens at school, but I can see the way he acts at home and know when something happened that bothered him. I know I will not let my son have to deal with bullying every day, and if it results in me removing him from the bus, then that is what I have to do.
Have you ever dealt with your child being bullied? Did your child talk to you about it? What did you do (call the school, call the parents, remove your child from the situation, talk to your child about bullying and standing up for himself or herself)?
Monday, February 20, 2012
Art Activities for Children
My little ones love art projects, especially my little princess. She can sit at the table and color or cut shapes out of paper for hours. She always has new ideas for crafts and art projects on her own, but I sometimes try to find new ideas for projects, as well. My oldest son has never been a fan of crafts or art projects, but I have noticed that he is becoming a bit more interested in doing some things. (Of course, he usually likes to draw zombies, but at least he likes to draw something now.) My two littlest ones do try to join in, so I figured they all may like to do a fun art project. I decided to look at Pinterest for some new ideas, and I found some really neat art projects for children.
What are your favorite art activities to do with your children? I like the finger paint ideas, and I think the crayon project is very interesting. The mess free painting from the top picture looks very neat and I may give that a try. We have not done a ton of art projects lately, so I think we may try one of these soon.
What are your favorite art activities to do with your children? I like the finger paint ideas, and I think the crayon project is very interesting. The mess free painting from the top picture looks very neat and I may give that a try. We have not done a ton of art projects lately, so I think we may try one of these soon.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The Weird or Funny Things We Say As Parents
I'm not sure about you, but I have heard myself saying some of the strangest things since I became a parent. They may be replies to questions or something I say trying to get my children to not do something. I have browsed through other mommy blogs and read some of the funniest things that moms never thought they would say, so I thought I would start compiling a list of those things you say that you never thought you would or ones that are just odd.
The bathroom is not a water park or swimming pool.
We do not play in the toilet.
Your toys do not belong in the toilet, and no you cannot clean your toys in the toilet and no, your action figures do not want to go for a swim either. (Yes another bathroom one--my children seem to gravitate towards the bathroom as if it is an exciting land ready for exploration.)
Do not lick the floor.
Do not lick the walls.
Do not lick your sister/brother.
Do not lick me.
No, poop is not a good substance to use for creating an abstract art mural on the wall, or the bed, or the floor, or yourself.
Are you pooping? (Yes another poop one, who would have thought so much of my conversations would relate around poop someday.)
Did you wipe your bum? No? Well please go back in the bathroom and take care of that.
We do not play in the garbage can. (or eat out of it. or do anything with it.)
I don't know if butterflies are ticklish, but please do not tickle the butterfly.
The living room is not a jungle gym. My husband usually says that he is not a jungle gym, since the kids are usually climbing all over him.
We don't show people are bottoms.
We don't sit on other people. I don't care if you are an extreme wrestler, we don't sit on someone's face.
No, you cannot see my belly button.
No, not every person wearing a ski mask is a robber. (My son saw a man walking home from work with a ski mask on, it was very cold. He started screaming "hey mommy, look a robber a robber!!" So, maybe ski masks do freak me out a little too, but I knew who the man was, at least I think I did. Maybe we watch the news or Law & Order too much?)
No, there are no Yeti's in this house. (Weird, I know.)
I am sure this list will continue to get longer, as there are sure to be other funny, odd, or weird things I find myself saying every day. Do you have any to add to the list? I would love to read them!
The bathroom is not a water park or swimming pool.
We do not play in the toilet.
Your toys do not belong in the toilet, and no you cannot clean your toys in the toilet and no, your action figures do not want to go for a swim either. (Yes another bathroom one--my children seem to gravitate towards the bathroom as if it is an exciting land ready for exploration.)
Do not lick the floor.
Do not lick the walls.
Do not lick your sister/brother.
Do not lick me.
No, poop is not a good substance to use for creating an abstract art mural on the wall, or the bed, or the floor, or yourself.
Are you pooping? (Yes another poop one, who would have thought so much of my conversations would relate around poop someday.)
Did you wipe your bum? No? Well please go back in the bathroom and take care of that.
We do not play in the garbage can. (or eat out of it. or do anything with it.)
I don't know if butterflies are ticklish, but please do not tickle the butterfly.
The living room is not a jungle gym. My husband usually says that he is not a jungle gym, since the kids are usually climbing all over him.
We don't show people are bottoms.
We don't sit on other people. I don't care if you are an extreme wrestler, we don't sit on someone's face.
No, you cannot see my belly button.
No, not every person wearing a ski mask is a robber. (My son saw a man walking home from work with a ski mask on, it was very cold. He started screaming "hey mommy, look a robber a robber!!" So, maybe ski masks do freak me out a little too, but I knew who the man was, at least I think I did. Maybe we watch the news or Law & Order too much?)
No, there are no Yeti's in this house. (Weird, I know.)
I am sure this list will continue to get longer, as there are sure to be other funny, odd, or weird things I find myself saying every day. Do you have any to add to the list? I would love to read them!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Bedtime Routine
The bedtime routine is always a long drawn out process here. Tonight was no exception. We start out by playing a game together, which sometimes turns into two games and results in some type of altercation. We then get drinks of water and head upstairs, where we read a book, say prayers, give hugs, and say good night.
The book part is always entertaining. I had no idea that children could stretch a book with a few pages to last for half an hour. The book part usually goes something like this:
Me: Snowmen at Christmasti---
Ayden: Hey mommy, guess how many ice cubes are in my cup!"
Me: Um five, so Snowmen at----
Regan: Mommy did you know owls can live for 14 days?
Me: Honey they probably live longer than that. OK, so the Snowmen---
Ayden: Mommy no you were wrong, it's seven.
Me: OK, Snowmen----
Ayden: Mommy when you went to my school, what classroom did you got to?
Me: I didn't go to your school, I lived somewhere else.
Ayden: Well when will I go there?
Me: You won't, we don't live in that area now.
Ayden: Well how do I get there? Where is it?
Me: It's too far away to go now, let's get back to the book.
Ayden and Regan: OK
Me: The snowmen were---
Ayden: Mommy why is that snowman doing that? Hey look a sight word from class! I know that word!
Me:Yes, Ayden good job, you are doing great. OK, The snowmen were---
Regan: Mommy Mommy!
Me: What Regan?
Regan: Ummmmm, I forget.
And there are the questions to which I have no immediate answer, such as "Mommy why is the sun so yellow?" "Why does the sky look blue?" "Are butterflies ticklish?"
And then there are ones that lead to even more questions, "Mommy what happens when snowmen melt?" "Well what is evaporation?" "Well isn't it sad that the snowmen melt and are gone forever?" "Mommy if the snowmen have gifts at Christmas (this was in the book we read) where do they hide them?"
We finally will make it through the book, only after we stop to go through a few repeats of this same scenario. Then we say our prayers. My daughters always pray, and my oldest daughter sometimes asks me very sweetly if she can sit and talk to God after we pray, of course I always say yes. My son has difficulty during this time. I pray with him, tell them stories about Jesus and the Bible, and I tell them about God. Yet my son has trouble accepting things he cannot see.My son has some behavioral/emotional health issues, so he questions everything and anything, several hundred times.
After praying, it sometimes leads to talks about Heaven and death. My son started asking questions about death and where you go, even though we talked about this before (he needs a lot of reassurance and always thinks of new questions to ask). Talks like this usually get my daughter upset, and she starts saying, "Mommy I don't want you to die." "Mommy I love you, please don't die." "Mommy when are you going to die?"
I do think the questions are important, and I just keep trying to answer them the best way I can. I hope to be able to give my son faith, even if he has a hard time understanding it now.
After we say our prayers, I love yous, and good nights, I finally leave the room. Of course, my youngest daughter usually sneaks downstairs several times for a drink, a hug, or with some question, which usually takes us a while to understand because she does not talk very well yet.
For my son, we have to check in closets and inside his bed tent. Then he usually has several very important things to tell us, such as "I have gym tomorrow. Don't forget my gym shoes. Do you know what games we play at gym? Well we play this game and that game, but one of them is boring." and so on.
The bedtime routine is both a time I love for talking and one that is overwhelming after a long day. Sometimes my husband does the bedtime routine, sometimes we do it together, and other times it is just me.
Do you have a bedtime routine?
The book part is always entertaining. I had no idea that children could stretch a book with a few pages to last for half an hour. The book part usually goes something like this:
Me: Snowmen at Christmasti---
Ayden: Hey mommy, guess how many ice cubes are in my cup!"
Me: Um five, so Snowmen at----
Regan: Mommy did you know owls can live for 14 days?
Me: Honey they probably live longer than that. OK, so the Snowmen---
Ayden: Mommy no you were wrong, it's seven.
Me: OK, Snowmen----
Ayden: Mommy when you went to my school, what classroom did you got to?
Me: I didn't go to your school, I lived somewhere else.
Ayden: Well when will I go there?
Me: You won't, we don't live in that area now.
Ayden: Well how do I get there? Where is it?
Me: It's too far away to go now, let's get back to the book.
Ayden and Regan: OK
Me: The snowmen were---
Ayden: Mommy why is that snowman doing that? Hey look a sight word from class! I know that word!
Me:Yes, Ayden good job, you are doing great. OK, The snowmen were---
Regan: Mommy Mommy!
Me: What Regan?
Regan: Ummmmm, I forget.
And there are the questions to which I have no immediate answer, such as "Mommy why is the sun so yellow?" "Why does the sky look blue?" "Are butterflies ticklish?"
And then there are ones that lead to even more questions, "Mommy what happens when snowmen melt?" "Well what is evaporation?" "Well isn't it sad that the snowmen melt and are gone forever?" "Mommy if the snowmen have gifts at Christmas (this was in the book we read) where do they hide them?"
We finally will make it through the book, only after we stop to go through a few repeats of this same scenario. Then we say our prayers. My daughters always pray, and my oldest daughter sometimes asks me very sweetly if she can sit and talk to God after we pray, of course I always say yes. My son has difficulty during this time. I pray with him, tell them stories about Jesus and the Bible, and I tell them about God. Yet my son has trouble accepting things he cannot see.My son has some behavioral/emotional health issues, so he questions everything and anything, several hundred times.
After praying, it sometimes leads to talks about Heaven and death. My son started asking questions about death and where you go, even though we talked about this before (he needs a lot of reassurance and always thinks of new questions to ask). Talks like this usually get my daughter upset, and she starts saying, "Mommy I don't want you to die." "Mommy I love you, please don't die." "Mommy when are you going to die?"
I do think the questions are important, and I just keep trying to answer them the best way I can. I hope to be able to give my son faith, even if he has a hard time understanding it now.
After we say our prayers, I love yous, and good nights, I finally leave the room. Of course, my youngest daughter usually sneaks downstairs several times for a drink, a hug, or with some question, which usually takes us a while to understand because she does not talk very well yet.
For my son, we have to check in closets and inside his bed tent. Then he usually has several very important things to tell us, such as "I have gym tomorrow. Don't forget my gym shoes. Do you know what games we play at gym? Well we play this game and that game, but one of them is boring." and so on.
The bedtime routine is both a time I love for talking and one that is overwhelming after a long day. Sometimes my husband does the bedtime routine, sometimes we do it together, and other times it is just me.
Do you have a bedtime routine?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Wordless Wednesday: Sometimes You Just Need a Snack
Have a great picture to share? Link up at one of these awesome Wordless Wednesday hops!
Sakura Haruka
Create With Joy
Live and Love Out Loud
Mama to Four Blessings
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Anything Can Be a Song
My youngest daughter has decided that anything that happens can be turned into a song. We have been waiting for her to talk for a long time, and she still has a hard time getting her point across sometimes. Maybe singing is her way of expressing herself? I know all children develop at their own pace, but she has been quite stubborn with talking. So, I am happy that she is trying to communicate in some way.
Her latest songs are also quite funny. She fell down in the kitchen the other day, but she was fine and there were no injuries. Yet she felt the need to tell us about it by singing, "Fell and broke my head.....Fell and broke my heeeeeeaaaaaddddd....."
Today, while looking for her brother's lost sippy cup, I was entertained with another song, "Loooosssttt yourrr cuuup.....looost yoouuur cuuup....."
What I take from this--anything can be a song. You can turn any situation into a song and find happiness, just like my little one. OK, maybe not every situation, but she sure makes the cutest songs. Who knows, maybe I have a future superstar in my house?
Her latest songs are also quite funny. She fell down in the kitchen the other day, but she was fine and there were no injuries. Yet she felt the need to tell us about it by singing, "Fell and broke my head.....Fell and broke my heeeeeeaaaaaddddd....."
Today, while looking for her brother's lost sippy cup, I was entertained with another song, "Loooosssttt yourrr cuuup.....looost yoouuur cuuup....."
What I take from this--anything can be a song. You can turn any situation into a song and find happiness, just like my little one. OK, maybe not every situation, but she sure makes the cutest songs. Who knows, maybe I have a future superstar in my house?
Some pics of my little girl.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Our New Christmas Tradition
My husband set up a place for the Christmas tree, and we finally started decorating a few nights ago. As we looked through the box of ornaments, we found something peculiar. A brand new pair of Spiderman underwear. Apparently, it had accidentally been packed up after gifts were opened last year, with the Christmas stuff.
So, my son, being the little comedian that he is, hung the underwear from the tree and proudly exclaimed, "Merry Christmas."
I told him I will hang his underwear from the tree every year now, which he thought was hilarious. He asked if I was joking, and I told him no, I will do it every year now. I think it will be especially funny when he brings home people in the future and they see his undies on display.
I cannot remember where I read it now, but I think another blogger has this same tradition in her home. What traditions do you have during the holidays?
So, my son, being the little comedian that he is, hung the underwear from the tree and proudly exclaimed, "Merry Christmas."
I told him I will hang his underwear from the tree every year now, which he thought was hilarious. He asked if I was joking, and I told him no, I will do it every year now. I think it will be especially funny when he brings home people in the future and they see his undies on display.
I cannot remember where I read it now, but I think another blogger has this same tradition in her home. What traditions do you have during the holidays?
My Little One
My youngest little man has become the new monster and destroyer in our house. He loves to get into everything and anything, but he also likes to "help." He is super cute and the sweetest little baby, but watch out, because he will have an entire bulk package of toilet paper or paper towels unraveled faster than it takes you to switch out the laundry.
Last night I swept the kitchen floor, and apparently my little man wanted to find something to help with. Well, the floor must have been too clean, so he decided to do something about it. A package of Goldfish crackers made the perfect item to use for the job. He proceeded to dump all of his crackers on the floor, and then smash them into the floor. He then retrieved the broom and dust pan, so he could clean up this mess.
I wish it wasn't so blurry, but he was moving quickly, there was a lot of work to be done.
Good thing Daddy took over and cleaned up the crackers, as my little ones method of cleaning was causing more of a mess, but at least he tried.
Last night I swept the kitchen floor, and apparently my little man wanted to find something to help with. Well, the floor must have been too clean, so he decided to do something about it. A package of Goldfish crackers made the perfect item to use for the job. He proceeded to dump all of his crackers on the floor, and then smash them into the floor. He then retrieved the broom and dust pan, so he could clean up this mess.
I wish it wasn't so blurry, but he was moving quickly, there was a lot of work to be done.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Questioning Santa Claus
We sat down to dinner one night and my daughter and son were excitedly whispering about Christmas. My daughter said something about Santa, to which my son replied, "You know, some people believe in Santa, but other people do not." He then proceeded to talk about Santa not being real.
My heart sank for a moment, as I think he is way too early to question the reality of Santa. I know parents that tell their children from the start that Santa is not real, but we do allow our children to believe. My daughter, the princess, believes with all of her heart. She is innocent and precious, and she does not question what is said to her. My son, the inquisitive one, questions everything and anything. He will often engage in hour long conversations about something, and will have no less than one hundred questions about a particular topic.
I wondered if he heard this from other kids or saw it on TV. When I asked him about it, he told me he just thought it up on his own, which seems true to his character. I asked others for their advice, should I let him in on the secret of Santa or try to keep the belief alive? I opted to try and keep the belief alive, at least for another year. I questioned him on why Santa was not real, and I asked him how he thought children received presents on Christmas. After some thinking, he decided that maybe he could continue to believe Santa was real. I think he was still harboring some lingering doubts, but I told him we will see on Christmas if any presents appear.
Last night, I used one of those calls from a Santa website to have "Santa" call the children. I put the phone on speaker, so both of the older children could hear the call. Santa told them to keep being good, and to make sure they leave carrots out for his reindeer. My children stood, staring in amazement and awe, as Santa spoke to them on the phone.
My son came and sat with me in the kitchen after the call, questioning how I knew Santa's phone number and seemed a bit dubious about the reality of the call. He then sat and considered the reality of Santa again, before deciding that we needed to get carrots right way, because Santa told him too. So, I think the belief is still alive in my son, even if he remains a bit skeptical.
How old were your children when you told them the truth about Santa? We believe in letting the children have that special thing to believe in, but we also convey the importance of giving to others and letting them share in the joy of giving presents too.
My heart sank for a moment, as I think he is way too early to question the reality of Santa. I know parents that tell their children from the start that Santa is not real, but we do allow our children to believe. My daughter, the princess, believes with all of her heart. She is innocent and precious, and she does not question what is said to her. My son, the inquisitive one, questions everything and anything. He will often engage in hour long conversations about something, and will have no less than one hundred questions about a particular topic.
I wondered if he heard this from other kids or saw it on TV. When I asked him about it, he told me he just thought it up on his own, which seems true to his character. I asked others for their advice, should I let him in on the secret of Santa or try to keep the belief alive? I opted to try and keep the belief alive, at least for another year. I questioned him on why Santa was not real, and I asked him how he thought children received presents on Christmas. After some thinking, he decided that maybe he could continue to believe Santa was real. I think he was still harboring some lingering doubts, but I told him we will see on Christmas if any presents appear.
Last night, I used one of those calls from a Santa website to have "Santa" call the children. I put the phone on speaker, so both of the older children could hear the call. Santa told them to keep being good, and to make sure they leave carrots out for his reindeer. My children stood, staring in amazement and awe, as Santa spoke to them on the phone.
My son came and sat with me in the kitchen after the call, questioning how I knew Santa's phone number and seemed a bit dubious about the reality of the call. He then sat and considered the reality of Santa again, before deciding that we needed to get carrots right way, because Santa told him too. So, I think the belief is still alive in my son, even if he remains a bit skeptical.
How old were your children when you told them the truth about Santa? We believe in letting the children have that special thing to believe in, but we also convey the importance of giving to others and letting them share in the joy of giving presents too.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Things You Hear When You Have a Large Family (and cool tees that will speak for you)
I know some people may consider us as having a large family, while others may not think it is that big. Even though my family is not as large as some, we do have four little ones that are all close in age, which always brings about plenty of comments when I am out places with the children.
Wow, you have your hands full. Yes, I do. Like I haven't heard that one before. I think this shirt is awesome for those responses.
Are they all yours? No, actually I just found them lined up outside and figured, "what the heck?" So, I brought them all to the store with me. Here is a shirt for these responses or this one.
You know what causes that don't you? Wait, I thought the stork just brought these kids here and dropped them off. You mean something causes this? Good overall shirt for this.
Wow, you must be busy. Yes, I am. I am actually too busy to stop and talk, although I would love to chat. Aren't we all busy?
Are you guys done yet? Well, we figured we would have a few more, maybe we can start our own empire or baseball team.
You guys must be like rabbits. Well, I thought my personal life was not open for discussion, but apparently it is. Yes, we are, we actually just can't keep our hands off of each other. No matter that we have a bunch of little ones running around and barely speak to each other half the time, but yes, we are so like rabbits.
Here is a funny post about what to say back to those remarks.
I am very blessed with four children, and so thankful for my little ones. The things people say are crazy, and it is amazing the comments people will make when I am out. All in all, I really don't mind the comments and just go with it. Sometimes, people are generally trying to be nice, while other times...well you know what mom always used to say, "If you have nothing nice to say, better to keep it to yourself." For times when I get those comments, I think I will let my T-shirt speak for me.
Wow, you have your hands full. Yes, I do. Like I haven't heard that one before. I think this shirt is awesome for those responses.
Are they all yours? No, actually I just found them lined up outside and figured, "what the heck?" So, I brought them all to the store with me. Here is a shirt for these responses or this one.
You know what causes that don't you? Wait, I thought the stork just brought these kids here and dropped them off. You mean something causes this? Good overall shirt for this.
Wow, you must be busy. Yes, I am. I am actually too busy to stop and talk, although I would love to chat. Aren't we all busy?
Are you guys done yet? Well, we figured we would have a few more, maybe we can start our own empire or baseball team.
You guys must be like rabbits. Well, I thought my personal life was not open for discussion, but apparently it is. Yes, we are, we actually just can't keep our hands off of each other. No matter that we have a bunch of little ones running around and barely speak to each other half the time, but yes, we are so like rabbits.
Here is a funny post about what to say back to those remarks.
I am very blessed with four children, and so thankful for my little ones. The things people say are crazy, and it is amazing the comments people will make when I am out. All in all, I really don't mind the comments and just go with it. Sometimes, people are generally trying to be nice, while other times...well you know what mom always used to say, "If you have nothing nice to say, better to keep it to yourself." For times when I get those comments, I think I will let my T-shirt speak for me.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tips for Classroom Parties
Here are a few things I have found, so far, that work well when having a party in the classroom.
Talk to the teacher first. Some teachers request no siblings be present, and I know a lot of parents want or need to bring their younger children in. I just let them know that we don't want to exclude anyone, but these parties are supposed to be special for the children in the class, so I apologize, but no siblings are allowed. A lot of teachers are now doing nut-free rooms too. I have had to address that a few times with parents, but they are mostly understanding of it. Make sure to send out a list of nut-free ideas too.
Contact the parents as early as possible, and then contact them again two weeks before the party, and again a week before the party. I was worried about being too pushy or persistent at first, but you need to follow up with everyone to make sure they are still coming and that they know what they are bringing. Some parents are eager to create their own station, which can hep cut down on your expenses and planning. Make sure they will be bringing in everything they need for the station.
Don't be afraid to ask the parents to send in supplies. I have found that several parents are very willing to help out by sending in supplies, even if they cannot come. I can be a bit of a control freak, and I like to know that everything I need will be there, but if you let more parents send in supplies, it will reduce your expenses and save you time. It also lets those parents feel involved. This brings me to my next point.
Always have a back up plan. This is so important, in my opinion. Some parents may forget to bring in supplies for their station or some parents may not show up at all, and some may bring in a snack with nuts when you said it needs to be peanut free. Make sure to have a small activity as a back up, like a bin of foam stickers and foam cut outs for decorating. Also, ask at least two parents to bring in a snack, that way you have a back up (or bring in one yourself).
Plan several different activities. I will expand on this in another blog post about what activities we have enjoyed the most during our classroom parties.
Make sure to know what your time constraints are. Most classes only have about one hour for the party. Your best bet is to make each game or craft something that the children can do in 10 minutes, and then settle on three games and one craft, or two games and two crafts
Divide the children into groups of four or five. Move the tables in the classroom, so you have four or five different stations in place.
Set a timer or watch the clock closely. After 10 minutes, announce that it is time to move on to the next station.
Once the children have moved through each station, ask them all to come sit on the carpet in the room or have a table set up they can sit at. Have a parent or the teacher read them a book during the last 10 minutes. This helps the children have time to calm down and relax, and gives you time to clean up and gather all of the crafts the children made or put together treat bags for each child to take home.
Make sure to have an extra volunteer at the party. Assign each volunteer to work at one station. Make sure to completely explain what they need to do at the station. I have found that some parents really want direct messages about what to do, otherwise they stand there afraid to do anything. I struggled with this at first, as I am not used to being "in charge," but I just relate what needs done and everything goes well. If everyone shows up, then just have two parents work at one table (like the craft station where the children may need more help). We had one parent not show up at a party and I ran between two different stations the whole time, it turned out OK, but it was a lot of work.
You can serve the snack in two different ways. If you have enough time, the snack can be one of the stations the children visit (make sure it is stocked with hand wipes and napkins), or the the snack can be served right after story time. You can use the time the children are being read the story to put the snacks on all of the plates.
After having my first party, I found a blog post, on The Organized Classroom Blog, where many of the same ideas are shared. The one idea that I am definitely going to use from this blog is having a book at each station in case the children finish the activity early. We did have this issue at the last party, and it would have worked out better if I had planned on having a book or something there for the children to do when they finished early.
What tips do you have for classroom parties?
Talk to the teacher first. Some teachers request no siblings be present, and I know a lot of parents want or need to bring their younger children in. I just let them know that we don't want to exclude anyone, but these parties are supposed to be special for the children in the class, so I apologize, but no siblings are allowed. A lot of teachers are now doing nut-free rooms too. I have had to address that a few times with parents, but they are mostly understanding of it. Make sure to send out a list of nut-free ideas too.
Contact the parents as early as possible, and then contact them again two weeks before the party, and again a week before the party. I was worried about being too pushy or persistent at first, but you need to follow up with everyone to make sure they are still coming and that they know what they are bringing. Some parents are eager to create their own station, which can hep cut down on your expenses and planning. Make sure they will be bringing in everything they need for the station.
Don't be afraid to ask the parents to send in supplies. I have found that several parents are very willing to help out by sending in supplies, even if they cannot come. I can be a bit of a control freak, and I like to know that everything I need will be there, but if you let more parents send in supplies, it will reduce your expenses and save you time. It also lets those parents feel involved. This brings me to my next point.
Always have a back up plan. This is so important, in my opinion. Some parents may forget to bring in supplies for their station or some parents may not show up at all, and some may bring in a snack with nuts when you said it needs to be peanut free. Make sure to have a small activity as a back up, like a bin of foam stickers and foam cut outs for decorating. Also, ask at least two parents to bring in a snack, that way you have a back up (or bring in one yourself).
Plan several different activities. I will expand on this in another blog post about what activities we have enjoyed the most during our classroom parties.
Make sure to know what your time constraints are. Most classes only have about one hour for the party. Your best bet is to make each game or craft something that the children can do in 10 minutes, and then settle on three games and one craft, or two games and two crafts
Divide the children into groups of four or five. Move the tables in the classroom, so you have four or five different stations in place.
Set a timer or watch the clock closely. After 10 minutes, announce that it is time to move on to the next station.
Once the children have moved through each station, ask them all to come sit on the carpet in the room or have a table set up they can sit at. Have a parent or the teacher read them a book during the last 10 minutes. This helps the children have time to calm down and relax, and gives you time to clean up and gather all of the crafts the children made or put together treat bags for each child to take home.
Make sure to have an extra volunteer at the party. Assign each volunteer to work at one station. Make sure to completely explain what they need to do at the station. I have found that some parents really want direct messages about what to do, otherwise they stand there afraid to do anything. I struggled with this at first, as I am not used to being "in charge," but I just relate what needs done and everything goes well. If everyone shows up, then just have two parents work at one table (like the craft station where the children may need more help). We had one parent not show up at a party and I ran between two different stations the whole time, it turned out OK, but it was a lot of work.
You can serve the snack in two different ways. If you have enough time, the snack can be one of the stations the children visit (make sure it is stocked with hand wipes and napkins), or the the snack can be served right after story time. You can use the time the children are being read the story to put the snacks on all of the plates.
After having my first party, I found a blog post, on The Organized Classroom Blog, where many of the same ideas are shared. The one idea that I am definitely going to use from this blog is having a book at each station in case the children finish the activity early. We did have this issue at the last party, and it would have worked out better if I had planned on having a book or something there for the children to do when they finished early.
What tips do you have for classroom parties?
Duties of the Head Homeroom Parent
I was thrilled to be asked to be the head home room parent for my son's class this year. My son was also excited, and when I shared the news with him he yelled happily, "Yeah, my mommy is the head homeroom parent now!" Then he followed up with, "Uh, Mom, what is the head homeroom parent?"
The duties of the head homeroom parent are basically to plan the parties that will take place during the school year. I was asked after someone else forfeited the role, so I do feel fortunate that they considered asking me. While it is quite a bit of work, I have been enjoying it, mostly. One of the most surprising things is the lack of response from some of the parents. While some are eager to help and share ideas, others do not answer the phone, return emails, or even acknowledge me. I am a bit shy when it comes to speaking on the phone, so it is a bit difficult for me. I get nervous and contemplate what to say and how to say it, and continue to be as friendly as possible. I spend the whole day planning what to say, and then I usually get the machine and end up having to leave a message. Luckily, we have email these days, and I am better at composing my thoughts on paper (or on a screen) than actually speaking them out loud. Regardless, I keep preserving and planning the parties to the best of my abilities.
I have been surprised by one other factor. There are no longer Christmas and Halloween parties, we now have Winter and Fall parties instead. (But really--the kids were all dressed in costumes and there were decorations everywhere--it was a Halloween party, but whatever.) I do understand that we need to be accepting of other customs, religions, and traditions that others may practice, so I am OK with it. Sometimes, it makes the planning a bit difficult. Is this too scary or Halloween-ish? Is this more winter-themed or more Christmas-themed?
I am planning the upcoming Winter Party now, and I am trying to make it as fun as possible, without getting into the Christmas aspect too much. That is kind of hard for me, as we do believe in Christ and we do celebrate Christmas in our home. But, I am sticking to snowmen and snowflakes for the party, and leaving the Santa, Christmas tree and Nativity scene for at home.
I am going to be sharing a few tips in future blog posts that I have found through research, advice from others, and my own experiences with planning the parties.
Are you a head homeroom parent? What kind of parties does your child's school do?
The duties of the head homeroom parent are basically to plan the parties that will take place during the school year. I was asked after someone else forfeited the role, so I do feel fortunate that they considered asking me. While it is quite a bit of work, I have been enjoying it, mostly. One of the most surprising things is the lack of response from some of the parents. While some are eager to help and share ideas, others do not answer the phone, return emails, or even acknowledge me. I am a bit shy when it comes to speaking on the phone, so it is a bit difficult for me. I get nervous and contemplate what to say and how to say it, and continue to be as friendly as possible. I spend the whole day planning what to say, and then I usually get the machine and end up having to leave a message. Luckily, we have email these days, and I am better at composing my thoughts on paper (or on a screen) than actually speaking them out loud. Regardless, I keep preserving and planning the parties to the best of my abilities.
I have been surprised by one other factor. There are no longer Christmas and Halloween parties, we now have Winter and Fall parties instead. (But really--the kids were all dressed in costumes and there were decorations everywhere--it was a Halloween party, but whatever.) I do understand that we need to be accepting of other customs, religions, and traditions that others may practice, so I am OK with it. Sometimes, it makes the planning a bit difficult. Is this too scary or Halloween-ish? Is this more winter-themed or more Christmas-themed?
I am planning the upcoming Winter Party now, and I am trying to make it as fun as possible, without getting into the Christmas aspect too much. That is kind of hard for me, as we do believe in Christ and we do celebrate Christmas in our home. But, I am sticking to snowmen and snowflakes for the party, and leaving the Santa, Christmas tree and Nativity scene for at home.
I am going to be sharing a few tips in future blog posts that I have found through research, advice from others, and my own experiences with planning the parties.
Are you a head homeroom parent? What kind of parties does your child's school do?
Monday, December 5, 2011
Six years ago...
I became a mommy. This post is a little late, but I still wanted to mention it. My sweet little baby is now my big boy who is so independent, smart and very strong willed.
My Baby Boy
Not a Baby Anymore
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Why do people get married?
I will preface this by saying that my son is an incredibly inquisitive little boy. He questions everything and anything. He ponders things deeply, and he is never satisfied with a simple answer. His latest obsession is marriage. This how the latest interrogation...I mean conversation went.
Son: "Why do people get married?"
Mom: "You meet a girl, treat her nicely and she treats you nicely, take her out on dates, then one day fall in love, and ask her to get married."
Son :"Well, where do you take a girl on dates?"
Mom: "OK, fine. You can go on dates anywhere--the movies, baseball games, out to dinner, and lots of other places.
Son (becoming annoyed with me because he has not received all the answers he wants): "OK, so what happens next? What do you say? What do you do?"
Son: "Why do people get married?"
Mom: "People get married when they love each other."
Son: "Well, how do you find a person to marry?"
Mom: "Someday you will meet a girl and fall in love, it just happens by chance."
Son: "No, I mean where do you actually find a person to a marry. How do you meet them?"
Mom: "You can meet them anywhere, such as school, a store, or anyplace really."
Son: "Well, how does it all work?"Mom: "You meet a girl, treat her nicely and she treats you nicely, take her out on dates, then one day fall in love, and ask her to get married."
Son :"Well, where do you take a girl on dates?"
Mom: "Honey this is a lot of questions about marriage, you really don't need to worry about this yet. This is for when you are a grown up, you are still just a kid."
Son: " Mom! Just answer the question."Mom: "OK, fine. You can go on dates anywhere--the movies, baseball games, out to dinner, and lots of other places.
Son (becoming annoyed with me because he has not received all the answers he wants): "OK, so what happens next? What do you say? What do you do?"
Mom: "You meet a girl somewhere, say in school. You will take her out on many dates, then eventually you may fall in love with her. Once you have been together for a while, know each other well, and have fallen in love, you can ask her to marry you."
Son: "Well, what if I can't find someone to marry? What if another guy asks her before me?"
Mom: "You will find someone to marry. You just need to remember to treat girls with respect and be nice to them. But, you really don't need to worry about this now...-"
Son: "Mom, just answer me!"
Mom: (At this point all I kept thinking is this will happen when you are much, much older, and please do not grow up so fast.) "You will find someone someday, don't worry. You may meet her anywhere, at anytime. You will probably meet her when you're a grown up though, so not yet. When you do meet a girl you like, just remember to treat her well and she should treat you good too. When you fall in love, you will ask her to marry you."
Son: "So, how do you ask her to marry you? What words do you say?"
Me: "You simply say, will you marry me?"
Son: "But mom, what if she says no?"
I am sure you get it now, so there is no need to go on. I had to laugh at the end of the conversation. He always worries over everything, and of course the conversation ends with the beginning of another long conversation...what if she says no? Well, honey, that is whole other conversation. My husband on the other hand, he keeps things real simple. His words, "Well, then you start all over again."
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Don't Tickle The Butterfly
As excited as I am to venture into the world of blogging, the task of creating my first blog post has left me feeling speechless (almost).
I am filled with those same scary feelings that resemble the moments when my teacher called on me in my high school speech class. It wasn't that I didn't have my own thoughts, feelings or emotions to express. I simply felt a loss for words with 30 students glaring at me, some anticipating my almost certain embarrassment, while others simply did not care what I had to say at all.
So, now I sit here and contemplate what it is that I have to say that would be of any interest to anyone else.
That brings me to the reasons for starting this blog. My children. My four beautiful, crazy, exhausting, joyful children.
We recently purchased one of those butterfly kits. The one where they mail you a little tent for butterflies and a plastic tub of caterpillars. I will preface this by saying I am not a fan of bugs and watching the caterpillars shed their skin made my skin crawl. However, it was a unique opportunity for my children to experience the wonder and amazement of the life cycle of a caterpillar. So, I disregarded my queasiness and ordered the kit.
My children were fascinated, but the excitement dwindled as they waited for the caterpillars to complete their transformation. Finally, the caterpillars emerged as beautiful butterflies. My children were fascinated, engrossed in watching the fluttering of wings as the butterflies started their new life.
My children are not the most delicate creatures. They are the rough and tumble type. Constantly on the move and constantly engaging in some type of altercation, daring act or gymnastic feat. I watched closely, anticpating the moment when one of my children would certainly trample the helpless little butterfly. Then one of my children asked, as innocently and sweetly as possible, "Are butterflies ticklish?" She then proceeded to stretch out her little hand and attempt to tickle the butterfly. I quickly replied, "Don't tickle the butterfly." Such a silly question to most adults, yet one that she genuinely wanted an answer to. It was in this moment that I realized that my children truly do have a unique way of looking at the world.
A family member joked that the comment from my child would make a good title for a book. I thought it would make a good title for a blog, so here it is.
There are moments in life, precious moments, when children say or do the most extraordinary things. They grow so fast and those precious moments slip away so quickly. I may try to remember each moment, but sometimes I forget what I had for lunch that day. Work, family, life-- there are so many obligations and duties we have that we lose so many of those memories. Each memory is replaced by another and soon we start forgetting those small moments. The ones where your child stares at a bug in amazement and wonder. The times when your child asks you a question that seems to deep for his or her innocence. The moments when your child throws the biggest tantrum over a misplaced sock or pair of shoes.....Wait, do I want to remember those moments? Well, yes, actually I do. My mother has often told me to write down the things my children say or do, because these moments will escape us far to quickly. I believe this to be true. All the wonder, joy and yes even the tantrums of a child, show us how a child see's life-through his or her eyes. It may not always be pleasant or happy, for both the child or the parent. However, these moments help me discover life through the eyes of each of my children.
For someone who was feeling at a loss for words, I certainly ended up rambling on for quite a long time.So, my blog is my journey through motherhood--all the ups and the downs. I invite you all to follow me on this journey of discovering life through the eyes of a child (and discovering life through my eyes as a very blessed parent). What is one of the way's you discovered life through your child's eyes today?
I am filled with those same scary feelings that resemble the moments when my teacher called on me in my high school speech class. It wasn't that I didn't have my own thoughts, feelings or emotions to express. I simply felt a loss for words with 30 students glaring at me, some anticipating my almost certain embarrassment, while others simply did not care what I had to say at all.
So, now I sit here and contemplate what it is that I have to say that would be of any interest to anyone else.
That brings me to the reasons for starting this blog. My children. My four beautiful, crazy, exhausting, joyful children.
We recently purchased one of those butterfly kits. The one where they mail you a little tent for butterflies and a plastic tub of caterpillars. I will preface this by saying I am not a fan of bugs and watching the caterpillars shed their skin made my skin crawl. However, it was a unique opportunity for my children to experience the wonder and amazement of the life cycle of a caterpillar. So, I disregarded my queasiness and ordered the kit.
My children were fascinated, but the excitement dwindled as they waited for the caterpillars to complete their transformation. Finally, the caterpillars emerged as beautiful butterflies. My children were fascinated, engrossed in watching the fluttering of wings as the butterflies started their new life.
My children are not the most delicate creatures. They are the rough and tumble type. Constantly on the move and constantly engaging in some type of altercation, daring act or gymnastic feat. I watched closely, anticpating the moment when one of my children would certainly trample the helpless little butterfly. Then one of my children asked, as innocently and sweetly as possible, "Are butterflies ticklish?" She then proceeded to stretch out her little hand and attempt to tickle the butterfly. I quickly replied, "Don't tickle the butterfly." Such a silly question to most adults, yet one that she genuinely wanted an answer to. It was in this moment that I realized that my children truly do have a unique way of looking at the world.
A family member joked that the comment from my child would make a good title for a book. I thought it would make a good title for a blog, so here it is.
There are moments in life, precious moments, when children say or do the most extraordinary things. They grow so fast and those precious moments slip away so quickly. I may try to remember each moment, but sometimes I forget what I had for lunch that day. Work, family, life-- there are so many obligations and duties we have that we lose so many of those memories. Each memory is replaced by another and soon we start forgetting those small moments. The ones where your child stares at a bug in amazement and wonder. The times when your child asks you a question that seems to deep for his or her innocence. The moments when your child throws the biggest tantrum over a misplaced sock or pair of shoes.....Wait, do I want to remember those moments? Well, yes, actually I do. My mother has often told me to write down the things my children say or do, because these moments will escape us far to quickly. I believe this to be true. All the wonder, joy and yes even the tantrums of a child, show us how a child see's life-through his or her eyes. It may not always be pleasant or happy, for both the child or the parent. However, these moments help me discover life through the eyes of each of my children.
For someone who was feeling at a loss for words, I certainly ended up rambling on for quite a long time.So, my blog is my journey through motherhood--all the ups and the downs. I invite you all to follow me on this journey of discovering life through the eyes of a child (and discovering life through my eyes as a very blessed parent). What is one of the way's you discovered life through your child's eyes today?
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