We were driving home after Thanksgiving dinner. My husband is not quite as skilled at maneuvering the "suburban housewife's minivan" as I am, so the ride is slightly more rough.
With much disgust in her little voice, Lela said, "Mommy... (sigh) Daddy just doesn't know how to drive!"
HA! While I was biting the inside of my mouth and looking out the window, my husband patiently smiled and just said, "I'm sorry sweetheart."
Oh, out of the mouths of babes...
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
"She Isn't Paying Attention..."
So we were at a family members house the other day. She started to tell a story using profanity and racial epithets... (OK REALLY?!)
First of all, the racial thing is just wrong. Everyone is a valuable human being, no matter what their culture or lineage. But I digress...
That attitude toward others is NOT something I want my child learning or repeating, or anything! I also don't need my little one wandering around the house, or worse, out in public, to start experimenting with her new "vocabulary" that she heard being used a few days ago.
So when I gave my signature "Not in front of Lela!" dirty look, the response I got was an aloof, "She's not paying attention to me anyways!"
Oh really... We've discovered that if she is even in the room, even though she seems to be in her own little world, she is absorbing EVERYTHING! And I mean everything! She will mention the most obscure things that she heard or saw from weeks ago! And while I might be completely lost, she knows exactly what she means, and will try her darnedest to get us to understand!
So we've had to resort not only to spelling a lot of things around her, but also to speak cryptically around the spelling, because otherwise she picks up the spelled word out of context!!
So when you don't understand where your child came up with "that idea," or "that language," etc. remember that they were paying more attention to what YOU were doing than you thought. Children learn through observation and imitation. The only way that you can control what they are observing from you, is to curb what you are doing to begin with. Give them the example you want them to learn. "Do as I say and not as I do" will NOT work in your favor! I guarantee it!
First of all, the racial thing is just wrong. Everyone is a valuable human being, no matter what their culture or lineage. But I digress...
That attitude toward others is NOT something I want my child learning or repeating, or anything! I also don't need my little one wandering around the house, or worse, out in public, to start experimenting with her new "vocabulary" that she heard being used a few days ago.
So when I gave my signature "Not in front of Lela!" dirty look, the response I got was an aloof, "She's not paying attention to me anyways!"
Oh really... We've discovered that if she is even in the room, even though she seems to be in her own little world, she is absorbing EVERYTHING! And I mean everything! She will mention the most obscure things that she heard or saw from weeks ago! And while I might be completely lost, she knows exactly what she means, and will try her darnedest to get us to understand!
So we've had to resort not only to spelling a lot of things around her, but also to speak cryptically around the spelling, because otherwise she picks up the spelled word out of context!!
So when you don't understand where your child came up with "that idea," or "that language," etc. remember that they were paying more attention to what YOU were doing than you thought. Children learn through observation and imitation. The only way that you can control what they are observing from you, is to curb what you are doing to begin with. Give them the example you want them to learn. "Do as I say and not as I do" will NOT work in your favor! I guarantee it!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Birthday Party Under Control!
We recently celebrated Lela's 3rd birthday. As I was searching the internet for ideas, so many ridiculous things came up! One family had gotten a petting zoo, a bounce house, a face-painter, and a caterer!!! Now, maybe our simplistic approach partly stemmed from our budget crisis, but I think it also has to do with just thinking we should keep it simple.
It seems to me that if you do something so grand at such a young age, they will just end up expecting something bigger and better every year thereafter! Now, when I was a kid, our birthday parties were in the backyard... we played games that involved putting your head on the tip of a bat and spinning yourself sick... or the "pop the balloon by sitting on it" relay race... of course followed by a homemade cake, and some opening of small, non-budget breaking gifts.
But now, it seems that anyone that is anyone, puts up their children's "friends" (they're not really best buddies at 3 yrs old) at a play place, one of those indoor playground gone crazy places, or the Children's Museum... Then one of the poor teenage girls that works there is responsible for entertaining the little ones. "Oh, but it's such a great value! Only $300 for 2 hours of play, cake and songs for up to 12 children!" ... Of course the parents are extra.
Honestly, I think that we are just teaching our kids at younger and younger ages to try to "keep up with the Jonses..."
Really, I'd rather teach my child that she has self worth that is not based on "one-upping" her peers! Maybe I'm just crazy...
So this year, as well as the last couple of years, we've had Lela's party in the park. We went really crazy this year and had it at William R Mason Regional Park in Irvine, where our generous guests had to pay for entry to the park. But the food has always been simple, homemade, and comforting really. This year we BBQ'd hotdogs... weeee! But you know... I decided that I wasn't responsible for everyone's complete day's worth of sustenance! And I got the good hotdogs... all beef!
Anyways, we did preschool type crafts like making caterpillars out of egg cartons. The kids could play at the playground, feed the ducks, or otherwise go nuts for hours! I spent minimal money, and everyone told me what a great party it was! One mom actually told me that it was refreshing to go to a normal party! I took that as a compliment!
I guess it comes down to this... They're so young, they aren't really going to remember let alone appreciate the "all out" party meant to impress the parents of the "friends." Then what will they have to look forward to for real milestones like 10?! Double digits! Let alone 16, 18, or their wedding day!
Let's teach kids that they will be valuable to those who really matter without having to impress them with materials and money.
It seems to me that if you do something so grand at such a young age, they will just end up expecting something bigger and better every year thereafter! Now, when I was a kid, our birthday parties were in the backyard... we played games that involved putting your head on the tip of a bat and spinning yourself sick... or the "pop the balloon by sitting on it" relay race... of course followed by a homemade cake, and some opening of small, non-budget breaking gifts.
But now, it seems that anyone that is anyone, puts up their children's "friends" (they're not really best buddies at 3 yrs old) at a play place, one of those indoor playground gone crazy places, or the Children's Museum... Then one of the poor teenage girls that works there is responsible for entertaining the little ones. "Oh, but it's such a great value! Only $300 for 2 hours of play, cake and songs for up to 12 children!" ... Of course the parents are extra.
Honestly, I think that we are just teaching our kids at younger and younger ages to try to "keep up with the Jonses..."
Really, I'd rather teach my child that she has self worth that is not based on "one-upping" her peers! Maybe I'm just crazy...
So this year, as well as the last couple of years, we've had Lela's party in the park. We went really crazy this year and had it at William R Mason Regional Park in Irvine, where our generous guests had to pay for entry to the park. But the food has always been simple, homemade, and comforting really. This year we BBQ'd hotdogs... weeee! But you know... I decided that I wasn't responsible for everyone's complete day's worth of sustenance! And I got the good hotdogs... all beef!
Anyways, we did preschool type crafts like making caterpillars out of egg cartons. The kids could play at the playground, feed the ducks, or otherwise go nuts for hours! I spent minimal money, and everyone told me what a great party it was! One mom actually told me that it was refreshing to go to a normal party! I took that as a compliment!
I guess it comes down to this... They're so young, they aren't really going to remember let alone appreciate the "all out" party meant to impress the parents of the "friends." Then what will they have to look forward to for real milestones like 10?! Double digits! Let alone 16, 18, or their wedding day!
Let's teach kids that they will be valuable to those who really matter without having to impress them with materials and money.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The $30 Tooth... yes, you read that right!
A friend of mine was telling me recently that her daughter (5) was experiencing her first loose tooth. The story quickly turned into a rant about her daughter's classmate, who recently lost her first tooth and the "tooth fairy" left her, that's right $30!!
Can you believe that?! Thirty bucks for a TOOTH!! Now I'm not saying that it wasn't a momentous occasion, but that's almost a tank of gas!
Make it special? Absolutely! Get one of those gold dollar coins from the bank. It's special and sensible!
A tooth should be able to be financed from the loose change in the house. It shouldn't have to be worked into your monthly budget for crying out loud!
Can you believe that?! Thirty bucks for a TOOTH!! Now I'm not saying that it wasn't a momentous occasion, but that's almost a tank of gas!
Make it special? Absolutely! Get one of those gold dollar coins from the bank. It's special and sensible!
A tooth should be able to be financed from the loose change in the house. It shouldn't have to be worked into your monthly budget for crying out loud!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Financial Peace!
We have been following Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. We already have been spending much less, just by creating a budget and using mostly cash! I thought it was going to be harder than it has been. But every time I think it's too hard, I just remind myself of what we're doing... giving ourselves financial security and a VERY bright future!
I highly recommend Dave Ramsey's program.
www.daveramsey.com
www.mytotalmoneymakeover.com
I've heard people tell me that it's too hard, or "they don't like being told what to do..." WAH! Suck it up for the well-being of your family and it's future! (Sorry... I'll get off my soapbox..)
I highly recommend Dave Ramsey's program.
www.daveramsey.com
www.mytotalmoneymakeover.com
I've heard people tell me that it's too hard, or "they don't like being told what to do..." WAH! Suck it up for the well-being of your family and it's future! (Sorry... I'll get off my soapbox..)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
135 Best Things You Can Do For Your Child by Daniel G. Amen, MD
This is a FANTASTIC list of things to do for your children! Dr. Amen is all about having a healthy brain and that leading to having a healthy life. Search the rest of the site for more fantastic information if you want, but definitely read this list.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Kid's Menu Planner
I'm a firm believer in feeding your child the same thing everyone else is eating (provided it's healthy) as soon as they can eat solids. Their baby food (more on this to come) can most often be just a whizzed up version of what you're eating.
I think that a lot of problems with kids eating comes from us expecting them to eat more than their tummies can hold. Remember, their tummies are only the size of their little fist.
This link not only has customizable menus, if that's something you're looking for, but on the side there are portion and daily requirements for proper eating and nutrition.
Remember: If you get your little one eating healthy foods right at the start... that's what they'll know and love! If you give them processed foods from the start... that's what they'll know and love... hmmm. Then it will be twice as hard to get them to eat right when they can express an opinion.
I think that a lot of problems with kids eating comes from us expecting them to eat more than their tummies can hold. Remember, their tummies are only the size of their little fist.
This link not only has customizable menus, if that's something you're looking for, but on the side there are portion and daily requirements for proper eating and nutrition.
Remember: If you get your little one eating healthy foods right at the start... that's what they'll know and love! If you give them processed foods from the start... that's what they'll know and love... hmmm. Then it will be twice as hard to get them to eat right when they can express an opinion.
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