Lessons In Life

Education never stops, and sometimes it can come from unexpected places...like a four-year-old. Here are just a few things I've learned from my children.

1. Cleaning is not only futile, it's not as important as once thought.
2. When asked the question, "Why?" never start your answer with, "Because..."
3. Not only are the best things in life usually free, so are the best toys.
4. Children never listen to you, until you say a curse word. Then they don't just hear you, they also assume you want to be repeated.
5. DVDs should be included in the list of things to keep out of a child's reach, along with toilet paper, toothpaste, lotion, and hairspray.
6. Children have an innate ability to dial a phone.
7. Never put clean laundry where the child can get to it, unless you want to wash it again.
8. Given the opportunity, a three-year-old will shave his younger brother's head.
9. There is no such thing as a quiet trip to the grocery store.
10. No matter how many times you repeat yourself, you'll always have to say it at least one more time.

Having children is the epitome of continuing education. Stayed tuned for more as this list continues to grow.

The Four C's of Parenting

When shopping for a diamond, your guideline is the four c's. This helpful little tool ensures you get a good diamond. One thats worth your money. Well I've come up with four c's for parenting to ensure you get a good kid.

1. Clarity- You know what the rules are. They know what the rules are. The rules are written and in a place where the child can see them. This ensures that the child always knows where you stand and there's no surprises.
2. Consistency- If they break a rule, make sure it's the same punishment, for all the kids every time. Likewise, if they consistently follow a rule, make sure they're praised for it every time. This encourages the child to continue to follow that rule, and it makes them feel accomplished.
3. Communication- This is a two-part rule. You want to communicate with your significant other or the child's parent and make sure everyone is on the same page about the rules and punishments. You also want to communicate with the child and ensure they understand why the rules are what they are. If they understand why, they might be more likely to follow them.
4. Compassion- Frustration can really take hold when a child consistently pushes your buttons and breaks the rules. But we as parents cannot let our frustration dictate how we handle our kids. Try to understand why they broke the rule, or why they are hyper and rambunctious. If we understand, we can steer them accordingly. Punishment is still a must, but we must be willing to try to understand their point of view.

My pastor once said, "Punishment is hard. Discipline is not." Hopefully these guidelines can be used for proper discipline as opposed to everyday punishments over the same things, which can be frustrating for you and your child.

Good luck, and God speed.

A Dose of Sanity

What do parents of young children do on a Friday night? The same thing they do every other night. Occassionally however, they get to go out, enjoy some time without the kids, and have a little fun. It's important for parents to get some time away from their children. Not only is it healthy for the parents, but also for the children. Children learn to be able to trust someone other than Mom and Dad, and that can be a step of confidence for them. Meanwhile, when the parents get to relax, they become reenergized and rejuvenated, making them more patient and understanding (if only for a short time).

Here's the rub. If parents don't have a close and reliable support system it can make this a lot more difficult. It can be trying to find a reliable and trustworthy babysitter.

If you're a parent and you have a wonderful support system, make sure you appreciate just how great they are. If you're a parent and you don't have a good support system, take heart! I know it can be frustrating to get someone to watch the kids. Don't be afraid to ask other parents you know who they use for babysitting. Also many hospitals offer babysitting training services and may be able to direct you to someone who can help.

No matter the circumstances, it is important for parents to have some time to themselves and NOT to feel guilty about it.


Enjoy your weekend!

My Son: The Motivator

I hate laundry with a passion. I hate it so much I'll end up with four or five loads to do before I'll actually concede and do it. We usually have to pick the clean clothes we need out of the baskets for a few days before I'll actually put them away. Like I said, I hate it. I'm convinced my son knows this and wants to help me with this nasty little habit. Yesterday, he broke into our bedroom and took a glass of root beer with him. He decided it would be nice to spill it all over our comforter and some clean clothes that were sitting on the floor. Laundry immediately becomes my first priority since I'd actually like to be warm while I sleep. In to the washer goes the comforter, bypassing the three loads sitting in front of the washer waiting to be cleaned, and also making me do something about the load in the dryer I had forgotten about. Needless to say, I got some laundry done yesterday.
The moral of the story is this: Sometimes, we as parents look only at the negative parts of the situation. Instead, might I suggest taking a step back and learning to laugh no matter how difficult it is. Yesterday, I could have screamed at that kid, but the more I think about it the funnier it gets. And hey, let's face it, I should probably thank him for it.

Thank your kids for something today. It will make everyone feel good.

Why, oh why?

Most days, I find myself asking the question, "Why?" Some days it's why did my son just wake me up at 4:30am. Other days it's, "Why did I want children?" Yes it's true. Sometimes I wish I wasn't a parent. When the kids are screaming, the dog is barking, the phone is ringing, and I haven't even had my coffee yet I actually wish I had a job. When they passed out the brochure for being a parent, I'm pretty sure they left this stuff out. However, I'm convinced I'm not the only one who feels this way. I want to be able to tell other parents that it's OK to feel this way. You're not wrong. You're not alone. And one day, when you look back at everything your children have done to drive you crazy, you just might laugh.


More to come, so stay tuned...