By Guest: Arlene Pellicane If you have an iPad and kids, you have probably uttered these words to your son or daughter, “Give my iPad back!” Whether it’s an iPad, a different tablet, or a smart phone, you have probably struggled about your child’s growing use of technology. I recently had lunch with a grandmother named Sally who was lamenting the loss of quality time with her teenage grandson. She and her grandson were very close during elementary school. Peter was always talkative and social with his grandpa rents and others. Peter’s grandmother was very much a part …
Gimme Gimme MINE!
Toddler Rules of Possession author unknown 1. If I like it, it’s mine. 2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine. 3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine. 4. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine. 5. If it’s mine, it must NEVER appear to be yours in anyway. 6. If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine. 7. If it looks just like mine, it is mine. 8. If I saw it first, it’s mine. 9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine. …
Temper ‘n’ Tantrums
Temper ‘n’ Tantrums… the TNT of the toddler and (sometime beyond)world. What is a mom to do when her little one drops a big emotional bomb? First things first… 1. Don’t catch it! It is so hard not to participate in a tantrum. Kids want to draw parents into their drama. It’s a way of controlling the adult. The adult may get angry, plead, cajole, give in….whatever….just to make the screaming meme stop. Just remember, your response has the power to impact the tantrums to come. (And there will be more.)Next… 2. Stay Cool. It’s tough remain in control when …
Icy Pop Fun
Wow! June is already here! Our gift to you today is an easy, fun summer project you can do with the kiddos! Beat the heat with these easy, inexpensive and oh-so-tasty ice pops! Jello makes these cool treats less drippy. Let us know what you think! Ingredients 1 unsweetened Kool-aid packet, 1 (3 ounce package) fruit flavored Jell-O mix 1 cup white sugar (reduce if needed for taste), 1 cup boiling water 22 paper drinking cups (3 ounce), 22 craft sticks Directions In a large drink pitcher combine jello, Kool-aid, sugar and boiling water. Stir until dissolved. …
KIDZ TIME
Lord, what is the greatest gift I can give my children? I prayed that prayer 27 years ago. GOD ANSWERED MY PRAYER FOR MY CHILDREN. How did God reply to my prayer? He softly spoke to my heart, “The discipline to run to ME first thing every morning. That way I can always take care of them.” As I continued praying, I asked, “Lord, how can I get my 3 and 5 year old want to read their …
Survival guide for taking kids to restaurants
Kids are not born knowing how to behave in public. In fact, “public” manners vary greatly depending on the culture you’re in and the setting within the culture. When I posted a recent observation on Facebook about a mom wrangling two boys at a coffee shop, it stirred up a flurry of comments. Strong feelings came out from non-kid-toting adults who feel impacted by children in public places like restaurants, church, and stores. Equally strong feelings came out from moms with fresh memories of the challenges of getting out with children. I sensed both groups asking, “Don’t they get it?” …
5 Ways Twins Can Change Your Life
Some people call me a superhero, doubly blessed. Others say I have my hands full, double trouble. Hi, my name is Christen, and I’m a mother of twins. Before I had children, I had heard rumors that motherhood was the most challenging and rewarding job on the face of the planet. I was the newlywed that thought I could handle the challenge of being a mom; that it couldn’t be that hard. I had illusions that the reward part of motherhood would be more often than the challenge and my children would be well behaved, athletic, musically-talented, smart, and successful …
Strategies for Shopping with Youngsters
The little one rounded the corner, alone, crying, carrying her pink, velcroed, tennis shoes. She was maybe three years of age, at the most. “Are you looking for your, Mommy?” I asked. I looked around, expecting to see a frantic mama in search of her child. No one matched that description. Then out popped a young mom from behind the shelves of shoes. I suppose she was fearful of me, a stranger, talking to her child. “Oh, look! There’s your mom. See she won’t leave you. She’s right here.” The woman gave me an icy stare and said, “I was hiding to …
Some Thoughts for Young Moms
I have the privilege of being around quite a few young moms. I will never forget one particular visit. We invited a family with 5 children to come for dinner.The ages of the children range from just a few months old to ten years old.The baby hung out and was happy watching all the activity. The one year old ran around from one person to the other melting all our hearts! She especially liked my son and kept plopping down in his lap! The two year old boy was constantly moving! I personally have a soft spot in my heart for …
Raising Kids to be Independent Adults: How to LET. THEM. GO. & The M.O.M. Initiative Monday Link Up!
with Karen Ehman My friend Sheila Wray Gregoire asked a great question last week: “When Does Childhood End?” I agree with her premise that one of my duties, as a mom, is to help my kids find their route to independence, maturity, and purpose. So it’s been hard to admit that I was a “smother mother” when my daughter was in high school. I ran interference with my daughter’s teachers so often, she did not learn how to advocate for herself. She didn’t know how to ask, “When can I come make up the quiz I missed yesterday?” or “Why did …