Real Mothers Know- Secret #2

Secret #2: A Mother Who is Firm & Fair Gives Her Children a Moral Code to Live By.

For mothers: Be consistent and just in your discipline

Benefit for Kids: A sense of responsibility and Inner Direction.

Here is 9 steps for squelching bad behaviors:

1.Establish Your rules

2.Deal with one bad behaviour at a time

3.Calmly connect with your child

4.Clarify your concerns

5.Suggest a Positive alternative

6. Explain consequences

7.Correct and follow thru with consequences

8.Be fair- (offer compromise, choices & joint problem solving)

9.Congratulate good efforts

12 Simple Secrets

My latest parenting book is “12 Simple Secrets Real Moms Know” by Michele Borba. It really gets back to basics and concerns for raising happy kids. Want to know the secrets?

Secret 1. A MOTHER WHO LOVES TEACHES WORTH.

For mothers: Be Loving With No Strings Attached
Benefit for kids: Authentic Self Esteem

Is unconditional love like a happy, slobbering puppy glad to see you? Kind of, yes. I think of the love and excitement you give an infant or toddler, or when they do something new like walking for the first time. Our voice is excited, arms are open, eyes lit up just to be near them. We don’t care that their clothes are mismatched, they have a dirty face and diaper and are making a mess with toys everywhere. I should give my kids this attention at every age. They will grow up thinking they are important, that their opinions matter and are respected. They will believe in themselves.

Do the hula, or something like it...

Today we hit a concert in the park near us, it happened to be Hawaiian music and dancing. I really loved their explanations for the songs and what they sang about. For example, one song was all about seaweed they ate. I didn’t understand the words of course but the dancing was very interesting. I liked the idea of doing a dance for your food. What is your favorite food? How could you show that in a dance? How about something spicy? Something cold? Something comforting? What would you name your dance? Maybe we should all have to dance before a meal, like saying a prayer. I bet it will taste a lot better too. Needless to say, we have been dancing a lot today.

Summer Loves

KITTY LITTER DUTY

kitten love

Me: "David, who are you going to put to bed tonight?"

David: "The kittens."

Happy Day

After years of pleading from Perrie, we gave in. Yesterday we got two kittens. We are going to be home most of the summer so this would be a good time as any to get them. After being denied at the cat shelters (for having small children and admiting they would be allowed outside) we found some on craigs list. They are as cute as we could imagine and love people. One will chase you like a puppy if you run and they both want to snuggle to sleep on you. Perrie is in heaven. She was up till 11 pm last night and up at 6am. She likes to wrap them in a blanket and rock them. Owen came up with the name "Mittens" for the black & white one. We are still thinking of a name for the tabby one. I hope I didnt get in over my head here. =)