Tag: motherhood

Potty Training at it’s BEST….correction WoRsT

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Potty Training.  Yep Potty Training…the stage where the child takes the reigns and the parents watch in horror.  Days where pooping and peeing becomes an hourly concern…yep that’s right Potty Training.  Everyone has their CrAzY, funny, embarrassing, serious, and ambitious moment to tell when it comes down to the toilet training lessons.

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Well I have a secret…yeah that’s right a secret.  Your going to hear advice, stories, and old-wives tales about potty training a child…well I am here to tell you now, don’t take the advice.  Go at your own pace, go at your child’s own pace.  Listen to their bodies, let them embrace potty training.  Do not make it a chore, make it FUN!  As a former preschool teacher I saw a lot of progress but at home with my kids it was like…Yeah well NOT HAPPENING.  It was really overwhelming for me especially when it came down to my first two.  My oldest son has been diagnosed with Autism disorder and ADHD.  Both=Interesting moments let me tell you.  From my experience I have learned never rush a child into submission of Potty Training it will only lead to disappointment and a lot of frustration.  Comparing your kids to other kids=BAD IDEA as well.  To be honest from my years of working with kids of ALL ages and having four of my own I have learned no child is the same.  They all have their own agenda to fulfill at their own pace.  I’m not saying to stop your efforts…I’m just giving a little nudge at the idea of letting your child explore and become familiar with the potty at his or her own pace.  ALL CHILDREN ARE DIFFERENT IN EVERY WAY, that’s what makes each and everyone of us unique!

A Gift

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I have noticed when working from home that I don’t seem as motivated and am more likely to become distracted. Yep distracted….either by my silly wildcats (joking-not) or my very creative kids find a way to pull this mommy away (which is honestly a great excuse to use).  Balancing home life can be very complicated sometimes especially when it is combined with my work life. Finding that balance is key.  I have decided recently that working after the kids go down to sleep at night has been such a better approach than my ‘I am going to try to work through the Chaos’ method.

I will say recently I have found a greater joy being home with the kids than I ever did before.  For a while I was lost in what I wanted to do with my life.  I felt unsure about every decision I made.  Now since my grandfather passed last September I have found a more meaningful understanding of how precious life is and how often we take life for granted.  I have found out how beautiful motherhood truly is and how blessed I am to be the mother of my four amazing kids!  I want all you wonderful parents out there to know it is a gift to be a parent and an honor that should always be cherished.

 

On a Rainy Day!

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Rain Rain Go AWAY, Come Again Another Day…. We all know that song way to well from our own childhood. When we were kids that was a song heard loudly among our peers on those dreary rainy days we often dreaded.  Well today is the day that I am now playing that song in my head silently as the rain pours outside.

I have learned that no matter how hard you try to plan for a rainy day when you have kids nothing ever goes according to plan. Finding activities can be interesting especially when you have children under the age of ten years, in my case that makes four!

Between me multi-tasking and trying to keep the peace they all (referring to the kids) have managed to pull out everything in existence and some in the house… Kids they can find anything even the things you don’t want them to find and for us parents that can be a real challenge especially because the summer is upon us. Rainy days have become a problem, like this week here in Wichita they are saying rain ALL week long. Yeah that is going to be super fun (as I write this post in sarcasm) the kids are fighting over a plastic Easter egg… The joys of sibling rivalry???!

Oh yes…Rainy Days! It looks like me and the kiddos are going to be tackling this weather with a few inside activities!  The best way to deal with a day like this is to enjoy that valuable time with your kids if able. Read a book. Write. Do some crafts!

Here are a few fun activities that have been really helpful for me when I am stuck in the house with ALL four of my kids.

1. Sing Silly Songs… the three year old loves this one!

2. Read books- My older two favor this activity due to the silliness of the story or the creativity that goes into the effort of telling a story.

3. Baking YUMMY treats!- No kid can deny they don’t love baking with Mommy 😉

4. Playing Board Games

There are so many creative ways to pass the time. It may seem hectic at times but remember no matter how trying the day can get on a rainy day try and take a deep breath and try something different even if it is out of your comfort zone. Kids are resilient and usually don’t notice when you are out of your comfort zone. Have fun, be creative, and let loose!!!