Comments on: A typical day… is pretty sad

by: Laura

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:30:25 +0000

Wow, I am suprised to see how many parents kill their kids souls…..2000 years ago and now all we want the same thing HAPPYNESS, and it does not exist in more money jobs or new car or another thing we do not need in our houses. HAPPYNESS is inside job. We are connected globally by Internet and disconnected in our own families……VERY, VERY SAD.

by: leelameher

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:49:00 +0000

yes, quality time like any other good aspect of our life has to be consciuously managed.it not only makes one think about the relations but also urges them totake time for their dearones.thank you once again.

by: Good Dog Happy Baby: Dog Training For Expecting Parents. | 7Wins.eu

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:14:01 +0000

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This book will help expecting families identify and modify behaviors in their canine companions before the baby arrives to facilitate a smooth transition.” - Jeffrey Bryan, DVM “Truly understands the behavior of dogs…” "A practical guide written with style and a sense of humor by one who truly understands the behavior of dogs and the relationship they have with their human families." - Joyce Weidman, DVM “Everyone can benefit from this book…” "Knowledge is power! Get ready to gain some valuable insights into the world of a professional dog trainer who knows his stuff. Everyone can benefit from this book." - Kirk Turner, EZtrain Dog Training “Restored sanity in our lives…” “Wombacher's book has restored sanity in our lives and taught us how ALL of us (my husband and me, our baby, and our dogs) could co-exist in a way that works for everyone. 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Using Good Dog, Happy Baby is the closest thing to a guarantee you’ll ever find for a guide to creating a healthy, happy, and fulfilling home—with baby, dog, and the entire family. But Our Dog Is Already Obediet— Why Do We Need Your Course? Some of you might be saying “But our dog is already a good dog. We don’t really need to train him—right?” Nine times out of ten, however, after your dog growls at your newborn for the first time, you’ll realize that it’s not about being a “good” or “bad” dog—it’s about training your dog to respect the newest member of your pack. It’s a dramatic change in the pack structure and that can throw everything off. That’s why this book is so critical for all expecting or new parents. I know it may seem daunting at first to train your dog for the coming of your baby—there’s a lot to learn—but, trust me, without fail, that first moment when your dog and baby meet will be one of the best ever! My Life. My Passion. A Note On Why I Wrote This Book A few weeks before I started to write Good Dog, Happy Baby, I was sitting at my desk shaking my head in exasperation. I had just hung up with yet another couple who had decided to give up their dog three months after they had a child. “It’s just too much,” they told me in tears. “The dog pees every time we pay attention to our baby, he runs around the house and barks at her, growls when we put her on the sofa which he’s no longer allowed on and seems to have generally gone crazy.” When I told them what they would have to do to correct this situation they realized that with a new baby and two jobs, they simply didn’t have the time. Sadly they gave up the dog. What was really sad was that the whole situation was entirely preventable had they started working with their dog from the day they knew they were expecting. At least twice a month, I counsel expecting parents on how to prepare their dogs for the arrival of a child and after receiving this phone call I decided that the time had come to put everything relevant to this subject down on paper. If more people had ready access to this information, I thought, perhaps less dogs would be re-homed within a few months of the baby’s arrival. At any rate, with that motivation, I set out to write Good Dog, Happy Baby. In it, I have tried to cover every conceivable issue that could be related to bringing a child into a home with one or more dogs in it. There simply is no better time to start training your dog for the arrival of your baby than right now. My course, Good Dog, Happy Baby, gives you everything you need to get started on one of the most rewarding and satisfying experiences of your life. And, if you get started today, you’ll receive… “The Good Dog, Happy Baby 3-Part Companion Audio Course Worth $100!” When you order a copy of my highly-acclaimed course, you’ll also receive the Good Dog, Happy Baby 3-Part Companion Audio Course. This valuable set of training materials contains 180 minutes of easy and effective tips, tricks, and strategies for training your dog to welcome your newborn: COMPANION AUDIO TRAINING #1 ($33 value): Rank Management Expanding upon my Twelve-Step Doggie Program, I explore additional ways to help your dog learn to respect you as the leader of the pack through his innovative "rank management" system. COMPANION AUDIO TRAINING #2 ($33 value): Addressing and Resolving Potential Behavior Problems In your second audio course, I give you additional tips, tricks, and strategies to help you remedy some of your dog’s most common problems, including snappiness, guarding, and barking. This is a must for all owners who are serious about taking their dog training to the next level. COMPANION AUDIO TRAINING #3 ($33 value): Ensuring a Seamless Transition In your final audio course, I walk you through specific exercises that prepare your dog for your new baby such as keeping off children’s toys, out of the baby’s room, away from the baby, and more. Right now, you're likely wondering what this will cost you. If you bought There's a Baby in the House from Amazon.com, it would cost you $16.95, plus shipping and handling. But that would only give you the book - not the companion audio course, which contains my most up-to-date and important additions that every parent should know. So really, given how much I charge for my time, along with the print value of the book, I should be charging $116.95. But given that I'm publishing this in a digital format, my overhead is low - so I can charge a lot less. That's why I'm offering the entire e-book and companion audio course for just $38. Try out Good Dog, Happy Baby risk-free starting today. Frankly, the process of preparing your dog for the coming of your newborn can be very overwhelming, but with my e-book and these excellent companion training audios, you’ll be empowered to make sure everything goes smoothly at home. Best of all, you'll receive Good Dog, Happy Baby seconds after your order. The book comes in an easy to read PDF format and the audios are mp3 files. Because this is an e-training course, there are no shipping charges, no waiting, no "lost in the mail" delays. And lest you think I don’t stand behind my words, you’re entirely protected by my… 56-day, Risk-Free, Money-Back Guarantee! Get your own copy of Good Dog, Happy Baby and take a full eight weeks to read everything. Listen to the companion audios. If you change your mind and decide that you are not 100% thrilled with the course, simply let me know and I’ll refund your purchase in full—no questions asked. I’ll take on all risk to make sure you’re absolutely thrilled with your course. Click here to order your copy of Good Dog, Happy Baby instantly and risk-free. Listen, it’s simple. I wrote this course to provide you with a comprehensive program for basic relationship training along with great methods for preparing your dog before your baby arrives. With detailed information written in an easy-to-understand format, and accompanied with tons of useful resources and images, this is the only course you’ll ever need to create a wholesome, safe, and fulfilling home environment. Order now and get started today—it’s the best thing you can do for your baby and your dog. Congratulations, best wishes, and heartfelt blessings, Michael Wombacher Author, Good Dog, Happy Baby P.S. In a few minutes, you can begin to quickly and easily learn how to successfully train your dog for the arrival of your newborn. No more fears, no more power struggles, no more wondering if you made the right choice by keeping your pup! Good Dog, Happy Baby, is filled with hundreds of tips, ideas, and techniques to guarantee your relationship with your dog will be better, happier, and more fulfilling than you ever imagined…and, more than that, you’ll have the comfort of knowing that your baby will come into a welcoming and safe home. Click here to order your copy of this important and helpful book today. Sites you may be interested in The Dear Dr.MOZ Baby Blog � Mattel, Neeto, and d-Scan Recalls, and Baby Naming Gets Scientific What Happens When a Dog Goes Through a False Pregnancy? ~~ Small Dogs Paradise : Holistic Approach to Pampering and Healing Small Dogs Texas Mother Steals Pug Scooter, Sends Letter to Family with Admission and $20 � Dogster For The Love of Dog Blog Blog listings since like a month ago � LesbianFamily.org RAISING JOEY � At Home With Down SyndromeSympathy Pain � Blog Archive � One Eyed Willie…easy…St. Andrews by the Lake � Grains of Sand Easter Season 2008 Spacing / Durham Region Baby (Ontario, Canada) � Blog Archive � A typical day… is pretty sad Tags house train dog behavior dog train dog dog agility dog obedience train dog obedience This product is also listed in Home & Family Parenting Pets New Products Trends var html='’; html += ‘’; html += ‘ Gravity’; html += ‘ Popularity’; html += ‘ Referred’; html += ‘’; html += ‘’; html += ‘ ‘; html += ‘’; html += ‘’; html += ‘ ‘; html += ‘’; html += ‘’; html += ‘ ‘; html += ‘’; document.write(html); Pingback / Trackback In database since 2008-05-02 and last updated on 2008-06-23 […]

by: Darla

Tue, 27 May 2008 18:09:48 +0000

After reading all these thought provoking statements it makes me wish for all “those” mornings back. See my oldest will be a senior in High School next year and I wish for those wonderful mornings to wake him up, when he rolled over smiled and hugged me first thing. I am already very emotional just thinking about his last year in High School. I don’t want to be one of those moms who cry at the drop of the hat but to bad I am! This article reminds me to take the extra time in the morning, or anytime, and just make those positive and loving memories.

by: Chris

Tue, 06 May 2008 15:53:32 +0000

very thought provoking.
I will listen to my self and
try to change my words.

by: Stacey

Tue, 06 May 2008 04:50:57 +0000

Wow. I have so much to learn. My little girl will be 4 in a month, and I’m not sending her to pre-school. I’m lucky enough to stay at home with her, my husband works outside the home and I’m starting my own business. I keep hearing about homeschooling, and while it sounds like it might be a good idea (my baby will be safe at home with me) I would like to know how this practice prepares children for the real world?
What about socialization? I was born and raised in NY, and always had lots of friends. We now live in a rural area, and I feel the only children she will meet will be the ones she meets in school, should I decide to send her. I feel she needs to be around other children. When she meets someone her age, she hugs them immediately after introducing herself. She’s outgoing, affectionate, and whip-smart. On the downside, she can have a hot temper and throws some pretty intense hissy fits on occasion.
She is our one and only, and I want to be as careful as possible not to screw up. I’ll consider all advice given, so feel free and send me some words of wisdom. I feel a bit lost here.

by: Aruna

Tue, 06 May 2008 02:51:39 +0000

Thanks Ellen for reminding us of our typical day!!! Now I know is the time to make the change.

by: getting rid of head lice

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:48:18 +0000

getting rid of head lice

Also, head louse removal in a school, nursing home or similar shared facility would need immediate as well as coordinated action, and also administrative support to eliminate hair lice as well as prevent its spreading to uninfected persons. It is neces…

by: mrs. berger

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:02:22 +0000

most of this stuff is negative, i would like more positive stuff to deal with a rebellious 14 year old teenage daughter, help! thanks.

by: Shamay

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:10:01 +0000

Living in a metropolitan area, I get a lot of social pressure to put my 2.5 year old in preschool already. But instead, I have him and his little sister at home with an Au Pair who is crazy about them. They wake up and have a relaxed breakfast, nap in their own beds and feel the comfort of an adult who loves/plays/teaches them and they have play dates for social interaction. I can’t imagine all the stress I would feel getting them out the door at 6:00 AM so I can get to work on time - it must be very difficult.

by: Carrie

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:52:52 +0000

I agree with the last two comments! One without the Lord in your heart and everyday everything, it would be hard to raise a child or children. As for myself, I have 6 kido’s. 3 in school and 3 at home ranges from 11 years down to 10 months. My helpers are away during the day so the younger ones are in “training”. They have to stay busy so they DONT get into trouble, not to say that doesn’t happen, it does. But the bussier they are the less likely! My older ones know how to do everything in the house but start a load of wash, which is next on my list! They love to help! They love to please their daddy & mommy, and most of all the Lord. They have been taught to do their work as if it were for the Lord. Now I know I have said those things up there at least once! Because it was needed at the time and because I know I have told them once already to be careful or to get thier shoes on, whatever. Disipline and to know they will be if they don’t listen the first time is the rule in this house. To spare the rod is to spoil the child. But most of all love them unconditionally!

by: Brunna

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 18:30:37 +0000

I DON’T THINK IS SAD AT ALL, I JUST DON’T LIKE THE PART OF THE SITUATION WHERE I HAVE NO OTHER OPTION BUT TO SCREAM. EVEN THOUGH IT’LL TAKE ME A LONG TIME TO DO THAT, WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN IT WAS SIMPLY BECAUSE IT WAS NEEDED.

I BELIEVE THAT WE MOTHERS SHOULD NOT THINK IS A BAD/SAD THING TO DICIPLINE OUR CHILDREN, I FOR ONE DO THE BEST I CAN WITH MY TWO BOYS, IT IS NEVER EASY TO BE A.. TEACHER, NURSE, COACH, REFEREE, CHEERLEADER, THERAPIST, ORGANIZER, COOK MAID AND LET’S NOT FORGET WIFE!

SO MY COMMENT WOULD BE TO THIS MOM IF I SAW HER..WHO HAD A HARD DAY, OR WAS DEPRESSED OR STRESSED: CAN I HELP YOU WITH ANYTHING?

I AM VERY PROUD TO BE A NONJUDGEMENTAL MOM, AND I SURE HOPE WE CAN ALL BE VERY PROUD OF BEING WHO WE ARE SOMEDAY:) MIND YOU, I’M NOT SAYING THAT YOU’RE NOT PROUD WHO YOU ARE, ALL I’M SAYING IS THAT LIFE IS NOT PERFECT BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN WE HAVE TO BE SO HARD ON OURSELVES

by: Veronica

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:55:40 +0000

So true! I had a few days like that and knew right away that there was a problem. Luckily (with Jesus in my heart) I have been able to say five things every single day to my children that make them smile: “Good morning! It’s so nice to see you!”, “I love you SO MUCH!”, “You are So smart!”, “You silly boy/girl” (and tickling), “You make me happy.” So even when we have a bad day the kids know how much I love and appreciate them (I hope!) Thanks for the reminder of how it shouldn’t be. God bless

by: Kathy

Thu, 03 May 2007 19:55:14 +0000

Family also stands for

F - forget
A - about
M - me
I - I
L - Love
Y - You

by: Tom

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 20:20:44 +0000

I’m seeing a huge variety in the postings here. Rest, sleep, quality-of-sleep, are issues for sure. And some people require less sleep, and others require more. Who knows why? But who cares? Recognizing who the parents are and who your children are is what matters. I’ve got 2 boys (7 and 5) that can easily clock 11 hours of sleep every day, and yet they still fight us for going to bedtime! It’s hilarious (in retrospect . They’re just feeling cheated by life because they see what’s available in the world and they want this, that, and the other thing, but when you’re a long sleeper, it’s just who you are, and by definition, you’ve got less “living” available to you because you’re not awake as much during the day. I mean, how many of us have wondered, “wouldn’t it be cool if I didn’t need to sleep? I could do much more.” Well, we do need to sleep, so we can’t do that much more.

I don’t feel bad for harsh commentary because I’m just trying to be fair about my analysis of their performance. I congratulate and reprimand as needed, and I think the mornings, or any hard-bound time-sensitive event can be stressful because there’s a combination of selling the event as a “good thing” to the kids, and establishing what my job is as a parent and what their “job” is as the child. So of course, the power-struggle is a part of that. But I see in my boys an oh-so-gradual acceptance of these hard facts-of-life, and I am still thrilled to get home to see them, and they demonstrate happiness to see me.

I’m pulling for them, and I think they know it. They say things at times that represent the frustrations of the moment (and don’t we all , but I have a short memory for that stuff. So we can all smile to be together as time permits, and the small moments where eye-contact is made (that fleeting gift occasionally given by my oldest, diagnosed high-functioning and/or ADD, take your pick of professional count infinitely more than when we’re all grumpy and trudging through the mundane (but together!).

I feel like I could go on forever, but I won’t. (And the crowd cheers Good luck to you all and just make sure your kiddies know you’re they’re biggest fan, and they’ll get the rest.

by: anne jolles

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 20:55:08 +0000

great discussion!
it is really inspiring to listen to all the parents giving their best!
thanks,
anne jolles

by: ashandlex

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 18:36:08 +0000

Whoa, now…EVERY morning is a challenge. I am a single mom of a high performance 9 year old girl. I’m a type A person. Very organized, clothes are laid out the night before, etc. My problem is that my child is rude, disrespectful, and if I say, hurry (in any tone), she slows down. I feel like EVERY morning is a power struggle with her. I take the time to try and talk to her calmly, but she pushes back, EVERY day I’m late for work because I don’t want to leave the house like that. Every day we end up leaving the house like that otherwise, every day we would never leave. I think I’m looking through the window of the teen years too early. Suggestions anyone?

by: Aimee

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:12:03 +0000

I used to have meltdowns from my 4 year old every morning. We finally figured out that she was so hungry when she woke up. We’d let her snack on some cereal soon after getting up or in the car as we are dropping my husband to catch his bus. Then when we get home the girls would have their regular breakfast. This made a huge difference. When you think about it most kids eat and snack all day. They have high metabolisms. Sleeping 8-9 hours mean that little body needs a lot more fuel. Hope this helps someone out there as it has change horrible mornings into pretty good ones.

by: EEEEMommy

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 01:30:03 +0000

In your e-mail linking to this post, you questioned whether “quality time” is a thing of the past. In my experience, and after reading this post, my opinion is that “quantity time” is what is really lacking between parents and their children in today’s fast-paced society. The true quality time occurs in the midst of quantity time together as a family. Also, although there maybe be rushed moments and times when harsh or unkind words are said in an impatient matter, when quantity time is shared together, these moments are often overshadowned by the numerous sweet moments, where loving words abound.

by: Ben,Okon

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 16:26:46 +0000

Helen,
Too much in a hurry can be harmful not only to the childern but to the parents as well. Tomorrow’s plan can start from today. One can run into trouble if proper care or plan is not made.

by: Dana

Sat, 06 Jan 2007 16:57:39 +0000

Of course everyone’s mornings can be as described but in our house my husband and I both spend quality morning time with our son (5). My husband gets up showers and has breakfast with Curtis and then he comes upsatirs and we snuggle while we watch a cartoon and then we start our day. This helps uss all to be less stressed in the morning.

by: Sirena

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 13:08:12 +0000

I can relate to some of that. I tell mine to hurry up alot. I hurry myself alot too. Our conversations do differ a little from the script. We do talk and I know her favorite things, and she knows mine. I know that this is such a hurry up world. Simplicity is the only answer I can see that will fix the problem for me. Taking inventory, and keeping it simple and organized, will make a major difference in how hurried we are.

by: Jolynn

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 10:21:01 +0000

For many of us who are now parents, we told ourselves that we would try our best to be the best parent a child could possibly have. Although, when we finally become one, it is then that we see just how difficult it can be to raise a child. We tend to make the mistakes our parents made when we were once children. With guidance, support, encouragement, faith, and time, we realize those mistakes and with each day passing, we progress. For me, everyday is a learning process for me, my husband and our four children. As parents we must remember that just as we try to make our children understand us, we must try to understand them as well. As a family, working together, and planning ahead of time for the events that happen ahead, life would be so much easier. Thanks for sharing such true experiences that people go through. We’re all human!!

by: TAMI

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 18:43:20 +0000

I can’t believe this is the article for today. This morning I got in the shower and started by praying and saying positive affirmations and of course the one thing I said I WAS NOT GOING TO DO TODAY WAS “YELL”! Well, this am did go better and I did not YELL as much (only twice). It was on the front of my mind as I was trying to get the kids ready for school and finish myself for work. I was yelling on the inside but the kids did not know it. It did make me feel better as I was driving to work rather than rehashing in my mind what I wish I has not said or done this morning before I dropped them off at daycare or school. Maybe the kids were happier this morning, I know I didn’t feel like such a bad mom.

by: Kyla

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 16:33:40 +0000

Hey All,
Well, my mornings were rough until I decided to do something a little different. My son (3)and daughter (6) and I love to hear happy music at the beginning of the day and this really gets them moving. So put on a little music for them to get moving to and the incentive is a great song in their head throughout their day. Also reward them as soon as you look at the clock in the vehicle (if you don’t have one get one) and say “look guys you got ready on time…GREAT JOB!!” and cheer loudly for the neighbors to hear!
ALWAYS WORKS!! And then my daughter has a great day and my son is in a happy mood when we come back home.
Good Luck.
Kyla

by: Brandy

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 14:00:54 +0000

This has prompted me to be careful with the interactions with my children to make sure that our conversation are not as limited as the ones above.

by: Shirley

Sun, 10 Dec 2006 15:19:20 +0000

This is very true! I also have all of the kids clothes set out the night before, shoes, backpacks ready, lunches made. This helps a lot! One of our biggest problems is that a lot of time the teachers at school don’t communicate to each hother. On one day, my son in 8th grade had 5 tests and 50 notes cards for his Science project all due at once. My younger son, 5th grade, had 3 tests, a project about the Inuit Indian tribe, and my daughter had her high school mid-terms, again all of this was on one day! I know what the teachers were trying to do, they needed to get their grades before the end of the quarter! Any suggestions as to what would help? I spoke to the principle and he said that he would bring up the over load at the next metting. Most of this was given to us on a Monday (they bring home a ‘Looking at this week” calender each Monday ~ everything was due on Thursday)

by: Dennis

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:26:18 +0000

Reading this makes me sad becuase it’s so true.

by: ESTHER

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 05:32:31 +0000

MORNING IS A VERY TRYING TIME. I HAVE TRIED VERY HARD AND MUST SAY HAVE FOR THE MOST PART ACCOMPLISHED TO HAVE A CALM MORNING. I GET UP EARLY SO THAT I AM READY AND CALM . THEN I WAKE THE KIDS WITH AMPLE TIME. I HAVE FOUND THAT WHEN I WAS NOT FULLY PREPARED OR READY IT DOMINOED DOWN TO THE KIDS. WE , PARENTS, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MOST OF THE CHAOS ,AND I DO NOT SAY ALL BUT MOST. BE ORGANIZED AND PREPARE CLOTHING THE NIGHT BEFORE . KNOW IN YOUR MIND WHAT YOU WILL SERVE FOR BREAKFAST. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, LIKE I SAID BEFORE “MOTHER SHOULD BE FULLY READY BEFORE WAKING THE KIDS”. TRY IT. IT’S NOT EASY BUT IT WORKS. MOTHERS CANNOT AFFORD TO BE LAZY.

by: TJ

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 23:38:03 +0000

yes my kids have lots of problems in the morning and it is so hard because i am and 80 year old woman with 3 kids….one 7 one nine and one 32 and the 32 year old still lives with me and she is a school teacher and i stilll have to make her breakfast in the morning can yuou believe that, i can’t i hope you all grow up to be great parents (unlike me)

sincerely

by: Angela

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 14:49:43 +0000

Sounds like a typical morning in our household. I have created charts for the kids morning routines to try avoiding this. My kids are 11 and 14 and the charts seem to help. I even have a chart. This seems to erase some of a craziness of the mornings which leads to better interaction between all of us. Now to get my husband started on a morning list. HMMMMMM……

by: Denise Williams

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:08:37 +0000

Sound like you have been in my house every morning, however, it is only one of my children that is the slacker the other is completely organized…… I raised them the same how odd they are so different…… guess thats why there isn’t molds to make children right? Thanks for the wake up call…. I will try more praise and less nagging…. Denise Williams Monroe, NJ

by: Elisa

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 02:21:57 +0000

Well, this was an eye opener. I spend so much time in the guilt realm that I don’t even stop to figure out how to remedy such things as topicd like this article . I am also in that article… almost to a “t”. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will try to be mindful of what I am doing. Although My childhood was not a happy one because of divorce , infidelity and violence ( all on dads part )I look back now and realize in many ways how patient and kind my mother was to me at times…… I think I need to remind her of those times. I need to step back and let my children be children. Thank you again.

by: Kristi

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 05:28:36 +0000

Tammy,

I am new to this site and I just read what you said about homeschooling. I homeschooled my 8 year old dd last year and was planning to homeschool this year also. But she decided that she really missed going to school. I enrolled her in public school and this is her 4th week back. Even though she is thriving, I have felt very guilty about whether or not I did the right thing. I loved homeschooling her but it just wasn’t right for her. Thanks for making me feel better! Also, I am definitely going to try to think before I say things to my dd when I am feeling stressed. I love her more than anything in this world but find myself annoyed with her at times because I am stressed out.

by: Neena

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:40:45 +0000

kind of tough to be sweet all the time

by: man ram

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 02:21:48 +0000

I say those things all the time . Is there a more positive way of saying things?

by: Judy

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 02:18:03 +0000

well i think it depends what kind of tone voice you’re using, (almost) all the things that were written there are comments that we say & i think its ok if we say it nicely & add a please & thank you & show the kids that they’re people (!) who deserve to be well treated!!!

by: Leah

Tue, 19 Sep 2006 03:37:31 +0000

Our mornings are sometimes hectic because of unexpected phone calls, etc. but generally if we stick to the same routine my toddler does really well and is able to get ready fairly quickly. I just have to discipline myself to make sure he has at least 15 minutes to get ready.

Also, I’ve found that giving 5 minute warnings before changing any activity helps it go smoother, including getting dressed, and the positive comments during that rushed time make my toddler more proud of himself and he is more ready the next day to show what a good job he can do getting ready again.

by: Jennifer

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 11:04:06 +0000

I am very routine driven, so our mornings usually go smoothly. I have all the kids clothes laying out and bookbags packed and by the door. I get up before the kids do and get myself ready before trying to get the kids up. My afternoons however are a different story. Trying to get the kids to and from their various activities after working all day and getting them a decent meal, doing homework, and getting baths…that is when I feel like I am nagging. I can hear myself doing it, but I sometimes keep on. I do try to spend a few minutes cuddleing with the children and talking to them or reading to them once they are all ready for bed.

by: Sara

Sun, 10 Sep 2006 12:58:45 +0000

School starts tomorrow for my Kindergartener, so this was very timely.

We’ll be setting things out tonight, and getting lunch almost all packed.

My little one has a mood disorder, which makes the simplest tasks often break down into tears (not always hers) defiance, and yelling (not always me) so a reminder of what NOT to do is welcomed.

by: chaya

Mon, 04 Sep 2006 18:03:51 +0000

My mornings are pretty hectic when we all have to get out by a certain hour, that is why I enjoy summer vacation so much! Getting up when we want, a lot less nagging, kids keeping themselves busy while mom stays in bed. Now I have three six year olds to get ready for first grade and a toddler to get to preschool, things are very hectic around the house in the mornings. What helps me is that I get up earlier so that I am all ready to go before I start with the kids, then the mornings go much smoother.If I get up late then all goes loose and it ruins the morning. I also get the kids to bed sleeping by 7:30 pm so they all get up on time on their own in the mornings. We try are best, it doesn’t always work, good luck to you all!

by: Francis Muela

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 19:03:48 +0000

I had more of those mornings before I started using real consequences with my nine year old son. I started waking him up earlier! Now the deal is that if he wants to sleep later, he has to stay focused on getting ready in the monings. If he drags his feet, then I wake him up earlier the next morning. But this only works if A) the child is old enough to understand it, and B) if the parent is consistent in the implementation. Things will change and verbal direction becomes less necessary.

by: Amy

Sat, 26 Aug 2006 17:44:19 +0000

Kudoos Tammy!

You’re right about not feeling condemned about not being a homeschooling family. It’s not something that God calls everyone to do.

We started homeshooling last year after sevral years in public school. i didn’t get into the hustle and bustle of the morning routine, nor did I like the rush in the door in the afternoon with 50 questions being thrown at me including bookbags full of look at this and look at that and my teacher needs you to sign this and we need money for this….blah blah! It was nuts!

However homeschooling does present it’s own set of challenges, take for instance the fact that your children are ALWAYS home. Now that takes some getting used to when you’ve had them gone during the day before. Not to mention when you are juggling teaching 3 different grade levels at once and handlling 2 other small children in the mix.
We still run a tight morning schedule just not one that causes us to fall apart when something goes wrong.
I have realized by reading this that I am a nagger! I have also reflected on things in my behavior that I believe are a cause of my children’s behavior. I nag and nag, but what am I doing to encourage them to just do what is expecting? Am I encouraging or even noticing when they are doing well? How do I handle my responsibilities? Am I diligent? Am I complacent? Do I stay on task? Do i handle problems with patience and self-control, or do I “fly off the handle?” Our children do better when we as parents show them what’s important and live out what we are expecting of them in our own lives. The old saying “Do as I say, Don’t do as I do” just doesn’t get it folks!

Thanks for the mirror image by the article! The reflection was uncanny!

Amy

by: Tammy

Sun, 20 Aug 2006 22:37:36 +0000

Wow….
I have a 8 year old and almost 5 year old twins.
This is the 1st year (just last week) that they’re all 3 in public school, All Day Long!
I have homeschooled, as well as private school,
and now public school. It’s a great school,
with a large population of Christians in leadership, so we are blessed. We live across the street, so no long commute either. But I must admit, I have moments where I miss the BABIES especially, and am trying to cherish these moments, ‘cuz I’ll never get them back.

Re: homeschooling, whatever works for your family, don’t be condemned, it’s not for everyone! We’ve vowed to make weekends jam packed full of lots of quality AND quantity time,
as well as keeping our evening commitments to
a very minimum, so we can pour into our kids,
talk about their day, etc.

They are amazing gifts to us from Heaven, may we all ask God to continually remind us of that,
and cherish and nurture them. I’ve found the best way that I can pour into other peoples lives, (family included) is to allow God to pour into me, and give me Grace For The Pace.

Blessings to all you mom’s, you’re one of their heroes!
Tam

by: donna schwartz

Sun, 20 Aug 2006 17:54:52 +0000

after reading the poem FAMILY it really moved me and made me realize how much nicer we sometimes are to strangers but our own loved ones we can be so mean and rude. We take for granted their forgiveness. Our small children do not understand our stress, but we parents need to know how our words affect them. i printed out the pome and will read it when i’m feeling stressed! I also find the morning time very rushed and need to slow down. Thank you for the poem and AM eye opener!!

by: molly

Thu, 17 Aug 2006 18:46:53 +0000

Our mornings are full of hugs, meditation and patients, my son is 4 going on 19 with ASD( limited speech) and luvs the world so much and understands me more then I understand myself. I try not to nag or say much in the morning, knowing it may take a few days for him to process what I’m saying (due to ASD)
This morning while driving him to playskool I grabbed his hand and he gave it a squeeze back with dearing eyes letting me know its gonna be alright. I have to believe him, since he is my sunshine and keeps me bright every day.

by: Teresa Meindl

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 23:43:47 +0000

Thank you for reminding me how important my family is.Sometime’s (I)do treat strangers better then my own family.Thank you for the eye opener.

by: Mira

Sat, 12 Aug 2006 02:24:14 +0000

Our mornings are pretty hectic, and too often I catch myself yelling at someone to hurry, because I don’t want to be late to work. What I would not give to stay home and homeschool.

by: Paula

Sat, 12 Aug 2006 00:49:03 +0000

Hmmm. I do agree that the more positive our interaction is with our little ones, the better. But why are we all saying we do these types of comments? Well, our modern culture has us in a mega rush. We all have tons of stress. It is wonderful to be mind-full of our words and what we say to our children and to watch the collective comments and have them weigh in on the positive side, but I think it’s also important not to heap one more super mom standard on to stressed parents backs. I homeschool too and find myself saying those comments in the list when we are going out the door. Being in a hurry is stressful. So..without trying to be a “Stepford Wife” or too pollyanna about this, I watch the comments I make, notice the positive as much as possible, and explain the many “oops!” I make along the way. But the list doesn’t look so unexplainable or “too sad for comments” when you put them in the context of having to get places at a certain time or having to be a whirling-dervish-octopus person taking care of umpteen things at once. How many of us can be positive all the time when we are in rushing servant mode? One example I can think of is the kids are in the bath, the dog has to go to the bathroom, one of the kids not in the bath has a poopy potty training accident and then sits on the dog’s head while the unfinished dinner sits on the stove? Sometimes it helps me to monitor my thoughts and then attempt to do better next time without feeling a huge whallop of guilt. (the flower story is sweet, reminds of us a child’s perspective, but…wow!…that kind of stuff could really lasoo a person into a “you’re naughty” corner real quickly. So many of us are just juggling and juggling! Hooray to watching what we say but realizing we are human and this parenting business can be tough stuff!

by: Karen

Sat, 05 Aug 2006 14:45:18 +0000

I recognize that scenario all too well! That is why this summer I made a conscious effort to spend that quality time with my son. He is in a 12 month program and I decided to keep him home. I also decided to only work one day a week and to take him with me to work. The rest of our time is spent doing summer activities like swimming and movies, andl also going to see sites in the city. I did this with my students when I taught in the classroom and am now extending that special time to my son. Although we will be back to the rush routine come September, I think this summer time we spent together will have a long lasting impression on him, and spirit me to put aside similar time during the school year.