Kori Rodley Irons's comments

Bare Feet Season

13 Jul 2008 04:53 PM

Good suggestion!

I Don't Want My Kids to be That Coworker Who Won't Do Dishes

05 Jun 2008 01:14 PM

I support you in just saying "No"! As I say, just because I am a mother, does not mean I want to be everyone's mother. In fact, grown adults can take care of themselves and stop being blights on the rest of us--male or female!

Where to Find Money

03 Jun 2008 09:50 AM

Mary Ann--Recently, I was on a business trip where I "made" $25. I found $20 in a stall at an airport restroom (it was Chicago O'Hare for those who are keeping track of these things) and then there was another $5 laying in the lobby of the hotel where I was staying in a town in Michigan. The $5 was on the floor for about an hour while I was sitting there working on a computer and I finally picked it up after several others just walked over and around it. I have to admit that the "found" money probably paid for two of my meals while I was traveling.

Also: Car washes are a great place to find money--people shake out their car rugs and sweep things out and just leave the change on the ground.

Helping Kids Learn to Find Balance

20 May 2008 08:37 AM

Thanks for your kind words, SnickerDooodles! It is nice to hear words of encouragement and I certainly try to be helpful whenever I can.

When Slapping Becomes a Problem

17 Apr 2008 02:30 PM

Kara:

If it was me, I would hold her hands and intervene with her being able to slap. I also think that an 18 month old can be put into a play yard or you could sit down on a chair with her on your lap facing forward. You are right that trying to explain would be pointless with a young toddler but you could definitely say "No. I will not let you hurt me." I really think the important thing is to stop the activity and let her know that you will not let it continue. An 18-month old understands the word "No" because it is often the first meaningful word that young children use. "No slapping" or "No hurting" with you holding her hands or arms to stop the aggression might be a way to start. I hope this helps. Does anyone else have any ideas?

When Slapping Becomes a Problem

17 Apr 2008 12:00 PM

Kara:

I think that slapping can be a common way for toddlers to act out when they do not have the well-developed communication skills to express their frustration. I think sometimes there can be an almost biological component. I also think that it can be nipped in the bud, however, by prompt intervention and attention. Teaching a child consistently that violent acting out is never acceptable is a good start. I have three children all very close in age (1 boy and 2 girls) and while they had their share of battles, hitting, slapping, biting, etc. were never big problems in our household. At the first sign, I intervened and sent a strong, consistent message that violence was not going to be tolerated in any form--regardless of what precipitated it. It did not take long to set a family culture with that consistency.

Spears Family Slams Dr. Phil

10 Jan 2008 11:19 AM

Thanks for sharing this Michele! I have often wondered why Dr. Phil does not have to adhere to the same confidentiality considerations that every other therapist, counselor, psycholgist, psychiatrist and social worker does! I thought that a person (or their guardian) had to sign releases to even allow someone in such a position to talk to another entity about them. I cannot help but think that it is not only unprofessional, but is scares people away from seeking treatment and reinforces feelings of vulnerability and exposure. What a circus!

Why Do Little Boys Run?

03 Dec 2007 11:00 AM

My daughters were busy runners too! My middle daughter used to try to "watch" herself as she ran--of my three kids (2 girls and a boy) it was the middle daughter who was the biggest risk-taker with the running, climbing and such. I never tried to force them to slow down or stop, I guess I figured time would take care of that (and it has...)

Balancing Security and Ambition for the Single Parent

14 Nov 2007 08:42 AM

I can very much relate so thanks for sharing! I recently took my first international trip for work and was gone ten days to Norway; my kids are all high school-age teenagers and it was still very tough for me to go. It took a great deal of preparation in advance and then putting everything back together when I got home. I don't think I could have done it when they were smaller, even with a great support system. But then again, I have three. It can be so hard to figure out what is the right thing to do and what is best overall for yourself, your child, and your family unit. Good luck!

Quirky Rules That Work

18 Aug 2007 10:08 AM

I used to tell my kids that I would "lose my mom license" if I gave into certain requests and demands. I would say calmly and sweetly, "Oh, I wish I could let you do that, but I would lose my license." It actually worked for several years until they became old enough to realize that there was no such thing! Now they tease me and say, "I wouldn't want you to lose your license!"