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created by: Everyonelauriej54

Getting Through the Tough Processes

11 Apr 2008 02:50 PM

Well, I did not go to college until my oldest was in his last year of high school I raised five children and adopted my young nephew who was 3 years old.I think you just hit a wall, and then you know you must delve into other interests for yourself that make you a more fulfilled person and an even better parent. I got very heavy when I was going through our divorce, more so because there was this depression illnes my ex had and I felt very guilty walking away from that. I had a Home daycare business so I immersed myself with children all day long, mine and others. One day I woke up, put my feet on the floor and said it's time to take care of Laurie...I started a diet and within 3 months I lost 50 lbs.! I started to walk at the school track and enrolled in night classes and never felt better. I went out with my girlfriends once a week, even if it was for coffee, or dessert or to see a show or take turns hanging out at each other's home. I started todate when my youngest was 15 years old. I just didn't want to date before, I just wan't ready. Now , my kids are doing great, and we are the best of friends as well as being a parent. I just married a great guy I met a few yeas ago....and am so very happy. In order to be a healthy parent, you have to sacrifice things and time in your life, but it is always worthwhile. But if you sacrifice doing what is healthy for yourself you pay too big of a price. Our kids want a healthy happy parent.

What's Wrong with Appetizers for Dinner?

11 Apr 2008 02:39 PM

I think what's really important is that you as a parent and family spend time together for dinner, period. Family mealtime has gone by the wayside because of all the busy schedules parents put upon themselves. If it's breakfast for dinner (which was a favorite in my house) then that's the meal...if it's your appetizers, then that's the dinner...It is about being together as a family. In my single parenting days (they are all moved out and grown now) I would put together easy casseroles (yes, thank you Bisquick) and throw it all together in just 15 minutes the night before. However, we also had campbell's soup and grilled cheese sandwhiches, and my kids were thrilled. I just want to see more families, single, blended, whole, any...take the time to eat and chat at the table.

When You Can't Take Your Toddler ANYWHERE

20 Mar 2008 12:05 PM

Raising little ones is definitely challenging...I raised five as a single mom , my youngest was three and my oldest was just turning 12. Life was very busy and I was a Licensed Home Day care Provider for 25 years. Honestly moms (and dads') of course their is no perfect set of guidelines that fits all, but I really do know that consistency is the key. It can tap you dry and become frustrated and wear you out but it works.Many of the families I cared for had these same struggles and were always asking me "Laurie, I just have one, how did you do it?" Well, it wasn't always easy, but once you realize there are certain rules that you want your children to follow and understand then it all becomes a reminder process. For instance in the grocery store. Before I would take my group in I would remind them at home that I want them to mind mommy and stay close to our cart and not wander off. No yelling or grabbing anything off the shelves unless mommy says yes, we need that item. i really took a few minutes to do this, it wasn't as involved as it may sound. Then as we parked the car I reminded them once more and we all went in to the store. These children are just trying to explore and see how far they can go and how long they can do what ever it is...so we as parents have to just set down the guidelines, it really only takes a few times and then the kids know the rules. If one of mine misbehaved I would give the warning, next time it is time out.If it happened again then when we got home they were on out "time out" chair. This isn't cruel or mean, it is teaching our kids to be polite and respectful and to enjoy outings instead of coming to dread them. Children bring us life and joy that is only a gift and we want to give them the tools to grow and develop into the kind of people everyone will enjoy being around.

Walking Around with a Sippy Cup

20 Mar 2008 11:48 AM

Well, you said it we all need our water bottles. What would we do God forbid if we are anywhere without them? Isn't it sort of funny though...we grown ups have our own version of the "sippy cup' too. My thoughts on this topic are from my own kids (the five of them) and my daycare experiences (25 years). Most of us parents have sippy cups in the first place because it is the step up after the bottle. However, I feel this attachment that can be for a long time with some children is just because it is easy. It really is like clinging to a pacifier longer than needed or to the bottle longer than needed. I think the incident you are referring to about how the sippy cup was used is really all about teaching your child manners and respect. if mom and dad's are okay with their child walking around with a sippy cup, that's there choice. As a Home daycare Provider, we had sippy cups and pitchers of water out on our tables when we all played outside because they get thirsty and we want these little children hydrated. I always carried a back pack 9not the monster size one just the medium type) and when we took our daily walks when someone was thirsty we would stop and I would take out a large water bottle and pour each child a drink then we would put the cups away in my pack and continue on our walk. Carrying these cups all around is and can be just as much like carrying "the baby bottle"...it just makes parents feel better. In the car on a long trip. of course, on a warm day of course, but as a crutch, no. Let them all carry their own little backpack with paper and crayons and a book and ask them to draw a picture of something they see...and when it's time to be patient have them look at their book or tell them to draw a picture for "grandpa or grandma"...they little hands can be more useful than holding onto a sippy cup.

How Long Should Bedtime Routine Take?

20 Mar 2008 11:22 AM

Well again I was the mother of five kids and a single mom. I also was a Licensed Home daycare provider for 25 years. I think one of the biggest problem areas is that many parents just feel too guilty to keep their kids on a routine bedtime schedule. Mom and dad's feel they have missed their children so much through the day, that often I heard stories that the children could stay up as long as the parents!What! I love my kids too, but after very busy days I wanted "my time" in the evening, with my husband, or to watch our shows or just to visit in peace and quiet. I did not feel guilty and I never shared my child's bed so they could fall asleep as long as mommy or daddy was right there. No. I am sorry, but I feel the wrong message is sent to these children. Parents have their beds and kids have their own too. Except for that occasional "scary" dream or if they were ill, our kids always went to bed and slept very well through the night . We would all take a family walk after dinner and then sit on the porch while they played a bit if the weather was nice. Then bathtime and one story was read, they all took turns picking the story for that night. i feel a true routine and ritual is what these kids need. They really thrive on knowing what to expect and there's no chaos to bedtime. They are tired and we are the parents.My daycare kids slept well for me also. Of course we took walks everyday and played out each day, weather permitting. Children need a nap when they are young for healthy growth and development and they need the same at night. So do we parents, look at all the studies today about how important a good night's sleep is for all of our health. Follow the guidelines for routines and your family will sail through the choppy waters much easier.

Are You Making Mealtime too Long?

20 Mar 2008 11:07 AM

Actually I really enjoyed mealtime. Whether it was with my own five kids or having meals with my home Daycare group. It was a special time where we all had a role in preparing something and helped set the table and the little children learned about table manners and good conversation. It is a great time to talk about what everyone did that day, even the little two and three year olds would get excited to share their thoughts. it shouldn't be so stressful. I was a single mom of five and because money was always tight it was a great time to visit. In my daycare all the parents thanked me so much for teaching their kids how to enjoy good healthy food and stay seated and learn to enjoy the mealtime and be polite.Maybe today the race is on because the stress is always on a timed schedule...We had dinner at a regular hour every night, it only varied a little depending on an event. I think all families need to bring back family dinners and relax and enjoy the meal and your family.




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