Search Results for: blog parenting your oldest child what to expect and what to do

Don’t Stay With Your Sleepy Baby Researchers Warn

Since today seems to be the day that I’m offering commentary on current research I figured I’d include a post on this study as well. A new study from the University of Montreal noted that if your baby wakes in the middle of the night and you go to him and stay with him until he falls asleep again, you might be setting your child up for sleeping problems later. The problem that I have with this study isn’t that the conclusion is necessarily off, but that there are a thousand and one exceptions to putting your baby down awake … Continue reading →

“My Son Has Juvenile Diabetes and Autism.” A Mother’s Interview

The following interview is with Ammey, a mother whose children have multiple medical and cognitive conditions. Of particular interest to me is her situation with her oldest son, Khy, who has both juvenile diabetes and autism. Ammey responded to my blog, Do You Have BOTH Juvenile Diabetes and Autism in Your Family? Here is her story. 1. Tell us a little about your family. My name is Ammey, and I’ve been married for thirteen years to my husband Mikel. We have three children: Our son Khy is 14, Kaine is 11, and Lilli is four. Khy has autism, asthma, type … Continue reading →

Will They Ever Be Responsible Enough for My Taste?

I am hyper-responsible. I suppose if there was a recovery or 12-step group for oldest children/single parents who have developed into incredibly responsible adults, I would attend and hope that I could learn how to ease up a little. The truth is, I am the way I am—whether due to temperament or life circumstances–and it definitely influences the way I parent my three children. I cannot help but compare them to me and wonder if they will ever reach the same level of responsibility? Maybe they don’t HAVE to reach the same level but I entertain plenty of stress fussing … Continue reading →

Ask a Baby Blogger: Just How Do You Do It?

The question reads: I don’t know how you survive as a homeschooling mom with 5 children under the age of 7! How do you ever get out? How do you give everyone enough attention? How can you keep your house clean or attend to your husband? I only have one and am completely overwhelmed. Seriously—just how do you do it? I chuckle as I read this question because I promise you that if you saw my house with books stacked high in places that are NOT the bookshelf—that would answer at least part of your question. I almost didn’t respond … Continue reading →

Tales from the Potty: The Rules

I am not a childhood expert on potty training. But I have had 5 kids–3 of whom have been potty trained within the last 4 years and 2 of whom we are currently potty training. My oldest three each took about 4-7 days to train. Two things have prompted this series of blogs. First I’ve had several requests from you on how to start potty training. The second is that we are working on potty training our twins who are now 19 months old. I’m not an expert. . .but I have learned a few things. So before I give … Continue reading →

The Family As A Team

The Family That Delivers Together We are all in it together around here. Everyone living under this roof is directly involved in almost every aspect of running our house and doing his share of maintaining the family unit. Paul and I include the kids in a lot of decision making. If the electricity bill is out of proportion, they know it. If a family member outside our home needs help, we all share in the responsibility. When a stray cat wandered up and went into labor on our carport, we all assisted. Daniel suggested we call 911 at the first … Continue reading →

“Will I Ever Play Like That?”

This past holiday week I’ve been enjoying my oldest son Garrett’s piano playing. He has become quite accomplished, and it’s a delight for me to listen to him. I remember when he was just a little kid starting his piano lessons. He had a big clunky book with huge notes and his feet swung from the bench. We attended his first piano recital together and he plunked out a simple little tune, his wobbly fingers tapping on each key. At the end of the recital, a young adolescent girl with long flowing hair sat down to the piano. She began … Continue reading →

How To Combat Sibling Rivalry

Why is it that sibling rivalry gets all the attention when they are countless examples of siblings that get along great? It’s the same reason that the crying child gets a parents attention more often than their quiet sibling. Siblings who already have a great relationship don’t need any help it’s the siblings who battle that need attention. What causes sibling rivalry? Children don’t get to choose whom their brothers and sisters are. Conflicting personalities. Two controlling children will fight more than a dominant and passive child will. Competition for parental love and attention. Position in the family and the … Continue reading →

Parenting Your Only Child – What to Expect and Do

Only children have many of the characteristics of first-born children only in triplicate. They tend to be even more responsible and greater perfectionists. They are comfortable with adults because they spend most of their time in adult company. Only Child Traits Close relationship to parents Good self control Leadership Skills Mature Dependable Unforgiving Demanding Sensitive – feelings easily hurt Difficulty sharing Overly critical of others Private May feel under pressure to succeed Also many of the first-born characteristics Parenting the Only Child Let them be a child. Only children are often mature for their age and it is easy for … Continue reading →

Parenting Your Youngest Child – What to Expect and Do

Your youngest child is your last child and to some degree every parent wants to keep them young. Last born children are driven to catch up with their older siblings. Youngest children always have someone to play with and as a result tend to be social. They also have a chance to develop their silly side, since the older siblings usually shoulder most of the responsibility. For these reasons youngest children have some unique characteristics. Last-born Traits Risk takers Outgoing Creative – idea person Strong people skills – love to talk to others Extrovert Competitive – pushes themselves to keep … Continue reading →