Mom’s Blog

I received a letter today from an exasperated mom of a 20-month old and it struck a chord in me. As a mother of six (4boys, 2 girls) I’ve been there, done that - and about pulled my hair out during the process.

Dee,

Harrison (my boy) is my first, and I think that is part of my issue. I am unsure of what is normal for a toddler aged little boy, and if I am expecting too much. I have read books, blogs, talked with other parents, but every child is so different. And what works with some children doesn’t work for others. I understand this. I guess I’m still trying to figure out what is best for Harrison.

My mother-in-law tells me often, while usually laughing, that Harrison is /acts just like his father.

A very active, energetic curious, pushes me to the limits little boy.

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Posted on June 25th, 2008 by Dee
Filed under: Infant, Toddler Health, Parenting Skills, Quality Time With Kids | No Comments »

Apparently, we can see how nature is treated these days. It is a sad thing to know that people do not pay attention so much anymore to the environmental problems. What can we do about this? It’s as simple as starting with the children. It is good to see the children’s involvement with environment-friendly activities. One such nature-loving activity that children could easily get their hands on is gardening. Why should you consider gardening for your children?

Here are the benefits that gardening could easily provide the children with:

1. Science

In planting, children are indirectly taught the wonders of science like the plant’s life cycle and how human’s intervention can break or make the environment. They can have a first hand experience on the miracle of life through a seed. This would definitely be a new and enjoyable experience for the kids.

2. Life

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Posted on February 3rd, 2008 by Dee
Filed under: Quality Time With Kids | No Comments »

The average American child is plopped in front of a screen - TV, computer or video - 44 hours a week. That means fewer hours spent outdoors, exploring and feeling connected to nature. Parents are at least partly to blame: Many tend to overestimate the danger of playing outdoors. In fact, violence against children in outdoor settings is down by 40 percent over past years, making the outdoors one of the safest places for a child.

To combat nature deficit disorder, NWF recommends that children participate in at least one ‘green hour’ every day - an hour spent outdoors in unstructured play. Here are some ideas to get your child outside and interacting with nature:

* Go on a nature walk
* Put up a birdfeeder
* Set up a tent and camp in your yard
* Go fishing
* Go on a bug hunt
* Create a Backyard Wildlife Habitat site

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Posted on June 15th, 2006 by Dee
Filed under: Quality Time With Kids | No Comments »

Tea time! Can’t you just picture it? It’s as if it’s just part of being a girl … hats, little teacups, beads and bracelets. Little girls love tea parties… and big girls do too.

There are so many great reasons to join up with our friends across the Atlantic and begin the tradition of afternoon tea EVERY day, but realizing that we busy moms aren’t ready for a big step like that, let’s start with a once a week ritual to build a fabulous habit and tradition or our girls to last a lifetime!

Why have weekly teatime?

1. It’s peaceful. Let’s face it ladies. For most of us life is just a little nutty. Even for kids these days between school, homework, extra-curricular activities, sports and more homework, life is anything but peaceful. Provide a once a week respite from the craziness of life around a cup of tea. You’ll see… peaceful….

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Posted on February 7th, 2006 by Dee
Filed under: Quality Time With Kids | No Comments »