Surviving summer, oh boy!
At this time of year, one of the most asked questions I get from parents is, “What can we do to make sure everyone has a good summer?”
Over the years I’ve compiled many lists, but each teen, and scenario, can be dramatically different.
However, I’ve found that these 6 “Secrets” almost always result in less consequences, and more fun, allowing parents and teens alike to continue surviving summer.
Filed under Teens & Tweens
Your daughter hurriedly closes the computer every time you approach her or come into her room.
Lately she is looking pale and worn-out.
Chloe’s grades have come down seriously, this last semester.
She is silent and solemn.
You can see the shine in her eyes gone but the light in her bedroom, where she spends every second she is at home is always on, way past midnight.
When you ask her what is going on, she answers “Nothing”.
She is fifteen years old. In the last couple of months she looks as she were carrying the burden of the world over her shoulders.
One day, you decide to take a look at her computer and you are horrified.
Continue >>
Filed under Teens & Tweens
I have the good fortune of being a part-time stay-at-home-mom, so my 23-month old son and I occasionally go to a public drop-in centre in our neighbourhood.
The other attendees vary: Mostly home daycare providers, the odd grandparent, and even a rare dad sighting here and there!
On our last visit, one of the staff members pulled me aside.
Filed under Children
This post is among the most populars of http://www.Parents-space.com, touching this way or the another all parents out there.
School is out and I can’t afford a summer nanny or camp.I work from home and am already at my wit’s end with my 7-year-old, Piper. Do you have any boredom busters for me, things to do when she tells me she’s bored? I don’t want her to spend the summer becoming addicted to TV, videogames, or some other electronic activity.
Question:
My son, Logan, will be 5 in July.
He’s recently developed a habit of chewing fingers and sucking them.
He never had a dummy (pacifier), so I’m concerned it could be a sign of anxiety.
Our home life is pretty free from stress, and I’ve tried teaching him breathing techniques and kiddy yoga.
When he’s playing with us or his grandparents, or his 2-year-old brother Alex, the fingers don’t go near his mouth.
I see him chewing fingers more when he’s watching TV or tired.
Are these normal signs of anxiety in a pre-schooler?
Filed under Children
I don’t typically like telling adults how to parent their children.
I don’t like it when others tell me how to parent, and for the most part I do not find it helpful to force parenting styles on other people.
However, there is this new “trend” in parenting that stirs up my anger:
Kid ‘shaming’ – Parent sponsored public humiliation..
Filed under Children
Training is required for many jobs- a class, a workshop, an internship.
For parenting? We aren’t even given an instruction manual!
What is effective parenting? I do not have all the answers, and I make my fair share of mistakes- just ask my children.
But I do want to share with you some things that I have learned over the years.
Filed under Children
Hey all,
I’m not posting a lot lately, am I?
I’m soooooo into my new site http://www.parents-space.com, which you helped me create.
Really, you did! Continue reading
Do you also feel that if your children are bored it’s your problem? That it’s your job to keep them busy?
Let’s clear this first: It’s not your problem if they’re bored. Let them be bored, and let them learn to keep themselves busy (or not). Boredom is good for children, and encourages creativity.
Now, if you still feel you need to keep them busy (what can I say, I always do…) well…
I am an owls addict!
Owl paper craft Instructions
Flying owl pattern here
Isn’t he the cutest??? Here
Love this. From Kerry’s craft blog
Stuffed owls here
So many creative idea’s, I don’t know where to start.
While we’re at it, one of my favorite owl sites is my owl barn, publishing this yearly amazing free download owls calendar, a collaboration of many great artists.
See some of the artwork, I just can’t stop looking at it:
Enough owls for today…See ya
Filed under Quality time with kids
Although I may seem as a crafty mom to some of you, this is how it usually goes:
1. I see a beautiful idea (that someone else thought of).
2. I show it to everybody around.
3. I start collecting the art supplies required, and promise my children that we are going to do it next Saturday.
4. Saturday comes and goes, nothing happens.
I already have approximately 150 different designs:
For those of you who are not familiar with washi tape, the latest trend in crafts and design, it is a Japanese masking tape made of rice paper with endless amazing designs. It is used for decorating walls, mirrors, furniture, glasses, endless possibilities. You can use it to hang your kids drawings or photos on the walls.
I know that most of you are not eating a popsicle right now, but you can still buy the sticks.
Look at this, isn’t it the most creative, and easy to do with kids??? I am in love.
OK, boys too:
Found it in teawagontales.
By the way, in case you’re an animal lover like us, you can also try this idea from makeandtakes (this is not a washi tape craft).
These are just some more easy to do washi tape ideas: I’ve collected them for some time now, and have no idea where I found them. Not mine anyway…
Like it? Let me know!
Filed under Quality time with kids
Parenting And Stuff 