Trying to get the toddler to use the potty now is frustrating. But experts say if you get them to identify with the whole potty experience, it could make it easier. So here’s one of those ways to help them identify.

(I didn’t know Elmo had a dad…)

I awoke this morning at 3am, just another early wake up. Then I realized that I was having some decent contractions. I laid there for a while and then decided to time them, they were 7-8 minutes apart. I timed for about 2 hours and they stayed the same length apart, lasting about a minute and very uncomfortable.

So I figured if I’m in labor, I had better get up and dry some clothes in the dryer that should be in my hospital bag already and take a shower. I figured it was early, so I took a long shower, using most of the hot water. I figured the hot water would replenish by the time my husband got up. I was wrong.

He got up and I told him that I thought I might be in labor. His response… “Uh huh. There better be hot water left.” Ah men… So what are the things a man should do when his significant other is in labor?

I’ve been very lucky to have my husband home for a few weeks during Christmas. It’s been great. This morning he made breakfast for the kids, french toast. But while I was happy to have him make breakfast for the kids, he had the TV on for them during breakfast. I’m a strong opponent to that, as it just slows the entire process down, not only that but it breaks my morning routine that I have set with the kids. So as I sat and watched my 7 year old and my 20 month old stare open mouthed at the stupid TV during breakfast, I wondered how much they should really watch it. Read the rest of this entry »

Anyone who knows me personally knows that I’m not a huge girly girl. My daughter has definitely been into it but I’ve had to make efforts to aide her in the girly stuff. I’m much more at home playing with cars and dinosaurs! That being said, I’ve always had issues with getting our daughter the much coveted fashion dolls. These are the dolls put out that are Barbie like. Most of the reason that I have had issues with these is that they aren’t good role models for my daughter.

I’ve always tried to help my daughter become a strong girl. I want her to be herself, but not held back by thinking just because she’s a girl she can’t do certain things. I’ve tried to aim her toward positive role models, women who have made strides in society or just people in general who just work very hard and have good moral values. This isn’t always easy, especially when all my daughter wanted was Brats on year (I won’t have them in my home), or when Barbie came out with the same exact kind of doll as a Brat, but called it something else.

But I think I’ve found a set of dolls I can stand behind…

Extracurricular activities are shown to benefit your child in numerous different ways. They can increase confidence, actually improve academic performance, improve their social relationships, teach them the value of teamwork and achievement, and the list can go on and on. But when is it to much? When are the effects of over-scheduling your child detrimental?
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So on the news this morning they talked about this kid in Florida who had to hold up a sign that said “I was rude to my teacher. I can’t come to school. I am sorry!!” So is this tough love or just plain mean?

The boys mom said she wanted to teach him the consequences of making bad choices. Guess what, I agree with her. While being rude to a teacher is one thing, being rude enough times to get suspended from school is quite another. If that is truly the case, I’m sure that this was a wake up call for the boy.

Now, that being said, making your child cry on the corner while being filmed by tons of camera crews, that’s a whole different matter. I think that’s harsh and he shouldn’t have been put on TV.

I’m sure there will be psychologists coming out of the woodwork saying this child will now be scared for life, guess only time will tell.