Awhile back, I shared my feelings of helplessness and frustration when my super strong-willed toddler threw the Mother of all Meltdowns. Since then, I’ve decided to really focus on identifying situations which might set her off again, and try to create a positive environment for her. Here are some things I tried, which have been fairly successful so far. I should preface these tips with this disclaimer: I am by no means a parenting expert. In fact, there are times when I’m so awkward in public with my kids that people probably don’t think they’re mine.
She loves helping me cook! Maybe she’ll take over on making meals someday.
1. Ask them to help. Â Chances are, they would love to help you with mundane tasks, like putting detergent in the washing machine, clearing the …
I love spending all day with this gap-toothed smile. 🙂
Yesterday, I shared what was on my heart about the underbelly of being an at-home mom (The Downside of the Domestic Life). After some concerned questions from friends and community members who thought I was really struggling with my new role, I thought I’d share what I love about this gig (it far outweighs the bad, trust me).
To be honest, one reason I haven’t proclaimed my positive experiences from the mountain
tops (except this one day) is because I don’t want to rub it in the faces of my fellow moms (or dads) who don’t have the opportunity to do this, or who wish they’d done it when they had the chance. I’ve always been one to self deprecate,
While staying at home isn’t always "baking cookies and tickle sessions," it does happen from time to time.
Let’s face it. We all need a common enemy to “kvetch” about. Right or wrong, we bond over shared gripe sessions. (This is especially true for women.) When you’re doing the 8-5 thing, oftentimes the object of your grumblings is someone in the workplace, whether it be your boss, coworker or client.
No matter how wonderful (or not wonderful) they are in general, there’s always something that will get on your nerves, and when you come home, your significant other gets to hold back your hair while you verbally vomit (again). Well, what happens when you remove all of these situations from your life at once? Suddenly, you’re left with facing the enemy at home.
Were your kids this naughty …
LOVE this image! (from mademama.com)
In light of the recent Ann Romney/Hilary Rosen debate, I felt called to give my take on the reignited “mommy war” controversy. Because I recently switched from one “side” to the other (even though I think we should both be on the same side), I have strong feelings about a woman’s role at home or in the workplace. I have a message for moms (and dads, and other concerned citizens).Â
To the Workplace Moms:
You are awesome. You bust your butt every day to help provide a safe, loving environment for your children and family. From budgeting to bedtimes, you wear many hats throughout the day. You should feel proud of your accomplishments and the wonderful example you’re setting for your daughters (and sons). If this was the choice you …
Much like I expected, my first day as a SAHM got off to a glorious start. I slept in late, then luxuriated over a cup of coffee while listening to the birds chirp “good morning” through the open kitchen window. I whistled a happy little tune while preparing a delicious, healthy breakfast for my darling daughters. A giggling sound floated down the stairs as Erica awoke, and Anna skipped down to breakfast with a smile on her face as warm as the April sunshine. (Ok, if you’re still reading along, thinking  this is an accurate depiction of my morning, then you’re insane, or naive, or both.)
It’s  a little early to tell what life as a SAHM (or WAHM, or whatever) will be like. I can tell you right now there’s one thing I’ll miss about …