Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Friday Mom – Erin:
Rory has been a pretty big fan of his pacifier since he was fairly young. We started phasing him away from any substantial dependence on it when he was around a year old, but we still rely on it during a few choice times of day. Namely, when we’re changing his diaper, when getting dressed after his bath, and, occasionally, when he and his daddy get home from daycare and daddy is trying to get dinner ready with a cranky, tired toddler.

Given our dependence on his “paci” at these key times, we haven’t even begun to think about phasing it out entirely. However, we have taught him to say “bye bye” to his paci when we are done with these specific activities. For example, after changing his diaper, we stand together with him by the changing pad and ask him to please put paci down and say bye bye. Depending on his mood, it can sometimes take 3-4 tries. Other times, he emphatically throws paci down on the changing pad like he’s heaving a fast ball. Sometimes he even gives us “high five” in celebration.  Everytime, we consistently congratulate him for saying “bye bye” like a big boy.

He always does better when he gives it up himself. And he always does better when we keep it out of site when he’s not using it. Occasionally, especially in weeks like this one when he isn’t feeling 100-percent, he points and pleads toward paci’s resting place and demands that we give it to him. We are still working on finding alternatives to simply giving in, but we are encouraged to see that it is becoming a crutch less and less often.  Now we just need to work on not allowing mommy and daddy to use it as a crutch, either. . .

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
It bothers me when my children say, “I’m bored.” I feel guilty when they are bored. I know I am hard on myself, but I feel it is my job to keep them engaged and interested in the world. In order to steer clear of those two dreaded words, I scheduled plenty of summer activities.

This week, Jack is attending a “college for kids” program. Our local community college hosts an enrichment program for kids (ages 6-13) designed to heighten their imagination and explore new interests. There are over 40 electives offered from performing arts, police academy, fossils 101, art, sports, and rocket science. Jack is taking an art class where he will paint a different canvas everyday. He loves art, and we thought it would be a good fit for him. So far, he’s really enjoying it. He thinks it’s pretty neat to paint in a college classroom.

In the coming weeks, the boys will hopefully avoid boredom with swimming lessons, camping, Vacation Bible School, birthday parties, library visits, and a trip to the beach to name a few. I know they love to be out and about, so keeping them busy is key.  Also,  the boys like to read about new fun ideas to entertain and educate while we’re relaxing at home.  I wonder how many science experiments they’ll want to try?

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Happy June! A few months ago, I was sure we would never see warm weather in New York again. Luckily, my short-sighted fear never came to fruition. We’ve been enjoying many balmy days here and as it gets warmer, we look forward to taking advantage of Summer while it lasts.

When you’re a kid or even a college student, summer clearly means a break of some kind. Yet when you’re an adult, sometimes you are working so hard, indoors, you barely notice the temperatures rise. When you have a kid, though, sunny days are here again! You have to strike while the iron—and the climate—is hot.

We have two big trips coming up in a few weeks—one with old friends, and one with extended family. I am so excited to see everyone, and even more excited that many people I care about are finally meeting Haley. Both trips will include other children she does not yet know, but I’m pretty confident they’ll all be “BFF’s” by the time they say goodbye. With Haley not yet in school, she doesn’t have a lot of familiar little faces she feels close to, and I know that’s something she craves. I can’t wait to see her bond with several real and honorary cousins.

One of the trips will be in the car and the other on a plane. It’s such a relief to be out of the baby/young toddler stage and know that I can negotiate with Haley and hopefully curb any meltdowns. I’m sure we’ll have our moments, but I’m also confident there will be many more happy ones than stressful ones.