Anything & Everything

Family and friends know how much I love making lists. From list of things to do to list of things to live by and lists of what to buy today or in the near future. I write articles with all kinds of lists that have included the list of the most beautiful liberal art colleges to smart and beautiful politicians and even the most worthy WAGS. So when I read an article with a list of what one mom believed she must give/teach her son, I loved it. Though I do not remember if it was a blog post or an article but it certainly stayed in my mind and I vowed that one day I would make one for my son. As my son grows older there is a certain satisfaction in me because we have come this far but there is also a degree of fear that my kind of rearing may have done a damage or two. Looking at my son and how he interacts with society, I think I can give myself a pat because he turned out right. Still, I can’t help but worry that in the future he might make a mistake. Am not saying he is not entit...

While reading some parenting articles, I read this one article about manners that I knew I had to blog about it. Kids are easy enough to teach manners, it's actually following it up that sucks. Because when they see somebody else doing something really gross but funny they tend to do the same thing...that is when it's crucial to say it is wrong. If they get away with it even just once then they will do it again. Pin It Parents tend to let them get away with it, especially when they do it in public and some people find it hilarious. Make no mistake about it, there are people who find it really funny when a kid burps so loud, well, this still falls under manners right? Seriously though, at my age, I still tell my dad where am going and how late I will be home and I expect my son to do the same thing...for me that is simple courtesy. And up until now, I remind my son to say thank you (he does say thank you normally but sometimes when busy he seems to forget). Not reminding ...

A list of funny things that Moms say! Pin It A little birdy told me Always wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident Am I talking to a brick wall? You’re the eldest, you should know better! Just wait until your father gets home. You will always be my little baby. Are you trying to poke your eye out with that stick? You’d forget your head if it wasn't stuck on your shoulders. You had best take that look off your face before I take it off for you. You could grow potatoes in those ears. Just who do you think you are talking to? When you have kids of your own, you’ll understand Do you think money grows on trees? Were you born in a stable? Close that door. Some day you will thank me for this. I've had it up to here with you. I’m going to give you to the count of 3. I don’t care who started it – you are going to STOP it! I can’t believe you did that! Don’t put that in your mouth, you don’t know where its been. Did you flush? Not under my roof you ...

What is happening in our world when our children are behaving as if life can easily be snuffed for a measly amount? I know that we have become materialistic but is that we are teaching are children too? That they can easily sell any of their vital organs in exchange for the latest gadget? Or that they can take the life of another person simply because you want to play videos? Who do we blame in these cases, the parents, the government, the media, or society? Are we as parents so busy with work, with friends, with our constant shopping, and has no time for our children? Work is important but not everything. Real friends will be there if you need them, they also have a life and you don’t need to constantly be together. Shopping is not only expensive but also time-consuming when what you get are frivolities and not essentials. Why not take the time to bond with your children and do some things together, instead do some online clothes shopping together? That will give you the time to get ...

First saw this poem at the clinic of my son’s pediatrician, liked it and remembered to bring something so I could copy it the next time I went there because the poem said it all. Parents want the best for their children but we are not equipped with how to properly rear our children and yes, we can only follow what our parents did with us. The question is do we remember all the rights things that they did? What about the wrong things we promised we wouldn’t do when we grew up? Both my parents were good people but of course they each have their own limitations and grew apart. The best thing that I can do is get the best from all of it I order that I can provide the best for my son – emotionally, mentally, spiritually, financially and physically. That was my motto for a long time. With so much to do and so little time, we tend to forget what is more important. We become so focused in being able to provide the best financially, give our children all the best and the latest, send him to t...

I was reading a blog This slice of life... about the nettle season when I went to read the other posts. I found the mom-isms really funny because I could relate to it....yes, funny it may be but more often than not it comes out of my mouth, too. The reason it's funny is because though it may sound true (or is it?) sometimes there is really no logic to it. It feels like it was said perfectly at that time for that particular moment or specific time but when you think about it you wonder where it really came from. Then one of the comments from Granddad made me really laugh and goes like this: " If you fall out of that tree and break your leg, then don't come running to me !" ...See where's the logic in that?...of course if the kid breaks his or her leg, he or she would not be able to come running towards you. When I was told that as a kid, I remember answering "of course I wont because I will be flat on my back" and Amy in her green hospital scrubs would...

1. Be emphatic . Continually stop and think about how you’d feel if someone said to you the same things you’re saying to your children. 2. Communicate with respect . Always consider whether you’re saying things in a way that will make your children more receptive. 3. Be flexible. Parents want their children to be adaptable, thoughtful, and receptive to new ideas, but they often fail to model these behaviors. 4. Give undivided attention. Kids feel loved when they know their parents enjoy being with them. Schedule a special time – even if only 15 minutes daily – to give each of your children undivided attention. 5. Accept your kids for who they are. Your children may not match your expectations, but it’s vital to recognize their innate temperaments. When kids feel appreciated for who they are, they’ll feel more secure reaching out to others and learning how to solve problems. 6. Give kids a chance to contribute. When we enlist children in helping others, we communicate our faith in ...