I run with my friend Jackie on a regular basis now. I have been running with her for a few months now, and she has already done two Triathalons, which scares me to even think about doing, but I asked her to let me know when I could ride along with her on a bike ride. I've always wanted to get into biking, especially because I have such great biking memories, and it's easier on my body than running. It's something that I know I can keep doing for a long time. Jackie goes riding with her friend Glen, who has raced and she says that he has really helped her in this area.
Jackie finally found a time where she and Glen could take me along on a bike ride for the first time, which was this morning! Glen came over the morning before with an extra road bike and fitted me to it, and let me keep it until our ride. Unfortunately when I got it home it had a FLAT TIRE! That really made me nervous, but Glen and Jackie re-assured me that it wasn't a big deal. I still rode around the neighborhood on my mountain bike, which I regretted a little the next day... I'll tell you why a little later.
This morning Glen changed the flat in no time, and we drove out to Red Rock. The weather was nice, for a Las Vegas morning with a heat warning that day! I think it's about 115 right now! So we joined probably hundreds of bikers around the area.
Thankfully Jackie picked me up some gloves, I brought my helmet, and a bottle of water. So I thought I was pretty well prepared. The first thing I noticed when I got on the bike was that my butt still hurt from the night before!! So one thing I didn't have was biker shorts, which I quickly noticed has a cushion built into them! Oh it would have been so nice!!! Oh well, I was going to tough it out!
We headed out, and all seemed great. We got to a fairly steep area, and by that time I was trying to get used to the bars being different than a mountain bike. My hands were getting a little numb. Glen stayed right beside me and showed me how to hold on a different part of the bars, which really helped.
We began to pick up speed, which is fun, but a little scary since I have fallen off a dirt bike in the past. Glen told me to be calm, and not grip so tightly. He wanted me to just keep going without breaking, but I was too scared. I had a few little wavers since I was getting used to the bike. Finally I built up some confidence, and I think we hit a top speed around 25 miles an hour. We could have easily hit close to 40 if I let it go. It was scary, but a good feeling compared to running downhill for sure!!!
We ended up stopping at a store in the town of Blue Diamond, and just rested there for a little bit. Glen met up with a few fellow bikers. Very nice guys. Mark is 48, but looks like he's 30 (besides his gray stubble), and not an ounce of fat on his body. They ended up joining us for the hardest part of the trip. The hill that never seemed to end.
Mark hung back with me while the others made it up the hill better than me! Mark kept encouraging me by saying that I was doing good, and I was laughing and joking, so I MUST be in shape - LOL! Funny. We were going 6 mph. That was hard. Made it up without stopping though. So that was good.
I am looking forward to doing more rides with them, if they aren't too annoyed with my slow-goingness!
The adventure doesn't end there though!
After we got back to Jackies I started driving back, and I don't know what it was, but my mind must have been somewhere else. There's a point where it's 25 MPH, but it's on a road that looks like it should be 35. There are houses on the road, so it makes sence. Anyway, I was going 40, and it was the FIRST time in my life when I was getting pulled over. I didn't know what to do! So I pulled into a school parking lot, to avoid the red zone.
The cop came up to my window and looked at me and laughed.
He said, "You know, you should actually just pull over instead of finding a parking lot. I actually thought you were going to try and run from me, or you were a dangerous person. Once I saw you I was very surprised!"
I responded, "I am so sorry, I have never been pulled over before, and I didn't want to stop in a red zone illegally. I didn't know, and I'm so sorry for scaring you. Glad you told me." Tears started to build in my eyes.
He just laughed and said, "You were going 15 miles over the speed limit back there, but don't worry, I'm not going to give you a ticket. Let me get your license and registration, and if your record is clean, like you say, then I'll let you off with a warning"
I felt so bad. I wasn't going to even fight it, since I figured I must have been doing that. I always have to check myself there, especially going back since it's downhill.
After about 30 seconds, he came back to my window in a run, and basically threw my license and insurance at me and said, "Thanks, GOTTA GO!"
What an adventure... Two new experiences in one day! I really lucked out.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Outside Essentials
Being outdoors is pretty much a requirement for kids at least once a day. It's been hard being so cooped up in the house, since there are only so many forts, lego towers and puzzles you can do in a day without going stir-crazy. Oh - and I forgot to mention - there's only so much CURIOUS GEORGE you can take in one day! I try to get out at least once a day, and sometimes the only place I can think of that is appropriate in this heat (without an entire wardrobe change i.e. bathingsuits) is McDonalds. There is only so much fast food a person can take. Here are some of the activites we like to do outside...
Gardening
Even though we haven't been completely successful, we have been able to grow things this year, which is an accomplishment for us. The boys enjoy watering and taking care of the plants, and seeing what they turn into. Seeing how tall the sunflowers grew, was really fun too. The only thing we grew that we could eat were two strawberries.
Thankfully we were able to go to grandmas garden down the street and she has had a great year of growing. We've picked strawberries, tomatoes, carrots, plums, and peppers. She is also growing many other plants like corn and grapes.
Water
This is essential in the summertime if we want to be outside at all, water has to be involved. If we don't want to leave the house we just bust out the slip and slide. We don't really use it the traditional way, since no one is willing to sacrafice their body to teach them, but they have fun running down the slide.
We have a pool down the street, and after the swimming lessons Connor can swim on his own with a life jacket. He's also tall enough to touch, so it makes it easier to not have to hold two kids in the water.
We haven't yet gone to the "splashy park" but we should be going soon. The parks that have the shooting water, seems like the boys would really enjoy that.
Hiking Day
Before it has gotten too hot, every Friday is our hiking day. I have a nice easy hike that Connor can do on his own, and I have Aaron on my back, and we go up the mountain. Connor loves getting to the top where he can explore. We'll probably start doing that again in the fall. I might not be able to carry Aaron on my back for much longer though!!
The Cabin
Haven't had a chance to get up there this summer, but we are looking forward to it this August. I'd really like to spend more time up there during the summertime when it's so hot, to give my kids a lot more exploration time. Connor enjoys finding his way through the forest, and seeing the animals. Just being out of the heat makes it worthwhile. It's a place that I think all kids need growing up: a place to explore, and where they have the chance to be outside all day long.
Adventures in the neighborhood
This is one of the best things we do outside, or at least the one I enjoy the most. We just walk out the door and have an adventure. Since we have dirt lots all around us, and a gate right into the golf course, we can search for bunnies, pick up trash (Connor loves to do this...I have to remember to bring a bag with me), and roll down grassy hills. Connor and I take bike rides together, and sometimes even play a hole of golf after 7pm. I love that we don't have to go anywhere to go on an adventure! We have been putting the adventures off until the sun goes down since the weather has been pretty unbearable.
Can't wait until the summer ends and we can get back out there more... Doesn't that sound weird??
Gardening
Even though we haven't been completely successful, we have been able to grow things this year, which is an accomplishment for us. The boys enjoy watering and taking care of the plants, and seeing what they turn into. Seeing how tall the sunflowers grew, was really fun too. The only thing we grew that we could eat were two strawberries.
Thankfully we were able to go to grandmas garden down the street and she has had a great year of growing. We've picked strawberries, tomatoes, carrots, plums, and peppers. She is also growing many other plants like corn and grapes.
Water
This is essential in the summertime if we want to be outside at all, water has to be involved. If we don't want to leave the house we just bust out the slip and slide. We don't really use it the traditional way, since no one is willing to sacrafice their body to teach them, but they have fun running down the slide.
We have a pool down the street, and after the swimming lessons Connor can swim on his own with a life jacket. He's also tall enough to touch, so it makes it easier to not have to hold two kids in the water.
We haven't yet gone to the "splashy park" but we should be going soon. The parks that have the shooting water, seems like the boys would really enjoy that.
Hiking Day
Before it has gotten too hot, every Friday is our hiking day. I have a nice easy hike that Connor can do on his own, and I have Aaron on my back, and we go up the mountain. Connor loves getting to the top where he can explore. We'll probably start doing that again in the fall. I might not be able to carry Aaron on my back for much longer though!!
The Cabin
Haven't had a chance to get up there this summer, but we are looking forward to it this August. I'd really like to spend more time up there during the summertime when it's so hot, to give my kids a lot more exploration time. Connor enjoys finding his way through the forest, and seeing the animals. Just being out of the heat makes it worthwhile. It's a place that I think all kids need growing up: a place to explore, and where they have the chance to be outside all day long.
Adventures in the neighborhood
This is one of the best things we do outside, or at least the one I enjoy the most. We just walk out the door and have an adventure. Since we have dirt lots all around us, and a gate right into the golf course, we can search for bunnies, pick up trash (Connor loves to do this...I have to remember to bring a bag with me), and roll down grassy hills. Connor and I take bike rides together, and sometimes even play a hole of golf after 7pm. I love that we don't have to go anywhere to go on an adventure! We have been putting the adventures off until the sun goes down since the weather has been pretty unbearable.
Can't wait until the summer ends and we can get back out there more... Doesn't that sound weird??
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Our Heated Family
Our Air Conditioning went out literally when I was typing the last blog. I noticed that the temperature downstairs was starting to get uncomfortable, and of course this happens on a Saturday night, where we are bound to not have anyone out to fix it for a few days.
After finding out they wouldn't be here until Tuesday, I had to begin to cancel my plans for next week. I was going to see Holly and her Twins to go swimming, and this really bummed us out since we haven't seen them in a long time. My family can't live in 115 degree temperatures without AC though, so it had to be done. Thankfully the upstairs unit was still working, so at least we could survive, and not have to live in a hotbox!
After being in the hot house for a few days I began to think back to my childhood...
When I was growing up my parents always kept the house at a "bareable" temperature, but it was not necessarily comfortable. The summers in Arizona, were about as hot as they are here in Vegas. At night we would open our windows to let cool air in (since there's about a 20 degree difference in the desert at night), and during the day we would survive on fan air blowing on us to keep us cool. My parents were pros at saving energy - and money. Never a wasted bit of energy in our house. No lights left on in rooms that are empty, no fans left on, no computers left running, no TVs unwatched, etc...
On the other hand, Brian's family was completely different. I remember getting a chill in the summertime walking into their house it was so cold. When Brian's brother and sisters were still living at home, there would be lights left on EVERYWHERE, and unwatched TVs etc... This shocked me the first time I went to their house.
Now that I have my own family, I try to find a happy medium between the two ways. I still try to be consious of the energy we are using in our household like the way I was raised, but we also try to keep ourselves comfortable. If someone is hot, it's ok to turn down the AC a couple degrees. Ok, so Brian has me spoiled now. He doesn't want to sweat in the summer, so he doesn't mind keeping it at a nice temperature.
After a couple days of it being 88 degrees in the house, it really jolted my memory, and reminded me of those days where my parents either told us to "turn on the fan" in the summer or "put a layer on" in the winter. The other thing it reminded me, was that it actually wasn't too hard to live with the AC up a couple of degrees higher than I was keeping it. Hey - Now 84 seems COLD!
The AC repair guy came out and found out that a motor in the unit had been halfway melted through, which caused the breaker to trip. He replaced the motor, and since it was under warranty it wasn't that big of a deal.
So, maybe after this, I can take a bit of advise from my past, and save our family a few dollars by keeping the AC up a few degrees during the day - Hey it's my turn to tell my kids to take off a layer : ). They are both boys, and according to Brian you should be able to just slap a pair of shorts on them in the summer, and they are good to go!
But you know that we are going to be chilled in the evening when Daddy gets home (and I'm not complaining)!!
After finding out they wouldn't be here until Tuesday, I had to begin to cancel my plans for next week. I was going to see Holly and her Twins to go swimming, and this really bummed us out since we haven't seen them in a long time. My family can't live in 115 degree temperatures without AC though, so it had to be done. Thankfully the upstairs unit was still working, so at least we could survive, and not have to live in a hotbox!
After being in the hot house for a few days I began to think back to my childhood...
When I was growing up my parents always kept the house at a "bareable" temperature, but it was not necessarily comfortable. The summers in Arizona, were about as hot as they are here in Vegas. At night we would open our windows to let cool air in (since there's about a 20 degree difference in the desert at night), and during the day we would survive on fan air blowing on us to keep us cool. My parents were pros at saving energy - and money. Never a wasted bit of energy in our house. No lights left on in rooms that are empty, no fans left on, no computers left running, no TVs unwatched, etc...
On the other hand, Brian's family was completely different. I remember getting a chill in the summertime walking into their house it was so cold. When Brian's brother and sisters were still living at home, there would be lights left on EVERYWHERE, and unwatched TVs etc... This shocked me the first time I went to their house.
Now that I have my own family, I try to find a happy medium between the two ways. I still try to be consious of the energy we are using in our household like the way I was raised, but we also try to keep ourselves comfortable. If someone is hot, it's ok to turn down the AC a couple degrees. Ok, so Brian has me spoiled now. He doesn't want to sweat in the summer, so he doesn't mind keeping it at a nice temperature.
After a couple days of it being 88 degrees in the house, it really jolted my memory, and reminded me of those days where my parents either told us to "turn on the fan" in the summer or "put a layer on" in the winter. The other thing it reminded me, was that it actually wasn't too hard to live with the AC up a couple of degrees higher than I was keeping it. Hey - Now 84 seems COLD!
The AC repair guy came out and found out that a motor in the unit had been halfway melted through, which caused the breaker to trip. He replaced the motor, and since it was under warranty it wasn't that big of a deal.
So, maybe after this, I can take a bit of advise from my past, and save our family a few dollars by keeping the AC up a few degrees during the day - Hey it's my turn to tell my kids to take off a layer : ). They are both boys, and according to Brian you should be able to just slap a pair of shorts on them in the summer, and they are good to go!
But you know that we are going to be chilled in the evening when Daddy gets home (and I'm not complaining)!!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Days without Dad
Brian took a trip to Arizona to attend a firetruck convention, so I was left here for a few days with the kids. It's a little psychologically harder just knowing I have to do EVERYTHING for the kids while he's away. I think my morning jogs help blow off some steam as well...especially when I have time to chat with my friend Jackie. Besides evenings with Brian, that's really my only time away from the kids. Without Brian I am barely kid-less. Up until tonight, Connor was roping me into falling asleep at his bedtime! No me-time at all! So today, I said no nap for Connor, and it worked out beautifully. Both kids were in bed by 7:30pm. Thank goodness!
While Dad was gone, the first thing that happened was that Connor started a cough. This put a damper on everthing since my plan was swimming lesson on Thursday, Piano Lesson on Friday, and Golf Lesson on Saturday...which seemed that none might happen if he got too sick. If you know my kids, the coughs and runny noses usually turn into something bigger like ear infections, respiratory problems, or Croup.
First I skipped the swimming lesson, as I mentioned in an earlier blog, and just took the library trip (we are up to chapter 14, and going strong reading our book!).
The next day, I felt like Connor was well enough for his piano lesson. His teacher, Miss Maria was wonderful. I couldn't stay and watch the whole time since I had Aaron, but Connor was so comfortable with her.
After the lesson he told me, "I coughed in piano lessons!" embarassingly. Poor guy!
His teacher told me that she taught at the pre-school there, and since looking into it, I think I might be signing Connor up for it next year! So that was a good breakthrough!
This morning I decided after 3 wake up calls during the night by Connor's incessant coughing, that it was about time to take him to the doctor. I took him to his golf lesson first (since he was begging me to go), where his instructors were amazed by his hand-eye coordination. He's the youngest one, and he was loving being on the golf course.
We ate lunch, and headed to the Children's Urgent Care. There was literally no patients in there, so I was excited. 30 minutes later a patient with an appointment was let in before us, and came out 1 hour and 15 minutes after we had been there!
Finally we are let in, and there is no doctor there, just a nurse-practitioner. He quickly grazed over Connor and said it was allergies. 2 hours later - we were out of there. THANK GOODNESS the boys were very well behaved. They got a little ancy towards the end, but I was actually happy about that, since I was getting ancy myself!!! Maybe an angry, tired kid will motivate you to get me in!
After Connor took the medicine, it didn't help at all. I guess I'm going to have to go into my own doctor on Monday, if he's not doing any better.
I guess it's time to do something for me tonight! Maybe a chick flick : ), or read more of my Nicolas Sparks novel. Fun!
What a couple of days without Dad!
While Dad was gone, the first thing that happened was that Connor started a cough. This put a damper on everthing since my plan was swimming lesson on Thursday, Piano Lesson on Friday, and Golf Lesson on Saturday...which seemed that none might happen if he got too sick. If you know my kids, the coughs and runny noses usually turn into something bigger like ear infections, respiratory problems, or Croup.
First I skipped the swimming lesson, as I mentioned in an earlier blog, and just took the library trip (we are up to chapter 14, and going strong reading our book!).
The next day, I felt like Connor was well enough for his piano lesson. His teacher, Miss Maria was wonderful. I couldn't stay and watch the whole time since I had Aaron, but Connor was so comfortable with her.
After the lesson he told me, "I coughed in piano lessons!" embarassingly. Poor guy!
His teacher told me that she taught at the pre-school there, and since looking into it, I think I might be signing Connor up for it next year! So that was a good breakthrough!
This morning I decided after 3 wake up calls during the night by Connor's incessant coughing, that it was about time to take him to the doctor. I took him to his golf lesson first (since he was begging me to go), where his instructors were amazed by his hand-eye coordination. He's the youngest one, and he was loving being on the golf course.
We ate lunch, and headed to the Children's Urgent Care. There was literally no patients in there, so I was excited. 30 minutes later a patient with an appointment was let in before us, and came out 1 hour and 15 minutes after we had been there!
Finally we are let in, and there is no doctor there, just a nurse-practitioner. He quickly grazed over Connor and said it was allergies. 2 hours later - we were out of there. THANK GOODNESS the boys were very well behaved. They got a little ancy towards the end, but I was actually happy about that, since I was getting ancy myself!!! Maybe an angry, tired kid will motivate you to get me in!
After Connor took the medicine, it didn't help at all. I guess I'm going to have to go into my own doctor on Monday, if he's not doing any better.
I guess it's time to do something for me tonight! Maybe a chick flick : ), or read more of my Nicolas Sparks novel. Fun!
What a couple of days without Dad!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Library Fun!
We woke up this morning, and with one little cough our whole day got flipped upside-down! Instead of going to swimming I decided that it might be better for Connor to stay out of the pool with his drippy nose and coughs. I had to get groceries though, since a house full of kids without milk is a big no-no and decided maybe a quick trip to the library wouldn't hurt. I've wanted to bring them long ago this summer to check out some books.
I headed to the old library, and Connor once again reminds me of his elephant-like memory and says, "Oh mom, this is where we went to the carnival and rode on rides with daddy!", and it was - 6 long months ago! That kid doesn't forget a thing!
I knew that our library was moving to a new location, but wasn't sure when, and sure enough when we arrived, a sign was posted "CLOSED, moved to our new location". That wouldn't stop us! Just down the street was the new one, so I turned around, and to my kids dismay they started to wine and cry for the library. At least I can explain what happened and what we were doing to my 4 year old, and he sat content while we drove to the new location.
5 minutes later we arrived, and it was beautiful. The toys that I had promised the boys were more than I could imagine, and all brand new. Connor curled up on a giraffe pillow and started to read books. Aaron started fitting shapes into a puzzle - like game. Then I headed out on my own mission.
I was looking for James and the Giant Peach. I had told myself for months that I was going to try and start a chapter book with Connor, and this was the one I wanted. I know he is only 4, but I could change words to make it more understandable, and try and talk him through it if he needed help understanding. I really just wanted to try. I didn't know if it was too scary, but I figure I can edit a book better than I can even edit a movie.
I quickly pulled the book from the shelf, and found Connor quietly playing leap-pad, and Aaron attempting a puzzle. I didn't want to keep Connor out too long, and I knew we had a shopping trip to get through (Connor was begging for vitamins - since I get him the gummy type LOL). So after letting Aaron select a book, I let them scan them, and we headed out.
After we got home, I brought Connor upstairs after lunch to take a nap. I told him that we were going to read the book I chose. I was a little scared since there were hardly any pictures, and I didn't know if he was going to even like the idea, but he curled up on Dad's side of the bed and I began to read.
The first line says, "This is James Henry Trotter at 4 years old" and that was all the hook Connor needed. James was like him - he was 4! This was HIS adventure.
I had decided to only read 1 chapter, but as soon as I put it down, he begged for more and giggled with laughter. I couldn't say no to that! 4 chapters later I told him that we would continue it later today. He said "OK mom" and rolled over to go to sleep.
I headed to the old library, and Connor once again reminds me of his elephant-like memory and says, "Oh mom, this is where we went to the carnival and rode on rides with daddy!", and it was - 6 long months ago! That kid doesn't forget a thing!
I knew that our library was moving to a new location, but wasn't sure when, and sure enough when we arrived, a sign was posted "CLOSED, moved to our new location". That wouldn't stop us! Just down the street was the new one, so I turned around, and to my kids dismay they started to wine and cry for the library. At least I can explain what happened and what we were doing to my 4 year old, and he sat content while we drove to the new location.
5 minutes later we arrived, and it was beautiful. The toys that I had promised the boys were more than I could imagine, and all brand new. Connor curled up on a giraffe pillow and started to read books. Aaron started fitting shapes into a puzzle - like game. Then I headed out on my own mission.
I was looking for James and the Giant Peach. I had told myself for months that I was going to try and start a chapter book with Connor, and this was the one I wanted. I know he is only 4, but I could change words to make it more understandable, and try and talk him through it if he needed help understanding. I really just wanted to try. I didn't know if it was too scary, but I figure I can edit a book better than I can even edit a movie.
I quickly pulled the book from the shelf, and found Connor quietly playing leap-pad, and Aaron attempting a puzzle. I didn't want to keep Connor out too long, and I knew we had a shopping trip to get through (Connor was begging for vitamins - since I get him the gummy type LOL). So after letting Aaron select a book, I let them scan them, and we headed out.
After we got home, I brought Connor upstairs after lunch to take a nap. I told him that we were going to read the book I chose. I was a little scared since there were hardly any pictures, and I didn't know if he was going to even like the idea, but he curled up on Dad's side of the bed and I began to read.
The first line says, "This is James Henry Trotter at 4 years old" and that was all the hook Connor needed. James was like him - he was 4! This was HIS adventure.
I had decided to only read 1 chapter, but as soon as I put it down, he begged for more and giggled with laughter. I couldn't say no to that! 4 chapters later I told him that we would continue it later today. He said "OK mom" and rolled over to go to sleep.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Patience is a virtue
It's so funny because I have always thought of myself as a patient person. I think that is why a lot of people told me that I would be a good mom before I had kids. I, like most parents-to-be, thought I had kids mostly figured out. I had a lot of experience on my side:
- I am the oldest of 4 kids - babysitting, changing diapers, and helping around the house was expected of me.
- I worked at a school for 2 years in high school during an after-school program
- I had babysat for years and had experienced everything from giving CPR to a boy who had the wind knocked out of him, to figuring out what to do with a girl that had a concussion (thankfully she fell down BEFORE I started babysitting - parents thought she was fine).
- I was an elementry school teacher before staying home.
So hey, looks like a pretty good mom resume right???? I was so wrong. I guess staying at home can be a little more trying of the patience, especially since it seems that kids know how to push their parents buttons. They are always perfect angels for everyone else, so people sometimes think I'm crazy when I say that my kids are being bad, but it's true.
Here are a few things I've learned about my kids(and this is very different for every child):
Repeating things, even if they know that they will NEVER get their way repeating must be something that must be built into their nature. I feel that I am a parent that doesn't give into their child's requests all the time, but even though I stand strong - the constant repetative asking: "mom can I play games?" (and this means video games) NEVER ENDS!!!! It helps that he knows that he can only play them on the weekend, but now it's a constant reminder of the weekend...uh.
Selective hearing, I can tell my kids not to do something and they will continue to try it until I snap them back into my reality. Like today, even though Connor knows he shouldn't be climbing into the front seat, or stepping over the seats when getting into the car - he still does it, even after I ask him, in a normal voice, not to. I literally felt my throught cringe in pain because I yelled "don't get in the car that way!" so loud (see...not very patient!). He snapped out of his selective hearing, and got right out.
Protecting what's yours, this is how I explain my children's violence... I don't think my kids are mean, and I don't know how they even learn to hit...guess I should google it...but I feel that kids are so small that they feel like they have to protect what they have going on, or think they should have going on. Of course they always think they should have the toy that the brother has, and that's where the hitting comes into play. Or maybe they just want to bother the other. I don't know.
Not Patient, 4 year olds are just starting to learn patience, but when you think that they are becoming more patient - they start to repeat things like "when are we going" "when can I play games"...at least they are not like a 1 year old that wants something NOW and there's no compromise, or they'll throw a fit. Connor grew out of the fit stage pretty quickly since I didn't give into his fits, so I'm hoping the same thing with Aaron, but it makes for some embarrassing shopping trips when you have a screaming child sometimes that is not getting his way.
So here are just a couple examples where patience is sometimes so hard to have.
When my patience runs out my solutions are:
Break Down - I don't try to do this too often, since my kids might think I'm "crying wolf" with them, but I did it yesterday I asked Connor why he would just sit at the table to finish dinner with us, and I threw on the waterworks. He sat down and said, "Ok mom, I'll make you happy".
Repeat until they get it - Usually this is accompanied by my voice getting louder (like today in the car).
Take a break - AWAY FROM ME! The key is to get some space so I don't lose my cool with them. Usually if I'm really at the end I make them sit on their bed, and that ends with them falling asleep - wow - maybe they were tired!!
Ignore it - Usually done out of necessity if we're out and I have to get that gallon of milk. Sometimes they beg or want something while we're in a store, and I just have to get through it - especially with the 1 year old - and know I will get out of everyone's life as soon as I can be. Connor knows now that he can request things for the next time he will get presents.
Distraction - Sometimes if my kids want something I can find something else that will make them happy too. Especially if they can do it with me. Connor wanted to go swimming just now, and has asked a bunch of times, finally I told him that we will have movie night tonight with the family instead, and I think I de-railed a situation that could have been frustrating for us both. This works for toy fights too. Just act like another toy is better, and the other is happy...it sometimes backfires though since they might both want the next toy!
I know that I don't do everything right, and I'm not infinately patient, but I really try to do what's best for my kids, even if it's not textbook right. I've also a new appreciation for other parents who are going through this! It's probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.
- I am the oldest of 4 kids - babysitting, changing diapers, and helping around the house was expected of me.
- I worked at a school for 2 years in high school during an after-school program
- I had babysat for years and had experienced everything from giving CPR to a boy who had the wind knocked out of him, to figuring out what to do with a girl that had a concussion (thankfully she fell down BEFORE I started babysitting - parents thought she was fine).
- I was an elementry school teacher before staying home.
So hey, looks like a pretty good mom resume right???? I was so wrong. I guess staying at home can be a little more trying of the patience, especially since it seems that kids know how to push their parents buttons. They are always perfect angels for everyone else, so people sometimes think I'm crazy when I say that my kids are being bad, but it's true.
Here are a few things I've learned about my kids(and this is very different for every child):
Repeating things, even if they know that they will NEVER get their way repeating must be something that must be built into their nature. I feel that I am a parent that doesn't give into their child's requests all the time, but even though I stand strong - the constant repetative asking: "mom can I play games?" (and this means video games) NEVER ENDS!!!! It helps that he knows that he can only play them on the weekend, but now it's a constant reminder of the weekend...uh.
Selective hearing, I can tell my kids not to do something and they will continue to try it until I snap them back into my reality. Like today, even though Connor knows he shouldn't be climbing into the front seat, or stepping over the seats when getting into the car - he still does it, even after I ask him, in a normal voice, not to. I literally felt my throught cringe in pain because I yelled "don't get in the car that way!" so loud (see...not very patient!). He snapped out of his selective hearing, and got right out.
Protecting what's yours, this is how I explain my children's violence... I don't think my kids are mean, and I don't know how they even learn to hit...guess I should google it...but I feel that kids are so small that they feel like they have to protect what they have going on, or think they should have going on. Of course they always think they should have the toy that the brother has, and that's where the hitting comes into play. Or maybe they just want to bother the other. I don't know.
Not Patient, 4 year olds are just starting to learn patience, but when you think that they are becoming more patient - they start to repeat things like "when are we going" "when can I play games"...at least they are not like a 1 year old that wants something NOW and there's no compromise, or they'll throw a fit. Connor grew out of the fit stage pretty quickly since I didn't give into his fits, so I'm hoping the same thing with Aaron, but it makes for some embarrassing shopping trips when you have a screaming child sometimes that is not getting his way.
So here are just a couple examples where patience is sometimes so hard to have.
When my patience runs out my solutions are:
Break Down - I don't try to do this too often, since my kids might think I'm "crying wolf" with them, but I did it yesterday I asked Connor why he would just sit at the table to finish dinner with us, and I threw on the waterworks. He sat down and said, "Ok mom, I'll make you happy".
Repeat until they get it - Usually this is accompanied by my voice getting louder (like today in the car).
Take a break - AWAY FROM ME! The key is to get some space so I don't lose my cool with them. Usually if I'm really at the end I make them sit on their bed, and that ends with them falling asleep - wow - maybe they were tired!!
Ignore it - Usually done out of necessity if we're out and I have to get that gallon of milk. Sometimes they beg or want something while we're in a store, and I just have to get through it - especially with the 1 year old - and know I will get out of everyone's life as soon as I can be. Connor knows now that he can request things for the next time he will get presents.
Distraction - Sometimes if my kids want something I can find something else that will make them happy too. Especially if they can do it with me. Connor wanted to go swimming just now, and has asked a bunch of times, finally I told him that we will have movie night tonight with the family instead, and I think I de-railed a situation that could have been frustrating for us both. This works for toy fights too. Just act like another toy is better, and the other is happy...it sometimes backfires though since they might both want the next toy!
I know that I don't do everything right, and I'm not infinately patient, but I really try to do what's best for my kids, even if it's not textbook right. I've also a new appreciation for other parents who are going through this! It's probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.
