parenting with Time Outs

HERE IS A NOTE FROM OUR DAUGHTER WHO HAS TWO CHILDREN,TWO YEARS AND 6 WEEKS...
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Reply |Kimberly Dobson to me
show details 4:24 PM (1 hour ago)

Time Out!


We are all familiar with the commonly used phrase "time out" and most, if not all of the time, it's associated with a misbehaving child. This time it's not. It's a reminder from a busy mom to all moms (and dads) that it's absolutely critical to take a time out from everything else to be present with your kids for an hour, an afternoon or a day every week. 100% present.


I know it's not that easy in this day and age with technology at your fingertips...social networks to keep up with, busy schedules, etc. But it's an absolute must to turn everything off: all of your gadgets: blackberry, Facebook updates, text messages, Twitter, soccer schedules, etc. and schedule a "time out" with your kids. Be focused and have fun without distration. You owe it to your kids and to yourself.


Years ago parents seemed a lot more focused on just "be-ing". Technology did not exist and time spent (quality time spent) with your kids was a given. That's "organic" to me. Let's get back to the organic days...let's put our technology down for a bit and spend quality time with our kids. It's a reminder to me and perhaps you. So, here it is....loud

Grampie's woodworking

I have a great woodworking story to share. My son who is 7 years old asked me one day if his Grampie was Santa Claus. I said no, but why do you ask. He said because he makes great wood toys just like Santa. Of course I laughed. Indeed he does. He then said can we make some wood toys. I thought about it, because I do have some woodworking ability, said sure. Not really knowing what I was getting into, we got some scrap wood and started cutting ,sanding, nailing and gluing. Before long we had made a pretty good wood airplane. Not as good as Grampie's, but good. It was great fun for the both of us. It gave my son appreciation of what really goes into making wood toys. He still likes the Wee Organics toy better, but we had great fun. Keep up the good work!!!!

Books that help raising a child

I recently began reading two books to help me figure out raising my two children. I have a 8 year old girl and a 6 year old boy. The first book is The Good Son by Michael Gurian and the second is Girls will be Girls by JoAnn Deak. I feel both books have helped me relax and deal with behavior, punishment, and their education so much better.

I also wanted to share some books I gave a friend who had a family member dying of cancer and needed to help her kids cope with such sadness. The first is The Next Step, a wonderful book for young and old. The second book is Sad Isn't Bad, a perfect book for a child trying to understand death and dying.