Parenting Tips – Bits & Pieces

Values to Teach

It is sometimes a challenge for the modern day parents to teach the age old values in an increasing and relevant way. Perhaps you could highlight one of these on your family notice board each week.

* Kind words cost little but accomplish much

* Work is its own reward

* Brothers and sisters are the best allies in times of trouble

* To have friends, you must first be one

* A soft answer turns away anger, but harsh words cause quarrels

* Honesty is the best policy

* Attitude is a choice – choose to be positive

* Pride comes before a fall

Talk about them with your little ones, ask them what they mean to them. Maybe something happened today where these sayings could be applied?

I think they are relevant no matter what age you are. Let me demonstrate the last one – Pride comes before a fall.

When Ruby was in Kindy, at the athletics carnival they have a Kindy mums’ race, where you piggy back your child. Now I considered myself quite the runner so I grabbed Ruby, I’m not sure she was that keen, headed to the starting line and sized up my competition. Easy, I’ve got this one in the bag, I thought. Stand aside ladies, here I come. Well in front of the whole school on the oval, just 10 metres from the finishing line I was out in front and loving it, when I tripped and Ruby and I went splattering to the ground. How embarrassing. I picked up my crying kindy kid and finished the race -last!! My friends enjoyed every moment – and one of them pointed out “Well Chris, you know what they say – Pride comes before a fall!!”

The above info came from a parenting magazine from New Zealand I used to subscribe to. I loved it. You can find it at www.theparentingplace.com

Chris

Keep Notes

We rarely left the girls for more than a couple of days when they were young but when we did I would type out long instructions to give to whoever was looking after them, whether it was my mum, relative or good friend. I just came across some of the notes the other day and they brought back so many memories of things I had forgotten. You think you will remember everything, but you don’t. Sometimes I look at photos and don’t even know how old the girls were at the time (sad isn’t it).

When I showed them to Ruby and Eloise they both laughed and said how they had forgotten all those things too. Without embarrassing my girls (actually I’m always embarrassing them – that’s part of being a mum), here are some things we had forgotten:

Eloise has two scoops of Toddler milk in her bottle , she will ask for about 20 bottles during the day. If she really whinges for a “milky in a bottle” I give in – makes life easier. (actually that’s the tamed down version). Geoff still sings “milky in a bottle” whenever he hears “message in a bottle” by Sting.

Paints – are in the laundry, paper in the far corner – good luck. This will keep them occupied for at least 3 minutes – only takes you about 10 minutes to set it up – is it worth it???

Then I proceeded to list out the food requirements. Oh my goodness what was I thinking:

Ruby’s lunch:

White bread (hy-fibre) sandwich, no butter, avocado, cut in half
Half an orange, cut into quarters, with white pit cut off and skin left on
Vita-wheat with butter and vegemite
Piece of capsicum cut into strips
Kraft cheese spread snack biscuits (not sure about those today)

I’ve stopped typing because the list goes on to further extremes.

Anyway the notes do bring back lots of memories, perhaps more for me than for the girls. But really at the end of the day it’s always been about me!!

So no matter what things you think you should throw out because you will remember these beautiful, hectic days…..don’t! My notes were actually so precise it revealed to me exactly what I was doing all those years ago.

And even if your kids are teenagers, please write down, type up, record all the little things you think you’ll remember.

Feel free to send me your thoughts. xx

Chris

Backyard Camping

If you’re looking for way to keep your children happy – put a tent up in the backyard. We as adults can’t fathom the fun that can be had just by this simple adventure.

I just saw this photo on my friend’s Simone’s Instagram and just thought back to the fun times our girls had. They used to do it all the time, and often with their friends along as well. We would give them torches, camping mattresses, lots and lots of pillows, cushions, blankets and of course midnight treats. A little bit of chocolate doesn’t hurt too much, does it?

There is a huge amount of effort to get this adventure going – all hands on deck. You might plan to do just one night, as Simone’s family did, but after all the effort, her husband Sam and their boys Eden and Pip stayed out for two nights.

If our girls were old enough or happy to be on their own, we would leave our mobile phone with them in case they were feeling a little unsure. Just be aware you could have some very tired and cranky children the next day.

Happy campers, happy family!!

Happy Easter Sunday. It’s the only day of the year when you can wake up, have a cup of tea and chocolate for breakfast and not feel guilty (well maybe a little). Oh the pleasurable first bite into the Red Tulip Bunny’s ear!!

Chris

Table Manners

Teach your children table manners. Here are a few ideas:

How to use their knife and fork properly.
Wait for everyone to be served before they start eating their meal (especially the cook).
Chew their food with their mouth closed.
If dining at a restaurant, when the meal is finished, place the knife and fork in the middle of the plate to let the waiter/waitress know you have finished.
I always encourage our girls to take their plate to the sink when the meal is over.

You never know who your children will dine with one day!!