MAMABEARSCUBHOUSE.COM

Can Ya Guess; Answered

Mama Bear — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:18:00 GMT

So, WHY was my son plopped on the sidewalk, still as can be?

While daughter, friend, and I were outside, my son ran back inside to get something. In the 2 minutes it took for him to accomplish his task he missed a buzzard flying low and over our heads. So, after his disappointment, then riding his bike again, he hatched a plan: lay down and pretend to be dead, so the buzzard would come back.

Well, I laughed to near hysteria. Which is good, because I don't like it when my kids play dead--ever.

Once I regained my composure, I gently reminded him about the natural intelligence of animals and the buzzard's instinct. It didn't take. Next thing I knew, daughter and friend were camped out on the side walk with him.

All I can say is I'm glad that huge bird didn't come back and do a fly-by pooping. Because, I'd have some upset kids. Especially, if I had laughed at them, like I KNOW I would have! (So, easy to laugh when the YUCK isn't on me! Nice Momma! lol)

PSA of the day: when looking up at birds overhead, don't stand with mouth agape.

Melinda

Enjoy other back-stories: http://tellmethursday.com/tell-me-thursday-july-29-2010/

Can Ya Guess?

Mama Bear — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:28:00 GMT

Hmm. If I was a gamblin' woman, I'd say, 50 bucks to the correct answer! That's code for: if i weren't in the middle of moving thus neglecting my bloggy-love and smack in the middle of an economic showdown, I'd take wagers. But, since I'm playin' it legal and taking no time at all to research a giveaway (sorry, lovelies) I'm gonna see if anyone is willing to play anyway!

As I watched my kids ride bikes with their buddy, I saw my son hop off his bike and lie flat on the ground.

Why?!

I've missed my readers!! I will return, sooner than later. I just gotta relocate and do all those things in between that take up so much time

I hope you're having a wonderful summer and staying cool!

Melinda

http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/2010/07/28/july-28-3/

Already A Diva?

Mama Bear — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:03:00 GMT

http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/2010/06/30/june-30-3/

Air Your Clean Laundry

Mama Bear — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:58:00 GMT

I love to hang our laundry out to dry. Well, I don’t really LOVE the work, but I love what we get out of it. Part of it may be the lifestyle that I love. Being in the country; (even though I did it when I lived in town too, so city livin aint a reason not to). Maybe it’s the memories of seeing my Grandma pinning up those sheets with way too many pink roses on them, or using those sheets as a fort.

Why do I hang my laundry on the line? Many reasons. The most obvious is the savings. The sun is free while my dryer uses electricity that I have to pay for. Plus, here in Oklahoma where it’s a toasty 100 degrees in the summer, the clothes dry in half the time as they would in the dryer. So, I can save on time too. Now I wouldn't’t go so far as to wash the clothes on a wash board, like my Grandma did as she was growing up. I’m much too spoiled for that, I’ll pay the power and water bill thank you very much.

Another reason is it smells great! Fabric softeners try to duplicate that smell and you just can’t do it. There’s nothing like laying your head on sheets dried outside. It’s a fresh and peaceful smell that can’t be topped.

Then there’s the benefit to the environment. Less electricity used is a good thing in many ways. In fact, many ways to save money also help our environment. Whether you intend to or not. So… why not?

And perhaps the most important reason is that it’s fun to run through the sheets and towels as they flap in the breeze!

Hope your summer is as fun as this!

Wendy

　　P.S. During this game my youngest there learned to say his first phrase. "Ready, set GO!" Although from his lips it sounds like "Ra Ah GO!" Now he’s in love with running and racing with his brother and sister. He’ll run up to them and yell "GO!" then run away expecting them to run after him. This is enough reason for me to hang out my laundry.

Horsing Around

Mama Bear — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:36:00 GMT

The two sets of feet in the background are wearing a horse costume, right? Yup, that's the way my brain works. The fact that I'm sharing this notion with you, just reflects my giving side. Or willingness to "bear" all, even if I appear slightly crazy. hee hee.

Really, its just my natural tenedancy to see humor in everything. Although, I know when to Rein it in. Generally. Just don't ask for proof on that one, please.

Happy Summer Everyone!

Melinda

P.S. Well, I'm trying to catch up on some bloggy issues. Yesterday, I tired to post but the software had a mind of its own. I would like to request..er, uh, demand, if my Blog wants to morph into a self sufficient, writer not needed machine, then it should, in the very least, write an amazing blog daily! Write, right?! Hmmff

Frugal Father's Day Gifts. (aka. what to give when every day things cost a zillion dollars)

Mama Bear — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:32:00 GMT

Yeah, its almost Father's Day!

Frugal gift ideas for kids to do (or with Mommy's help):

1.  Write a song, poem, or story about how much Daddy is loved. Or about a fun shared memory.
2.  Dance to a loved song.
3.  Act out a skit about Daddy, or family, or about a favored activity.
4. Draw a picture.
5. Take a picture of his children, his home.
6.  Wash his vehicle, bike, boat.
7.  Sing a song. Ex: Father's Love by George Strait, Daddy's Hands by Holly Dunn, Just the Two of Us   by Will Smith

8. Interpret/break down a song: highlight lyrics to reflect true life examples relating to Daddy.
9. Recite a Bible verse.
10. Complete a chore(s) without being asked. (forever? )
11. Make a q-pon book offering:

      a. breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert of Daddy's choice
      b.  do Daddy's chores
      c.  choice of movie rentals (store bought or from the library)
      d. endless hugs and kisses and tickles
      e. Daddy's choice, open to Daddy's ideas

12. Draw a picture.
13. Write a card beginning with:

       a. "I love my Daddy because..."
       b. "Daddy and I like to..."
       c.   "My Daddy is special to me because..."

14. Mental vacation: all complaints and disagreements resolved by someone other than Dad!
15. Wash his vehicle, bike, boat.
16. Let him sleep in until noon!

17. Interview your children. Ask them questions about their Dad and memories of him. Write down verbatim or video record their answers.--leaving in all the fidgets, ums, and giggles. Just recording your kids, just as they are, just as Daddy's sees them--just as he loves them.

18. Ask your kids what they want to do for their Dad. Chances are, their ideas will be wonderful. And since its their idea, it makes the gift that much sweeter.

19. Dinner at home:

Going out to eat is great, I really love to do it. Great food, social atmosphere, and being catered to, whats not to love? But, going out to eat for every celebration can be pricey and unhealthy, with tempting sweet choices and yummy steaks dripping in juice and butter. Uh, okay, that didn't sound too bad after I read it! ha! However, there are hidden calories, fats, and carbs in jazzed up food--thats why it tastes so good!

So, when we are itching to celebrate by eating out but are in a stay at home mode, we order in. But, not for the whole family. For example, for Father's Day, my husband may pick his restaurant of choice and I place the order and pick it up (or have it delivered) to be enjoyed at our home, around our table.

When I came up with this idea years ago, it was almost painful. Ya know, seeing someone else eat something that looked and smelled fantastic. But, it really saves money and underscores that the day is about ONE person, so the spotlight and emphasis is on their enjoyment.

20. Wait on Dad from sun up to sun down, catering to every need. (Warning!  He may get used to it and expect it to last, and hmpff! who am I kiddin'? (hee hee )

This year I will be cooking meals of Hubby's choice, interviewing our kids, and making cards. My husband is an amazing Dad, so I do whatever I can to acknowledge his efforts and dedication. My children adore their Daddy, so doting on Dad will be a treat!

Yeah, spending money is fun--what guy doesn't love gadgets? Although, when it comes down to it, in my world anyway, the best gifts cost nothing at all!

have fun thinking of Dad!

Melinda

P.S. I wrote this blog a year ago. On second thought, don't pay your light bill for a few months and buy him something that has a screen. lol :o) then again, the heat could be getting to my head!

Here A Glitch, There A Glitch. Everywhere A Glitch-Glitch!!

Mama Bear — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:22:00 GMT

Oh NO! Its a bloggy disaster! My poor little blog has developed a glitch or two. For example, my subscribers are not receiving "New Entry" notifications. And, some comments are not being accepted. Why is it so? Uh, I dunno!

So, We (ha ha ha, should read "Hubby" ;o) ) will be helping fix it's sickness, thank goodness. So, please, "bear" with me as we wait together for things to behave as they should! It should be noted that sticking one's tongue out at the screen does not improve bloggy conditions nor does a verbal warning of a "time out" chair.

In the meantime, I will continue to post. So, swing by for a visit, when ya can

Have a lovely day, would ya? That would make me so happy :o)!

Melinda

How Do I Spell Summer?

Mama Bear — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:23:00 GMT

Did you ever get in trouble in school for staring out the window? As a young child in Alaska, students looked out the window at distant lightening. In Virginia, students looked out the window at snowflakes, that until recently, was a rare sight. As they watched, I watched them; my classmates were mesmerized by something I saw for months on end, while school was "In" !

Windows don't get my kids in trouble, as long as they have the ability to refocus and complete the task they're working on. My daughter's desk is smack in front of the window. I leave the blinds open for the natural, welcoming light to pour in She points out birds, people walking, anything really. But, thankfully, she can see and continue on with her work. My son's desk , however, faces the wall. Doesn't that sound awful? Truly, if his desk was positioned as my daughter's, he probably would never focus on his seat work. Oh, I certainly understand it. How easy is it to concentrate when a beautiful day beckons?

However, I do believe it is time to rearrange the desks. Maybe their entire school room. Ideally, I want a functioning room, that contains necessary props and inspires necessary--or even unnecessary-- thoughts! So, as our school year is "over", according to the State, it is NEVER "over". I will continue to search out info, indirectly and directly teach info, read, explore, and enjoy the process.

I don't want my kids to ever think learning is meant to stop. I think that way of thinking is dangerous, contagious, and creates the need to recap for half a year or so, before getting on to new information. Eh, I could be too critical.

My children get time, daily, to play and explore on their own. I believe that is also vital for any individual, regardless of age. So, I promise I'm not inflicting pain on my kids; they sincerely enjoy learning. Perhaps that will change, but for now, its an unexpected blessing. And I love it!

Happy almost Summer!

Melinda

She's 5!!

Mama Bear — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:00:00 GMT

For months I heard, "I want to go driving at night in my pjs for my birthday!" My daughter remembered a year or so ago when I woke her and brother up to go pick Daddy up from the airport. Apparently she thought that was cooler than anything, so I decided to grant my newly 5 year old's wish ;o).

Once my babies were asleep, I woke them up! Well, a few hours lapsed there...My son ended up staying with Daddy because he felt ill. But, my sweet girl, my niece, and I went driving, in the dark, in our pjs.

Sophia loves "boom-booms", so we went to the airport to watch planes. Turned out, no more flights were scheduled. We missed every last one of them. Of course, it was nearly midnight, the shops were closed, the cafe, closed. However, the Security Guard, that question our purpose there, was WIDE AWAKE! oops.

I had considered the possibility of being watched or questioned before we walked into the empty airport in. our. pjs. But, I figured, if asked, I'd answer straight up; hoping the truth would be enough to avoid an escort out of the airport. (how does one get thrown out of a revolving door, anyway?!) I told the Security Guard my plans. He smiled and wished my girl a happy birthday!

My gang slowly made our way back out of the airport, stopping to discuss the artwork outside. As we talked, the Security Guard returned saying, "I was trying to get to you before you left." He handed Sophia an airport coloring book and crayons. It was the sweetest thing. He didn't have to do that! My daughter was thrilled and, honestly, I was too.

We left with a smile and laughter and a need to drive a bit more. So, I drove to a church that glows with lights at night, the "castle" church as Sophia calls it. So, so beautiful.

I hope my daughter will remember her 5th birthday; how the thoughtfulness and effort of family, and the unsolicited kindness of strangers, are far better than any wrapped gift.

My daughter's request was so sweet, how could I deny her that?

Melinda

I love you, Sophia!

Like Weeds, I Tell Ya, Like Weeds

Mama Bear — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:29:00 GMT

"Mommy, I think YOU'RE the tooth fairy! Santa goes down the chimney, and Daddy said It could go through a keyhole, but we don't have keyholes, so I think its YOU! You're the only one sneaky enough to do it!!"

(I laughed. But, deep down inside I wondered...sneaky? Really? Is it THAT obvious?! lol)

My daughter turned 5 and my son lost his first baby tooth, all in one weekend. My "height impaired" Mom has always told children nearing her size, "I'm gonna put bricks on your head!" A fun-loving way to say, "Hold-up, don't grow up so fast!" Naturally, I filed that under Impossible. But, now, I think its worth a try, don't you?

Melinda

Who Needs A Jungle Gym?

Mama Bear — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:26:00 GMT

Once my son started to be mobile, I developed "eyes in the back of my head" and a few extra appendages. It helps to be octopus-like; however, finding clothes to fit has become quite a challenge.

I love my boy!

Melinda

please visit:
http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/2010/06/09/june-9-3/

Bonnie Raitt Was Right!

Mama Bear — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:43:00 GMT

(is it me or did i just pay 5 bucks for an empty carton of eggs?)

Ah, phooey. My garden has had a pitiful start this year. Oh, there's plenty of sunshine and plenty of rain, and plenty of me! Unfortunately it seems the "plenty of me" is where I go wrong! I love plants!! Why don't they love me? Perhaps, I'm too eager? Maybe I should make them wait for it?

Well, the plants DID wait; I forgot to water them during a summer heat day. Oops. Resilient as they are, the cukes and tomato plants did spring back. Much better than I do in high heat, I must add!

Actually, I think my biggest problem is, I need to transplant them into bigger containers or into the ground. I intended on planting them around the border of our backyard, but there's a massive tree that keeps losing limbs. And, I'm pretty sure there's a bullseye on top of my head. Uh, I'm probably a bit paranoid with that one, but considering the odds and the fact that last tree limb that fell shook our entire house, I don't feel like taking a chance with the kids safety. yaknowwhatimean?

So, today I will be transplanting and sweet talking the plants. And hoping and hoping and hoping, they grow and produce well. I'd love to have my Dad's green thumb, but it seems the only way that will happen is if surgery is involved, and really, who has time for that!?!

Melinda

P.S. When I say "I will" it often means "We will" because as a SAHM and homeschooler, my children and I do MOST together!!

P.P.S. blog title song reference, because YES I am THAT obscure: "I Can't Make You Love Me" and, yup, by "You" I mean "PLANTS" I need more love, doncha think?

Learning Link Love:

http://www.pitara.com/discover/5wh/online.asp?story=56

http://worksheetplace.com/mf/Plant-growth-chart.pdf

http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/science/plant-vocabulary.pdf

http://worksheetplace.com/index.php?function=DisplaySheet&sheet=Plant-Worksheet&links=2&id=&link1=241&link2=242

http://www.kidzone.ws/science/seeds.htm

And, And, AND!

Mama Bear — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:11:00 GMT

Holy Moly! Its June 7th and I haven't blogged a bit since, uh, what is the date on my last blog, uh, the 28th of last month! Whoa. Bad, bad blogger! Tisk! Well, we've been a bit busy. Just a bit--its not like we're down on the coast scooping out oil or cleaning feathers and fur...although I wish we were. But, I digress.

So, hmm, what's happened? A little of this, a little of that and a whole bunch of nothing...I scheduled the "nothing" part during sleeping hours, its kinda convenient that way!

Over the last few weeks, I displayed my spelling prowess for the neighborhood:

so I could greet my newest "feels like a nephew, but he's a cousin" baby:

And, had one big snuggle-wrestlefest with Big Brother while the above baby was making his grand entrance:

And, and, and!! A surprise visit from out-of-state family:

(See those white specks of something in my hair? Doncha just love it when nature attacks you with pollen and petals?!)

And, discovered just how beautiful silliness and fun can be, on Memorial Day:

(it runs in the family..or with some of us, anyway! lol)

And, and, and:

...Enjoyed the crack of a bat during a Red Sox's game.
...Visited with our New family member while his Daddy was on leave from Iraq (say a prayer, please, positive vibes, and send love)
...Started gathering data for my First Grader's Portfolio.
...Laughed myself silly over my Wii injury; some scars are funny!
...Reluctantly enjoyed an adrenaline rush from a close call with a black widow and my son.
...I looked like a connect-the-dots activity after some yard work.
...Celebrated my daughter's 5th Birthday with a midnight adventure.

And, AND, and....

I'll elaborate on this and more, sooner, than later!

Until then, I'm sending you giggles and sunshine...not sure how...it may take a bit of imagination on your part ;0)!

Melinda

Homeschool: How Does It Start...When Does It End?

Mama Bear — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:10:00 GMT

"Mom, I don't want to have school today because I want to learn!"

Uh, well, my son's in luck today because teacher is still "out sick". Besides isn't that sort of thinking the reason why my children are NOT in traditional school? lol

Sister agreed with little e's hopes. We aren't having school, today.

Nope, just because my daughter is doing science folder games, flashcards, studying the globe, and is knee deep in manipulatives, doesn't mean we're having school!

Just to be clear, we're not having school! My son is reading about Dead Sea Scrolls, Mona Lisa, developing theories and writing them down, locating China and Mexico on the globe for sister and helping her sound out words, doesn't mean we're having school today!

It DOES mean, teacher isn't getting a break!! lol. Maybe I should refer to my Sub list...my pretend list of eager teachers that can take my place while I shop for shoes? har har har.

So inspired by my children's motivated minds, I decided to hop on and share a massive amount of links with you. If you're interested in homeschooling, out of curiosity or because you hope to one day do it yourself, these links are a place to start

Laws and more:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=VA

http://www.heav.org/

Examples of homeschooling/types:

http://simplycharlottemason.com/ (big influence for me)

http://www.infomontessori.com/sensorial/visual-sense-color-tablets.htm (also, big influence. learning by doing. at child's pace/development)

http://www.classical-homeschooling.org/index.html (remember you can apply as much or as little of ANY source you want! you choose what, how much, and when! )

http://fiarhq.com/fiveinarow.info/index.html (purchased the cookbook and the fiar book 1. rarely used it, but nice fall back)

http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/

http://clickschooling.com/ (offers links, subject per day, learning is free. some wonderful resources offered, some pure fluff)

http://eclectichomeschool.org/directory/default.asp#method   (massive list, i've never seen 'til now. gotta bookmark it! lol) we are certainly eclectic, since i pull from so many resources

http://www.robinsoncurriculum.com/ (great for readers and self-motivated learners)

http://www.hsfreethinkers.com/curricula/general

http://www.workboxsystem.com/ (highly successful with special needs children)   example of: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/LittleMen/669091

some bloggers worth hopping around on (i do, sometimes, sometimes not at all. but, these offer good jump off links and reviews, and commenters. included are the links on the side of my blog. it seems i find a new gem of a blog, daily. so this list is ever-growing. (more will be added to my blog in the near future) )

http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/

http://www.workofchildhood.com/

http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/

http://www.stillthinkinghq.com/blogawards/

http://unschoolme.blogspot.com/


Well, that's my list! I hope it helps. Meanwhile, I'm going back to my "school day", whether my children want to believe it or not!

Gotta go-go-go!

Melinda

P.S. If you have a blog to share or other reference idea, please leave the link in a comment

also, some dear reader invited me to join something they created. uh, i lost your email. i looked high, i looked low. i can't find it. so on the off chance you're reading this today, please RESEND the info, because I'd be happy to join AND share with my readers sorry, i dropped the ball. forgive me, please? thanks!

I'm Here. My Brain, However

Mama Bear — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:29:00 GMT

...Has checked out. Where it went i don't know. Its like a hide and seek game gone terribly, terribly wrong.

Send for help!

Melinda

P.S. thats just my round-a-bout way of saying, "i feel sick. i'm better off it i don't move."

but, i'll be back as soon as i can!

p.s..s: example: i just spent a good ten minutes trying to figure out if b-r-i-a-n spelled Brain Or if b-r-a-i-n spelled Brain. and yaknowwhat? i'm still not sure! i go night-night, now.

Where's Miss Nelson?

Mama Bear — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:55:00 GMT

I sat down on my son's paper, today; a paper he wrote "poot" and "pee" and the dreaded, "poop" on. He laughed a hysterical laugh and I laughed in spite of myself. I never expected to be subjected to teacher pranks. Which just goes to show you how observant--or, um, how delusional I am! I do have a son and I do know my son VERY well, so I shoulda seen this comin'! lol. He was quite pleased with himself. And, I enjoyed a good chuckle, too. However, after the first 20 times, its appeal started to wane--for me.

HIs mischievousness reminded me of a nightmare class I had in middle school. Actually the class wasn't too terrible; it was boring. When our teacher went on maternity leave "boring" transformed into WILD. Our normally respectful and calm class turned into an enormous petri dish of spitballs, paper airplanes, fights, and weak leadership. Our "college-bound" class was making an utter spectacle of itself and we didn't seem to care!

The substitute, poor, poor, well-intended man, had absolutely no idea how to conduct business! The poor fella ended up super-glued to his chair! See, I was a super goodie-goodie but I still laughed. I knew it was wrong, but after WEEKS of complete anarchy, and the Sub's wasting of our time, I laughed just like the rest of the class. It was awful.

Eventually, after a visit from a school leader, we calmed down. Although we didn't operate on full good student status until the return of our regular teacher. It wasn't a proud 8th grade moment, thats for sure! I knew then and I know now, no one should be treated that way. But, (here's the part where you may lose some respect for me) if we hadn't gone crazy in the classroom, the Sub may have continued leading and teaching in the same manner--which obviously did NOT work. So, our class and the Sub learned a lot that semester, just nothing that pertained to the actual subject at hand.

So, now as I toss the "Poot Paper" to the side without a single word and get down to business, I know I am doing the right thing. Because if I allowed wiggle room, to that degree, as often as my son would like, he would not accomplish his daily goals! Ever!

Here's wishing a loving, nurturing, educational environment to you and yours,

Melinda

P.S. Blog title is a casual tribute to one of our favorite books. Can you name the title and author? There's no cool giveaway to offer. Nope, for your correct knowledge, you will receive a lovely burst of self-appreciation and a hearty kudos from your friendly neighborhood Bear ;o). If you were here, I would give you a sticker ;0)

Child Labor Done Right

Mama Bear — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:44:00 GMT

Yesterday, I totally bummed my daughter out. She had to :

Today, i regained lost cool points:

My only regret? Now, I'm helping dress itty bitty dolls with itty bitty clothes. I didn't like that as a kid; turns out, I don't like it as an adult either! lol

Do you have any twists to this idea to share? I'd love to know! Thanks

Melinda

File Under "M" for Messy

Mama Bear — Tue, 18 May 2010 14:44:00 GMT

What you see; an over-stuffed, spilling over and out, shelf with a bit of everything my son touches.

What you don't see is the number of times this shelf is cleared and rearranged, decluttered and added to. His shelf didn't get this way over a long period of time. It gets that way, as soon as its cleared and organized. My six year old, is the only child I know that needs a filing cabinet and actually wants one, too.

My son had little interest in coloring books. In fact, he seemed completely uninterested in art when he first gained the ability to control his pencil. Hubby and I were shocked, because he and I are naturally "drawn" to art. (oh, i'm incurably corny. just look the other way, k?) Nearly a year later, little e became interested in monsters, ghosts, and all things creepy. He picked up a colored pencil, sat down at the dining room table and creating monsters, for hours on end. Little e has drawn every day since.

Now, as a First Grader, he communicates his knowledge best by drawing and talking, talking, talking, (please, please, dear son, take a breath! lol). He creates books, charts, maps, and his "deep sea" book--realistic depictions of named sea creatures. I have given him many binders, folders, and plastic tubs. But, clearly as his shelf reveals, I'm having a miserable time keeping up with the demand! lol

Wow! Don't I look like the worst homemaker EVER? lol. Yeah, I dared to show my son's shelf. I do feel a bit stressed when it looks that way, which is why it is cleared out and organized again and again, so frequently. However more than any clutter induced anxiety, I am overjoyed because my son has found a way to help him learn, remember, and express himself. Because of this, I will allow his shelf to become a paper jungle.

With my son's hobbies, my to-do lists just get bigger! But, what a blessing it is!

Melinda

Help discover your child's (or your own) learning style(s):

http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/

P.S. Can you spot the toilet paper rolls? That's little e's homemade fishing rod complete with monofilament! lol. Soon, we'll be using an actual fishing pole, a bamboo stick and a net, just to experiment

Hands Are for Holding

Mama Bear — Mon, 17 May 2010 20:23:00 GMT

I don't spank my children. I don't spank my children. I don't spank my children. Why don't I spank my children? Because of days like today, today, today. Dear Lord help me, please, my son was an absolute tyrant today. He didn't like an answer of mine--the ever popular character building--"no." And oh, buddy, he was in NO mood to tolerate my rational thinking and consequences. Mercy.

By early afternoon, I was mad, he was mad, I was hurt, he was hurt. Hurt feelings that is, not hurt bottoms. Although I kept relatively cool during his outbursts of extreme discontent, I still was very upset with his behavior. My son has my passionate personality. His zeal for the everyday enables him to live in and soak up the happy. He tells me he loves me daily and hugs me often..but when he's mad, oh buddy boy, he. is. mad.

If I had chosen to spank him, in order to "set him straight", where does my "mad" land and when does it stop? Accidently spanking too hard, is a risk I'm not willing to take. Why risk hurting my child? (Although I strongly believe corporal punishment IS hurting a child.) Shoot, if I smacked a peer, I could be charged with assault and battery. So, why in the world would I hit my babies?

If I had smacked my boy, just how angry would that have made him? How long would that hit be felt? So, I practiced the walk-away-go-to-your-room-lock-the-door method. I simply don't spank my children. I have faith in my children's ability to understand the consequences of their actions and to grow from the experience, too--without the need to hit with hands or words.

My kids will make mistakes, like little e's rampage today. They most certainly will earn their restrictions and time-outs. I will make mistakes, too, because as hard as I try to be Supermom, I do fall short. (Whew--good thing I don't get hit when I make a mistake!!) We may have a rotten day or two, but our relationship will work through it.

Thankfully, my son knows no matter how upset he makes Mommy, Mommy's arms are always for hugging. He knows he is safe to express himself, without fear of pain. If he can't have a bad day, he may not learn to express his hurt, whether I understand and agree to, his reasons for anger, or not.

So, if little e wakes tomorrow with another helping of naughtiness in mind, I will walk away, again. Again, saying "I love you. I'll talk to you when you've calmed down" as I close the door behind me. If he manages to "bring it" a third day, I will repeat the same, although at that point I may be huddled under the covers with a pacifier in my mouth. lol

I do not spank my children; never have, never will--because I love them, even when they're bad, bad, bad! I hoping my loving son returns tomorrow because we have so much fun together

Thanks for letting me share. Venting helps. So does ice cream, but we're out of that! lol

Melinda

Before He Comes Inside...

Mama Bear — Sat, 15 May 2010 22:32:00 GMT

...I'm gonna spray him down with a hose. Daily.

merry, happy, fun day to you,

Melinda