Kids Say the Darndest Things, even if they aren't yours

A boy that my wife watches is four years old. The other day he said he didn't like the rain. "But the trees and plants love the rain. It helps them grow," my wife told him. "Oh, then I like the rain too."

Are We Losing Our Bearings?

Over at Big Hollywood, Joseph C. Phillips has a post talking about how he went to a parents night at his kid's school and the classroom has pictures of Karl Marx that were drawn by the students.  Now, most of us know what Karl Marx looks like.  Also, Lenin and Stalin.  How many of us know what John Locke looks like?  Locke is the writer that was a MAJOR influence on the Fathers the United States of America.  Are students learning about Locke?   Will they draw pictures of John Locke?  I doubt it.  And that's a shame.

Tags: Public Education, Public Schools, Parents, Parenting, Teachers, Home School, Homeschooling,

When Do You Need To Discipline And When Do You Need To Let It Go?

 When it comes to disciplining your child, sometimes (many times?) we aren't sure if he just needs a talking-to, some time out, or if sterner discipline is required.  One of the things to look at is whether the child is just being childish, or if he is being disobedient.

Childishness includes things like: forgetfulness; playing when he should be working; not following a task to completion; not doing something because of not understanding what is required (we adults forget that children don't always comprehend what we are saying), not getting ready fast enough when the adult is the one who is late getting everyone around.

Disobedience includes things like: saying "No"; stomping off; attempting to see just how close he can get to the line (yes this is disobedience and needs to be dealt with); deliberately doing what he was told not to do.

Understanding the difference in motivation may help you decide what action to take, or not take.

Kids Say the Darndest Things Again

My wife watches a four-year-old and he drew a picture with two circles (one inside the other) and said it was a button. He was going to give it to his mom to make the refrigerator work. He put it on the fridge with a magnet, pushed the "button," opened the fridge door, and said "See, it works." Where do they come up with this stuff? Amazing.

My Wife's Newer Blog

My wife now has a cool blog called Exquisite Crochet Dainties at http://exquisitecrochetdainties.blogspot.com/. So, if you are into crochet or doilies, this is the blog to check out.

Are You Middle Class

I ask the question at my other blog.