So It's Been Over a Year...

Wow, it's been a long time since I've published anything here. A LOT has happened in the last few years. Sometimes I wish I was an pseudonymous blogger so that I could tell a few of our struggles with more honesty, but I don't want to say anything that can be tied directly to one of the kids. Lets just say that overall, things are well, but there have been some serious trials with one child in particular. Things are going well now, but I can sure see why some parents give up, get violent, or kick kids out of the house. We chose love instead, and seem to be on a path to healing. Communication lines have opened (when I didn't even know they were closed) and we are allowing more freedoms and trying to ask more questions about what's going on in his life. Hopefully, I can get to blogging here more often and help some people out with issues they are facing.

Children need Fresh Air

Well, I've not posted in a while. But a few people have actually suggested/asked for more posts. Here's something that I just got an email about. The Fresh Air Fund for getting kids out of the city into some clean air and nature. I think that's a fantastic idea! A little nature has a soothing effect on a soul and is a chance to get kids out of the maddening crowds. The Fresh Air Fund been around a long time and reviews seem to be very positive. Check them out and support them any way you can.

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.