I've always had this theory that parents should always answer their kids' questions unless they are super inappropriate. How will children learn if no one gives them answers? They are curious beings with thirsts for knowledge and answers to life's questions...
That being said, can I draw the line at 50 million questions a day? I heard a statistic on the radio (it was a trivia question) that asked what a 4 year old does X amount of times per day? (Couldn't remember the exact number.) Immediately I thought- ask questions! I didn't call in cause I was driving, but it was the right answer. I looked up the statistic and according to 10 Facts About.com, 4 year olds ask an average of 437 questions a day. I'm not sure how that's possible, but at times it feels like it. When I googled to find this answer, the top gazillion search results were "how many times a day does a 3 year old, 4 year old, 5 year old, 6 year old... ask questions?" So apparently it's a common theme. BUT, my 4 year old is for once not the child I'm referring to!!!
My 6 year old daughter has been driving me bat $hit with how many questions she asks me every day... all day... I can't take a step in any direction with her ask me about everything from "why do babies cry" to "what makes it so hot out" to "is there butter on this bread" to "can I go see if so and so is home?" It's not just questions about things she's curious about learning, it's questions about everything. Plus she's going through a stage where she argues with everything, so if she asks you something and doesn't like your response she will argue.
I'm sure it has something to do with not being at school during the summer and having nothing to stimulate her brain. I've told her a million times that she would know all these answers if she would read. Then she tells me she hates to read (which I don't get). But when she asks me how I know so much, I always say because I liked to read and I listened.
So, going against my beliefs, I've gotten to the point where I beg her to stop asking me so many questions. I feel bad, but really... her last question might be, "why did they put mommy in a straight jacket and to that building with padded walls?"
Seriously.
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Creepy Kid Next Door
So I'm one of those overprotective parents that won't let the kids leave our yard. They are only 4 and 6 and I don't think they need to be roaming the neighborhood. Apparently I'm the only one on the block that feels that way because every day there is a variety of children in the alleys, on the streets, etc.
Of course my daughter hates me for it and throws a fit because all her other friends get to leave their yards. And I don't know what it is, but there is not a great selection of kids in these parts either.
Anyway, so there's a boy that looks to be about 6 or 7 who lives about 3 houses down on the other side of the street. Yesterday he came over and was playing outside with my kids. Then they asked if he could come in and play and I asked if it was okay with his parents and he said yes (although who knows if he was lying.) But, when it was time for him to go home because we were about to eat and it was getting dark, the kid wouldn't leave! He kept messing with buttons on things, tools, you name it. But he wouldn't leave! David kept nudging him towards the door and finally he kind of gave him a gentle push out.
Then today, the kid became downright creepy! I went to pick A up from school and when I left L was napping and David was in the shower. I ran a quick errand afterwards and when I got home, David informed me that L had let the boy in the house and they were playing downstairs. (This isn't the creepy part.) So David sent him home and told him he was not allowed to come in without an adult's permission and that L was in trouble for letting him in.
About 20 minutes later, David runs to the store, so his truck is gone. I hear a knock at the back door and it's the kid. I block the door and tell him that the kids are not allowed to play today and he will have to come back Monday. He just keeps staring at me and it was like he was trying to get past me. I finally closed the door and went into the living room. Two minutes later I go into the kitchen and I see him standing outside the back door. Two minutes after that he's staring in the kitchen window. Three minutes after that he's staring in the kids' bedroom window.
I closed all the blinds and texted David to hurry because it was creepy.
Sure, I probably could try to handle it on my own, but I'm always afraid of other parents getting mad at me, so I try to avoid speaking to their kids if it's outside of me teaching.
Crap, I just saw him walking by the side of the house... I gotta hide!
Of course my daughter hates me for it and throws a fit because all her other friends get to leave their yards. And I don't know what it is, but there is not a great selection of kids in these parts either.
Anyway, so there's a boy that looks to be about 6 or 7 who lives about 3 houses down on the other side of the street. Yesterday he came over and was playing outside with my kids. Then they asked if he could come in and play and I asked if it was okay with his parents and he said yes (although who knows if he was lying.) But, when it was time for him to go home because we were about to eat and it was getting dark, the kid wouldn't leave! He kept messing with buttons on things, tools, you name it. But he wouldn't leave! David kept nudging him towards the door and finally he kind of gave him a gentle push out.
Then today, the kid became downright creepy! I went to pick A up from school and when I left L was napping and David was in the shower. I ran a quick errand afterwards and when I got home, David informed me that L had let the boy in the house and they were playing downstairs. (This isn't the creepy part.) So David sent him home and told him he was not allowed to come in without an adult's permission and that L was in trouble for letting him in.
About 20 minutes later, David runs to the store, so his truck is gone. I hear a knock at the back door and it's the kid. I block the door and tell him that the kids are not allowed to play today and he will have to come back Monday. He just keeps staring at me and it was like he was trying to get past me. I finally closed the door and went into the living room. Two minutes later I go into the kitchen and I see him standing outside the back door. Two minutes after that he's staring in the kitchen window. Three minutes after that he's staring in the kids' bedroom window.
I closed all the blinds and texted David to hurry because it was creepy.
Sure, I probably could try to handle it on my own, but I'm always afraid of other parents getting mad at me, so I try to avoid speaking to their kids if it's outside of me teaching.
Crap, I just saw him walking by the side of the house... I gotta hide!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Mystery Solved!
So, this happened for several days. I will bring the shoes back and the exact same shoes will end up upstairs. Well, one day they were lying near the cat food dish and I could have sworn they weren't there before bedtime. We started wondering if one of the new cats was the culprit. We were so sure, we just decided that was what was happening.
Well, last night while watching America's Got Talent, David tapped my arm. I didn't look very quickly because I wasn't sure what he wanted, so I missed it. Apparently, the cat had my daughters sneaker in his mouth and was starting to walk with it, but for some reason decided not to. Mystery solved! And a reminder that cats are strange creatures sometime...
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Our First Family Road Trip
If you have young kids, you know that long road trips with kids are not the most fun thing in the world. Last Friday, we ventured to Glenwood, Iowa. I was meeting a man from Nebraka to purchase a new pekingese, but I asked him to meet me in Glenwood because my grandparents lived there and for the first 18 years of my life we visited them throughout the year. My grandmother died in 97 and my grandpa died in 2000. My husband never met them and then of course neither did my children obviously. I had always wanted to take my family there, though, so they could see places that I remembered growing up. My husband's grandparents all lived in the same town as he did, so he didn't know what it was like to have to travel to visit them.
So, we took the five hour drive Friday morning. I was so amazed by how well the kids behaved on the trip!! We only had to make one stop on the way for a potty break and food. Once we got to the hotel, it was another story because they went batty! They wanted to jump on the beds, they were loud, but they were so excited. Apparently kids love hotels. While there was daylight available, I took them around town. I took pictures of the headstones at the cemetery, my grandparents old house, we went to the park, drove around town a bit. The town had changed quite a bit in the past decade. There were new businesses everywhere, some of the old businesses were gone. My great-grandparents' house had been next door to my grandparents' house and it had since been torn down and a duplex had been put in its place. We ate dinner at one of the restaurants we ate at often when I was younger. I had planned to do the same for breakfast, but that cafe had closed down.
The trip back went by faster and the kids slept a lot of the way this time. They were really excited to be back home, as were we. You'd think a trip that only lasted about 24 hours would not be so exhausting, but it was. I had to take the whole next day to recover... I might still be recovering.
I will post some pictures soon.
My friend Christine was reminiscing with me and said her kids love hotels for some reason, too. Anyone have a similar experience they want to share?
So, we took the five hour drive Friday morning. I was so amazed by how well the kids behaved on the trip!! We only had to make one stop on the way for a potty break and food. Once we got to the hotel, it was another story because they went batty! They wanted to jump on the beds, they were loud, but they were so excited. Apparently kids love hotels. While there was daylight available, I took them around town. I took pictures of the headstones at the cemetery, my grandparents old house, we went to the park, drove around town a bit. The town had changed quite a bit in the past decade. There were new businesses everywhere, some of the old businesses were gone. My great-grandparents' house had been next door to my grandparents' house and it had since been torn down and a duplex had been put in its place. We ate dinner at one of the restaurants we ate at often when I was younger. I had planned to do the same for breakfast, but that cafe had closed down.
The trip back went by faster and the kids slept a lot of the way this time. They were really excited to be back home, as were we. You'd think a trip that only lasted about 24 hours would not be so exhausting, but it was. I had to take the whole next day to recover... I might still be recovering.
I will post some pictures soon.
My friend Christine was reminiscing with me and said her kids love hotels for some reason, too. Anyone have a similar experience they want to share?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A Picky Eater? My Kid?!
I was raised the old fashioned meat and potatoes way. Every meal had a meat, a potato and a vegetable. Rarely did it happen otherwise. Now, there was a variety for each, but it was that way on a daily basis. We ate lunch and dinner at the dining room table (unless we were in school) and breakfast was kind of a fend for yourself type deal- cereal, pop tarts, etc.
Now, I appreciate the family meal... I appreciated the good food. But, one thing I disagreed with is that we HAD to eat every bite on our plate before we left the table. And if we didn't like it, too bad. Now, my mom thinks that's an exaggeration, but you remember these things from childhood as they are somewhat traumatizing! (I think my siblings could back me up on this.) But it always seemed to get down to my dad and I sitting at the table long after everyone had left. He watched TV and waited... and waited... for me to finish my supper. I'd outlast him and he would have to use the bathroom or go in the living room cause his show was on. Then I would quickly throw most of what was left out to the dogs and act like I was finishing it when he came back.
Being a parent now, there are all kinds of options on how to feed my kids. But, I'm still a meat and potatoes girl at heart and my husband is too. He could live without the vegetables, though. So, most meals will consist of a meat, a carb and either a fruit or vegetable. I try to throw dairy in there as well. (Cheese is the best!)
A is such a difficult eater! She is a snacker and doesn't eat much at a time. I'm okay with this for the most part, because I'm pretty sure studies are saying that three meals a day is not really the way to go. But the problem is that she only wants to eat junk food. I'm not a big fan of junk food, so I either don't buy much of it (which is hard with a man who likes his ice cream, chips and donuts), or I put it where she can't get to it. Otherwise she'd choose junk over healthy food anytime.
Supper is very difficult. If I make something she doesn't remember or recognize she automatically says, "I don't like it." We hate hearing that! Our response is, "you don't know you don't like it cause you haven't tried it!" If you're familiar with the Yo Gabba Gabba episode there's a song that sings, "Try it, you'll like it..." And "there's a party in my tummy, so yummy, so yummy!" Anyway, we always make her TRY one bite of something. If she doesn't like it, she doesn't have to eat it, but usually she likes it. But getting her to eat more than 3 bites is like pulling teeth. She will tell you she's done and then 20 minutes later ask for junk food because we gave her plate to the cats outside.
She doesn't get the junk food, but we give her a healthy alternative. Sometimes we make her eat a certain amount before she can get down, but that brings me back to the days of having to sit long periods of time at the table when I was young. Sure, we don't make the kids clean their plates (L will eat anything not bolted to the floor!) but is it okay to make her eat a certain amount?
Do any other parents have problems with this and what do you do?
Now, I appreciate the family meal... I appreciated the good food. But, one thing I disagreed with is that we HAD to eat every bite on our plate before we left the table. And if we didn't like it, too bad. Now, my mom thinks that's an exaggeration, but you remember these things from childhood as they are somewhat traumatizing! (I think my siblings could back me up on this.) But it always seemed to get down to my dad and I sitting at the table long after everyone had left. He watched TV and waited... and waited... for me to finish my supper. I'd outlast him and he would have to use the bathroom or go in the living room cause his show was on. Then I would quickly throw most of what was left out to the dogs and act like I was finishing it when he came back.
Being a parent now, there are all kinds of options on how to feed my kids. But, I'm still a meat and potatoes girl at heart and my husband is too. He could live without the vegetables, though. So, most meals will consist of a meat, a carb and either a fruit or vegetable. I try to throw dairy in there as well. (Cheese is the best!)
A is such a difficult eater! She is a snacker and doesn't eat much at a time. I'm okay with this for the most part, because I'm pretty sure studies are saying that three meals a day is not really the way to go. But the problem is that she only wants to eat junk food. I'm not a big fan of junk food, so I either don't buy much of it (which is hard with a man who likes his ice cream, chips and donuts), or I put it where she can't get to it. Otherwise she'd choose junk over healthy food anytime.
Supper is very difficult. If I make something she doesn't remember or recognize she automatically says, "I don't like it." We hate hearing that! Our response is, "you don't know you don't like it cause you haven't tried it!" If you're familiar with the Yo Gabba Gabba episode there's a song that sings, "Try it, you'll like it..." And "there's a party in my tummy, so yummy, so yummy!" Anyway, we always make her TRY one bite of something. If she doesn't like it, she doesn't have to eat it, but usually she likes it. But getting her to eat more than 3 bites is like pulling teeth. She will tell you she's done and then 20 minutes later ask for junk food because we gave her plate to the cats outside.
She doesn't get the junk food, but we give her a healthy alternative. Sometimes we make her eat a certain amount before she can get down, but that brings me back to the days of having to sit long periods of time at the table when I was young. Sure, we don't make the kids clean their plates (L will eat anything not bolted to the floor!) but is it okay to make her eat a certain amount?
Do any other parents have problems with this and what do you do?
Monday, June 22, 2009
A New Day!
I'm so excited about how L is progressing. He's almost 18 months and is clearly phasing from a baby to a toddler. In the last month I can't believe the transitions he has made! He says like over 50 words and repeats many new ones each day. Plus, he is getting that little kid girth where you feel like you're picking up a child and not a baby.
So, two recent happenings have made me even more thrilled about his progress. About two weeks ago he began actually sitting and watching cartoons! He will sit on the little couch and watch cartoons with A or even when A is not around, he will sit there. He will clap when the show says clap, he will repeat when they tell him to repeat a word and it's like he actually comprehends what is going on. Then, it was adorable the other day because he was watching Diego and I looked over and he had went and got A's Diego doll and was holding it- adorable!
Then, the new thing that happened today was even more spectacular! I have always said that I am jealous of those people whose kids will just go to sleep anywhere at the drop of the hat. My kids fight sleep like it's a poltergeist out to get them! They just do not seem willing to go to sleep. I try to explain to them how they should embrace these days of getting good amounts of sleep, but they don't get it.
So, anyway... I had put A down for her nap and was doing a couple things while L watched cartoons. I went to check on A and when I returned, L had fallen asleep on his little couch! I was floored! I didn't have to rock him to get him to take his nap! I laid him on a blanket on the floor and he's been there for about 45 minutes sound asleep.
Is this a new day for me and mine? Are easier days a'comin? If so, I will totally embrace them with open arms! It would be great if by the time grad school starts in the fall, L is oodles easier, because that will just make life easier in general.
Hooray!
So, two recent happenings have made me even more thrilled about his progress. About two weeks ago he began actually sitting and watching cartoons! He will sit on the little couch and watch cartoons with A or even when A is not around, he will sit there. He will clap when the show says clap, he will repeat when they tell him to repeat a word and it's like he actually comprehends what is going on. Then, it was adorable the other day because he was watching Diego and I looked over and he had went and got A's Diego doll and was holding it- adorable!
Then, the new thing that happened today was even more spectacular! I have always said that I am jealous of those people whose kids will just go to sleep anywhere at the drop of the hat. My kids fight sleep like it's a poltergeist out to get them! They just do not seem willing to go to sleep. I try to explain to them how they should embrace these days of getting good amounts of sleep, but they don't get it.
So, anyway... I had put A down for her nap and was doing a couple things while L watched cartoons. I went to check on A and when I returned, L had fallen asleep on his little couch! I was floored! I didn't have to rock him to get him to take his nap! I laid him on a blanket on the floor and he's been there for about 45 minutes sound asleep.
Is this a new day for me and mine? Are easier days a'comin? If so, I will totally embrace them with open arms! It would be great if by the time grad school starts in the fall, L is oodles easier, because that will just make life easier in general.
Hooray!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
I Want My Life Back!!! (part one)
The title is from an episode of Supernanny. This kid says to his dad, "I want my [toy] back" and the dad quickly yells, "I want my life back!" I laughed hysterically over this. It was sad, but only because he said it out loud! I don't condone saying mean things like that to your kids, but...
I sure wish I knew what I was getting into before I popped out my first bundle of joy. No one tells you about the fact that you are pretty much shackled to this being for several years until they get to the point where they hate you and don't want to be around you. Don't get me wrong, I planned BOTH my kids. With the first one, I loooooooved babies. I babysat and I was super jealous whenever I was around someone with a small child. I wanted someone to love me like that. I wanted to know what it felt like. It was my dream.
Boy was I wrong! Anyone contemplating having a child should definitely borrow one for a week. The media mocked the reality show "Baby Borrowers," but it was actually an awesome idea! There's a huge difference between WANTING a child and HAVING one.
Now here's where I feel I must point out a couple things. I love my kids! I am a good mom because I choose to be. It's not their fault that I'm not into the cookie cutter mold and that I want my own identity. I know there are mothers out there who will stare at their child all day long and praise Jesus every five minutes for this bundle of joy. Hang on, I just threw up in my mouth a little.
To those moms, good on you! That's great. Does it make me feel like you're a better parent? I wish it did, but I've known moms like that who ended up with totally messed up kids.
And to people who already realize kids are not an option anytime soon because you are too selfish, I applaud you for your wisdom (one of them being @aimeelady). I am NOT a selfish person, which is why I CAN be a good mom, but I want to continue to have my own identity. I used to be fun, I used to go out, have motivation to live life to its fullest. I still do, but where does one find the time? My friends all want to go out at 10pm or hang out on the spur of the moment, but those days are impossible for me. Plus, it's sad that if I have a choice between sleep and having fun, I'll always choose sleep.
I have lots more to say on this, but will spare you as this has gotten long... (to be continued.)
I sure wish I knew what I was getting into before I popped out my first bundle of joy. No one tells you about the fact that you are pretty much shackled to this being for several years until they get to the point where they hate you and don't want to be around you. Don't get me wrong, I planned BOTH my kids. With the first one, I loooooooved babies. I babysat and I was super jealous whenever I was around someone with a small child. I wanted someone to love me like that. I wanted to know what it felt like. It was my dream.
Boy was I wrong! Anyone contemplating having a child should definitely borrow one for a week. The media mocked the reality show "Baby Borrowers," but it was actually an awesome idea! There's a huge difference between WANTING a child and HAVING one.
Now here's where I feel I must point out a couple things. I love my kids! I am a good mom because I choose to be. It's not their fault that I'm not into the cookie cutter mold and that I want my own identity. I know there are mothers out there who will stare at their child all day long and praise Jesus every five minutes for this bundle of joy. Hang on, I just threw up in my mouth a little.
To those moms, good on you! That's great. Does it make me feel like you're a better parent? I wish it did, but I've known moms like that who ended up with totally messed up kids.
And to people who already realize kids are not an option anytime soon because you are too selfish, I applaud you for your wisdom (one of them being @aimeelady). I am NOT a selfish person, which is why I CAN be a good mom, but I want to continue to have my own identity. I used to be fun, I used to go out, have motivation to live life to its fullest. I still do, but where does one find the time? My friends all want to go out at 10pm or hang out on the spur of the moment, but those days are impossible for me. Plus, it's sad that if I have a choice between sleep and having fun, I'll always choose sleep.
I have lots more to say on this, but will spare you as this has gotten long... (to be continued.)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
My Two Kids: Night and Day
My husband and I wanted to be parents. We loved being around babies and thought we'd make the best parents because we knew how important it was to us to give them a happy life. So, we had A. Boy were we shocked! Who knew parenting was 24/7?! LOL! Seriously, you don't realize how much work it is and how it is NEVER ENDING! But, we love her to pieces. So, after A we decided we weren't baby people and there would be no more little hamsterkittens running around... then I changed my mind.
I decided I wanted to have a second child because I figured A needed a playmate that she could relate to. I was the youngest of four and my husband was the oldest of three. We couldn't imagine what it would have been like to be an only child. This is how Nick caved, but he was not looking forward to the baby stuff again. So, then came L.
Having your first baby doesn't always prepare you for baby #2! They could not have been more different! It wasn't just L's penchant for projectile vomiting or the fact that after a year he STILL wasn't sleeping through the night (unlike A who slept through the night after 6 weeks). It was everything! A was always independent, loud, outgoing, a total ham. L was a mama's boy, quiet, reserved and shy. Now that A is three and L is one, the differences are even more apparent. And just when you thought you knew everything about raising kids, L lets you know how wrong you are!
His latest trick is climbing. He climbs everything! His recent find is climbing the dining room chairs to get things off the table. We've already had to store the coffee table and we find ourselves hiding things daily that he tries to climb. A never did this.
I could go on and on about how different they are. But, I can't wait to watch them grow and learn about their personality differences. I wouldn't change either of them because they are unique and I love them both. Although clingy and sometimes it gets frustrating, L has the sweetest smile you've ever seen. His face is angelic and I love him to bits. Then there's A, my little drama queen. Yes, she gives me the attitude of a sixteen year old, but I know that when she's hurt, I'm the one she looks to. When she's scared, she looks to me for comfort. And she makes me laugh at least once a day.
I guess I started this blog wanting to point out how you may think you know what it's like to raise babies having already had one, but you come to find out, you can never be prepared ENOUGH. My parents had four and luckily they ended it with the easiest and also saved the best for last. I have two and that is plenty for me!
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