Until recently our children have not watched television with mega commercials -- we kept them focused on Noggin and Sprout, where commercials are minimal.
However, Tyler has recently started watching some age-appropriate shows on Discovery Kids, such as Bindi the Jungle Girl. Little did we know, he was taking in more than the show information!
One night at dinner he said, "Mom, you've got to get the Touch N' Brush!"
My reaction was, of course, "Huh?"
It was then that he proceeded to recite the entire commercial to us! We heard phrases like:
No more messy bathroom sinks!
No more fighting for the last drop of paste!
Presenting the Touch N Brush!
Paul and I were laughing so hard it hurt! Wow! Fun Stuff! We had him act it out so we could catch it on video! Check it out on YouTube!
Now he's telling me everything I need to buy. Yikes!
I've been trying something new for the past 2 weeks -- no radio in the car with the kids. It was a challenge by my life coach that was only supposed to last one week, but I liked it so much we have continued it.
Instead of trying to zone out and drive and hope the kids don't "bother" me in the middle of a good song, we're actually having conversations! I find that I am less "bothered" this way.
It used to be that I would spend quality time with them at home and expect to be able to relax and drive (if those two things go together) in the car.
But now, I'm taking the time to talk to the kids, teach them things as we drive and answer their questions without feeling bothered.
The last two days we have focused on the letter "B." We look for signs that have "B's" on them and for objects that begin with "B's." I also brought the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See, by Eric Carle in the car -- since it begins with "B." (This was yet another suggestion from my literacy class!) Tyler read it to us.
Welcome! The newest thing on my horizon this summer is this great literacy class I'm taking for the kids. It’s being taught here in Fort Myers by three lovely women. Their names are Judy O’Halloran, Peggy Van Voorhis and Marilyn Senior.
I’ve learned that I can make an educational, fun experience out of everything we do. Judy, Peggy and Marilyn suggest six areas of learning for each experience – reading, writing, speaking, media, listening and critical thinking.
Here’s how it works. My family and I are going on a summer vacation to Illinois for my brother’s wedding. I’ll give you one example of how we can incorporate each of the six areas.
Reading: Before we leave, we’ll read a book or two about weddings.
Speaking: I’ll tell the children a story about my wedding. We'll chat about it.
Writing: I’ll have the children draw me a picture about a wedding. My older son can write a sentence or two to go along with it.
Listening: We’ll listen to some common songs that are played at weddings.
Media: While on our trip, we will take pictures and put them in a scrapbook when we get home. I could have my 6-year-old Google weddings and see what he finds (don't worry -- we have parental controls set up on his computer!)
Critical Thinking: I’ll ask them questions about the wedding. What they liked, what they didn’t. Why they think certain things happened.
The purpose behind all of this is to make a total experience out of everything you do! We’re not simply going to a wedding this summer, we’re also learning all about weddings in a very fun way!
You’ll probably notice that you are already doing some of these things with your kids – but what this philosophy did for me is put a framework around it. It gives it purpose.
Following this philosophy has been tons of fun for all of us this summer! They love it! After only doing it with them once or twice, my son started leading the activities!
For more information about the class, email Judy O’Halloran. I'm going to write out her email address to ensure she doesn't get spam. Her address is johalloran at comcast dot net.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Day 3 of Daddy being gone -- so far so good!
Today, I owe a debt of gratitude to my wonderful MIL for taking Alyssa for most of the day for me! Then, she came over for dinner and put the kids to be while I went to my book club.
I made the most of my day -- starting off with a checklist of my intentions and activities and crossing them off as I went along -- the ultimate in productivity! Don't you love it when that happens?
Looking forward to tomorrow. Going to hit the gym first thing in the morning! Then, I'm taking Alyssa to a pottery painting studio with a friend or two from her class...then later in the day from 4-6 a babysitter will come over to play with the kids while I get some work done for my clients.
Hoping to keep the spirits up! But I better get to bed so I'm rested!
Monday, May 18, 2009
So, how are we doing without Paul? Eh. OK. There has been one small disaster after another, but I'm keeping my cool so far...
Last night I was too lazy to make a good, healthy dinner, so I made one from the freezer -- it wasn't very good. The kids didn't care for it, and neither did I. None of us ate much. But, I still let them have dessert (I normally would not), and I even offered a bowl of cereal before bed as an extra-special treat! My mom tells me I used to have cereal before bed quite often.
Today, Alyssa was a crab. She did not want to go to the gym with me -- but I didn't give her a choice. Today was one of the only days I might make it there due to my schedule with my clients, Tyler's school and Paul's absence.
Then, she didn't sleep during nap time, which made dinner a real bear for the rest of the day. I tried putting on some fun music to lighten her mood and get her to eat -- no luck. I took a "mommy time out" in my bedroom for 3 minutes -- no luck, still crying. Then, I put her in her bed for a 3 minute time out -- you guessed it, still crying.
I sent Tyler in to try and calm her down. I think it helped a little. She then ate three more bites of her dinner and had some pudding for dessert. Whatever.
Her next demand was to take a shower instead of a bath. At first I said, "no," but then decided to take one with her since I hadn't had time to take one myself yet. It worked out just fine and helped her mood quite a bit.
I read a blog posting from MOPS today about taking mothering too seriously. I am so guilty. I tried to keep that in mind as I went about the bewitching hour tonight. It helped keep my spirits up!
It's only 7:13 and both kids are in bed! Time for me to journal, read and work a little. How can I complain about that? Hopefully the kids can't complain either.
