I had another fabulous morning playing with the Monkey's, but I wasn't in there as long as yesterday, so no simon says, but we made up an awesome story about a snowman, a witch and a magic mouse. Who knew that 2 year olds could be so creative? Wait, I did! I managed to be seen by 3 parents and 1 grandparent, so there is visual confirmation, I do exist! Yesterday was my first day back in about 2 weeks, and it is so amazing being back with the kids, they are so sweet and always glad to see me. Tomorrow I plan to get another few hours of snuggly hug time in to get me through the weekend. (I am being told by the little red spelling lines that snuggly is not a word.)
My 2 books came in late last week, but unfortunately they are 50$, so they are remaining at the bookstore until some time in the future, probably after the 24th. So, sorry to have no new great websites or information. Although, I did learn something very obvious yesterday, that I hadn't thought of before. Blaming something else for what you need your child to do or not do sort of takes the heat off the situation. For example, we had to clean the house yesterday and we blamed CPS, and it made it so he couldn't be mad at us about it. Another example would be blaming the clock for bedtime. Oops, the clock says it is 8:00, time for bed." "But I don't want to go to bed. " "Well, bedtime is at 8:00, and the clock is telling us that it is 8:00, that means bedtime." Now, this won't make your kid go to bed if they don't want to, but they don't immediately jump to mom or dad being mean, it keeps it less personal and more factual, which is always good for maintaining control. Sometimes, if they don't have the forward thinking ability you can get away with it! Then, if they go to the point where they ask if you can change their bedtime, say "When you are in middle school we will change your bedtime." That was a piece of advise I got from a book Madeline loaned me. Most of that book, called Simplify Your Life with Kids, would be great for a busy person with low maintenance kids or kids without substantial learning or emotional issues. So if any of you fit that bill, it's a very quick read filled with tips and ideas to make your life a little calmer or help you keep routine in your life. If your child or children need more help, then this book may not be for you, but then again, if you can get even one good idea from it that works, it's well worth the hour or 2 it takes to read.
Our staircase is getting closer to being fixed, and it makes me think of La Bamba. "Para subir al cielo, se necesita una escalera grande, y otra chiquita!"
Well, that's all for now! If anything crazy happens during our home visit I will send out an update.
I am sure you are all waiting with baited breath to hear about the inspection. It was quick and painless. His caseworker remarked that she really couldn't tell if he wanted to be living here, sort of warned us that there may be some follow up to some creative things he mentioned, and was in and out. Still holding out for the 24th. Keep sending us strength and peace!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I love putting the blame on inanimate things or situations that are out of our control! "Well, it's dark outside, so we can't play. When the sun comes up, then kids play outside." Or, "The store says we have to give them money to take this toy, and since you don't have any money, they won't let us take the toy." Hah!
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