08 DEC 2007 - 7 Day Eastern Magic Part 2

[JsMom2]

All three of our children are very friendly, even to strangers. I don't want to scare them into being rude and discourteous to strangers. But, how do I keep them safe too? It is a fine line. We've even come across children that won't talk to our very friendly children because their parents have scared them to "not talk to strangers". The generation of children growing up right now are very sheltered and are going to be very anti-social if we aren't careful. I make sure to keep an eye on our children at all times in public and told them they can only talk to strangers if Mommy or Daddy are there. So, they know the rules and are happy little kids in the process.

- Jennifer

When we were growing up we were also taught that we should always respect adults and that a man with a badge is always safe. Now I tell Jasmine that she doesn't have to respect any adult that doesn't respect her. And if she gets lost she knows she should look for a "Mom" for assistance. I also let her develop her instincts. For instance she told me that one of our teenage neighbors is kind of "creepy". I can understand why, because he's very shy and quiet and you never know what he's thinking. So I told Jasmine that she will never have to be alone with him.

On one flight we had a male flight attendant that was just smiling too much it was weird. Jasmine was only 7 but she picked up on the fact that he was not someone she should trust.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

We had the best time coming back from one of the parks on the bus where Emily was telling knock knock jokes with a woman and her family. I could see other parents on the bus with scowls on their faces, but their kids looked like they wanted to join in too. Emily knew we were right there and it was okay to talk with these "strangers" . She still talks about that bus ride to this day. It was a "magical" moment. . .

- Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

When we were growing up we were also taught that we should always respect adults and that a man with a badge is always safe.

It is a shame that nowadays people that are suppose to be "safe" can't always be trusted. It use to be go to a policeman or the nearest house. I totally understand you telling Jasmine to go to a "Mommy".

- Jennifer

 

[JsMom2]

We had the best time coming back from one of the parks on the bus where Emily was telling knock knock jokes with a woman and her family. I could see other parents on the bus with scowls on their faces, but their kids looked like they wanted to join in too. Emily knew we were right there and it was okay to talk with these "strangers" . She still talks about that bus ride to this day. It was a "magical" moment. . .

- Jennifer

Oh my gosh, how are those kids going to learn to survive on their own? Can you imagine going away to college with no social skills? Isolating yourself from others is not the best way to keep yourself safe!

When Jasmine was 4 she used to get tired of strangers always touching her curly hair. I told her that it is her body and she doesn't have to let people touch her. Around that time we were out shopping, when a lady started talking to Jasmine out of the blue. Jasmine turned to her and just growled like a lion at her (I guess to scare her away). The lady laughed and said, "what a smart girl you are, I guess you know you shouldn't talk to strangers!" I appreciated the fact that she gave Jasmine that positive reinforcement to let her know that she did have a choice as to who she would talk to or not! Back in the day, my Mom would've smacked me upside the head and told me to "be polite."

 

[coastgirl]

We've been married almost 11 years now. Still no kids. Wonder why.

Snort.

 

[BethC1952]

You "casually" mentioned in the past that your daughter may have some "news" for you soon. . .

Jennifer: It's my daughter-in-law, and we'll know on Tuesday if there's good news. She's been undergoing infertility treatments since last winter, and they've found the problem and hopefully were able to solve it. My DGD is 7 1/2 now, and all she wants for Christmas is a brother or sister. I have one of each, and I'm not quite sure why anyone would want siblings, but that's another story!! While a brother or sister won't be here by Christmas, it might be quite a 4th of July in our household!

DH was a stay-at-home grandpa until DGD was two years old. He changed many a diaper, and he was the one who had to clean up the "diaper removal" episode. He really enjoyed taking care of her, though! He's looking forward to good news--and we'll all be glad to let him handle the "unpleasant" diapers!

Beth

 

[mommyoftwinfants]

I got my DVC purchase all worked out. I'm going to buy into SSR at $10 off per point. I'll put it all on my Disney Visa which will earn me 200 Rewards Dollars, plus it looks like I'll get the 500 additional Rewards Dollars.

When I got my Disney Visa in August they gave me a 0% APR for the first 6 mos. So I'll be able to keep my $ in my CD for at least one more interest payment.


Then I'll book 3 studios for our pre-cruise stay. This would be the same amt of points as a 2-bedroom, since DB and his family are only staying 1 nt. And no one will have to sleep on the sofa bed. Plus I'll save the $500 I was going to spend at POR!

Now I just need to wait for the paperwork to get here in the mail...

 

[plutojudy]

Wait wasn't there something about only being able to earn 750 Rewards Points a year? I think there's an option to also get $500 off the price. I better just do that.

Did you just do a Jennifer?

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Jennifer: It's my daughter-in-law, and we'll know on Tuesday if there's good news. Beth

We'll keep your daughter in-law in our prayers. I have a sister in-law that underwent infertility treatment, with the success of a healthy son.

- Jennifer

 

[mommyoftwinfants]

Wait wasn't there something about only being able to earn 750 Rewards Points a year? I think there's an option to also get $500 off the price. I better just do that.

Yep a $750 per year limit

 

[AmberDaClown]

This is the thing that saddens me the most now a days. I too used to ride my bike with my friends all over the neighborhood (maybe a 2 mile radius!) If we needed a bathroom break we didn't go home we went to the nearest neighbors house! You can not let the kids do that today.

This is one of the reasons I do not block many things on this board and I let so much of my information out. I do not like being forced into fear. Now fortunately I do not have young kids and I would not meet anyone in a dark alley! (a dark ride like Soarin' maybe ....). Still I am fairly open here because I want to meet and know people. If I had young children I might be less open but it is still sad that we even have to consider the "worst case scenario"

DH was in radio and did not go by his real name on the air. He was a producer/sidekick and writer. He also has been the victim of ID theft which took 10 years to clear up. So I respect his wishes.

We live in a development which is still under construction. I do not let DD out of my backyard without being out there until the construction has slowed down . Too many cars going by that could easily snatch a four year old who does know about strangers, but still talks to everyone.

We lived in a neighborhood with a girl who we just knew was going to be a girl who "Cried wolf" for attention and DH used to come home from work at noon and be home all day. When we had a litter of puppies, he would NEVER let the girl come into the house when he was alone no matter how much she wanted to see the dogs. He either took them outside in a pen in front of the house or waited until her parent could come over. He never wanted to be in a situation where there was any doubt.

 

[mommyoftwinfants]

I make sure to keep an eye on our children at all times in public and told them they can only talk to strangers if Mommy or Daddy are there. So, they know the rules and are happy little kids in the process.

- Jennifer

That is the rule around here too , they can talk to any other child as long as mommy is there and if a grown up wants to talk to them they have to ask me first.

 

[JsMom2]

Yep a $750 per year limit

No wonder they're so quick to give out those bonus points! I'll take the cash up front!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Did you just do a Jennifer?

As you can see from all my posts, I can have whole conversations with myself. I just need to work my questions out. It drives Bill crazy! I'll ask a questions and then keep talking. By the time I am through talking, I have answered my own question. I need to work on that!

- Jennifer

 

[JsMom2]

We lived in a neighborhood with a girl who we just knew was going to be a girl who "Cried wolf" for attention and DH used to come home from work at noon and be home all day. When we had a litter of puppies, he would NEVER let the girl come into the house when he was alone no matter how much she wanted to see the dogs. He either took them outside in a pen in front of the house or waited until her parent could come over. He never wanted to be in a situation where there was any doubt.

VERY smart!

 

[JsMom2]

As you can see from all my posts, I can have whole conversations with myself. I just need to work my questions out. It drives Bill crazy! I'll ask a questions and then keep talking. By the time I am through talking, I have answered my own question. I need to work on that!

- Jennifer

Nah, just do it here online with us, we don't mind. I know Bill's on the boards too but he can just ignore the posts.

 

[mommyoftwinfants]

Got to go pick up the kidddos

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Judy:

What is the deal with that school in Illinois not letting kids hug? First no dodge ball, then no tag and now this? Is that anywhere near you?

- Jennifer

 

[plutojudy]

I heard something about this on the radio. I think it is one of the suburbs of Chicago and it is a middle school (6, 7, 8 grades). School officials were saying hugging clogs up the hallways?!? ???????? Would fighting be better? I don't think so. If I hear more about it, I will let you know.

 

[AmberDaClown]

Judy:

What is the deal with that school in Illinois not letting kids hug? First no dodge ball, then no tag and now this? Is that anywhere near you?

- Jennifer

Well they are also asking that the kids not "hook up" in the middle of class as it is distracting to the other students.