Parent Thread

[disneyjunkie]

Hi folks,

I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread where ALL parents could:

vent
laugh
cry
share ideas/experiences

Hey, we can even brag (within reason ) about our kids.

I know we won't all agree on every issue. However, I believe we all have something to bring to the table.

 

[Mkrop]

Even if we are SAHMs I saw your psot on that other thread and saw you never got an answer and a lot of the SAHMs started posting. I like a Parents thread for everyone!

But I will start I am a SAHM to boys 10(4th grade) and 5(preschool). They drive me crazy but I love every inch of them. Some days I hate being a SAHM some days I love it. I mainly hate the monotous chores of laundry and cleaning.

How did I do? Umm what else were you looking for?

 

[mickeyboat]

Thank you for starting this thread. I peeked at the SAHM thread, and didn't want to ruffle feathers because I work, so I didn't post.

I am Denae and I have 2 DD's - Hannah (8) and Emily (7). They are so close in age that they ended up in the same grade in school. It is nice in a lot of ways, but hard in others.

Here's something I would like advice about. DD's got sent to bed early last night because they were pushing and hitting each other at bath time. DH thinks I should just let them duke it out, but I think that's horrible. He thinks I am being mean because I punished them. I let a certain amount of rough-housing go, but I think pushing and hitting at 7 & 8 is too much. Thoughts?

Denae

 

[coliebird]

I posted on the SAHM thread, but I'll post on this one too. I think it's sad that there is still the whole ongoing working mom vs. stay home mom thing going on. I have been on both sides. I worked until I had my 2nd. My older one was in daycare for 3 1/2 years. I think that there are benefits to both sides and all moms should just stick together so I think this thread is a good idea.

Anyway, I'm Annmarie. I have a 5 1/2 year old daughter and a 2 year old daughter. Fortunately, I have nothing to vent about at the moment. My kids are pretty good (other than the typical kid behavior LOL).

Denae, I would have put them to bed early too or taken something away like no tv before bed if they watch at that time.

Take care everyone.

 

[NMAmy]

Thanks, disneyjunkie, for starting this thread! I've always been a working mom and I think I've worked pretty hard over the years, too.

I have one dd--she's 17 and the light of my life. She had a tonsillectomy yesterday and is, thankfully, recovering nicely.

Denae--FWIW, I'd have sent them to bed early, too.

 

[Mkrop]

Thank you for starting this thread. I peeked at the SAHM thread, and didn't want to ruffle feathers because I work, so I didn't post.

I am Denae and I have 2 DD's - Hannah (8) and Emily (7). They are so close in age that they ended up in the same grade in school. It is nice in a lot of ways, but hard in others.

Here's something I would like advice about. DD's got sent to bed early last night because they were pushing and hitting each other at bath time. DH thinks I should just let them duke it out, but I think that's horrible. He thinks I am being mean because I punished them. I let a certain amount of rough-housing go, but I think pushing and hitting at 7 & 8 is too much. Thoughts?

Denae

No I agree with you. I would only tolerate so much rough housing and fighting.

Ok my issue. How do I get DS5 to go to Lunch Bunch at his school? He goes from 9:00 to 11 and if we pay extra they can stay with their lunch boxes. Totally optional. I sent him at the beg of the year bc I wanted him to just think this was part of the new school year. He always has a rough time adjusting to the school year and is a very anxious child who struggles to try new things. That first time was a diaster bc they put the kids waiting to do LB with the little ones inside who were really new to schooland crying so DS5 was crying. The teacher was so mad that they put the kids there bc she knew it would freak him out but she was busy loading the kids who were going home. He cried and although the LB teacher calmed him down. He doesnt want to go back. The teachers said not to address it until after Christmas and let him get use to school. Ok it is after Christmas, he freaks when I mention it. And he doesnt care that I bought him a brand new Diego lunchbox as incentive. Sorry so long ideas????

 

[mickeyboat]

Mkrop - Emily had a lot of trouble with transistions at that age. She still does at times. She freaked when she didn't understand what was going to happen next. I can't say I blame her - she had no control over it, and really no understanding of what was happening to her.

We worked hard explaining the schedule and reassuring her. We didn't have the option to transition things more slowly for her because of our work schedules, but if you can, I wonder if you could come to LB with him a few times, or maybe pick him up early the first few times so he knows that it isn't something what will lead to tears, and that you are going to come and get him later.

Good luck.

Denae

 

[Mickeyluver37]

Hi, I'm Amy. I'm technically still a working mom, but I just started maternity leave on Wednesday! Quite honestly, I hate it, and prefer being home. I've only had a job the past 4 years.

My kids aren't "allowed" to fight either. They are fairly close in age (2 years, 3 months) but if I allowed them to "duke it out" all the time, it would be the older one always being mean to the younger one. I do intervene most of the time, even if it's just to tell them to knock it off.

My kids have been great lately, too. I'm officially on bedrest and DD has really been holding down the fort, even cooking dinner, until DH comes home from work. Now the littlest one- I'm ready for him to get OUT and he's not cooperating!

 

[Mkrop]

Mkrop - Emily had a lot of trouble with transistions at that age. She still does at times. She freaked when she didn't understand what was going to happen next. I can't say I blame her - she had no control over it, and really no understanding of what was happening to her.

We worked hard explaining the schedule and reassuring her. We didn't have the option to transition things more slowly for her because of our work schedules, but if you can, I wonder if you could come to LB with him a few times, or maybe pick him up early the first few times so he knows that it isn't something what will lead to tears, and that you are going to come and get him later.

Good luck.

Denae

Did Emily freak about the transition to K? I am scared to death as are his teachers about his ability to transition to K bc of the new building, new friends, new teacher, the bus. My older son goes there so I am trying to take DS5 up there more but he told me he isnt going there. I was told to make a book with as many pictures from the new school as I can. I am going to schedule some playdates once I know who is registering (Feb) and I am going to see if I can have the teacher meet him beforehand.

I dont know who this is harder on him or me

 

[mickeyboat]

Emily did o.k. going to K, but she she was in pre-K before that, and her classroom had a connecting door to her sister's classroom. The teachers in both classes, even in first grade always let her go over and say hello to Hannah almost whenever she wanted to, and they had recess and gym together. Having her sister close by really helped a lot because it was a little "reality" check for her.

Denae

 

[N&B'smom]

I'm a parent, so I guess I qualify!

I'm a SAHM to DS8 and DD4. Thankfully they get along wonderfully, like best friends. (for now anyway)

Everything has been going very well with both of them. DS is in 3rd grade and loving it. It's a lot of a work but he enjoys that.

DD is in pre-school 3 days a week. She went last year 2 days a week. For some reason after we went back to school after the holiday break, she's had an issue of nervousness. She gets very nervous when we get to school, she might cry and then 5 minutes later she's fine and goes about her day as her usual happy little self. Other days I can drop her off and she won't cry then, she may cry later and again be fine again. It's very weird. I'm hoping this phase passes soon.

My hubby and I have been married for 12.5 years. We're involved with a lot of activities. Our DS plays football and hockey and our DD does dance. My hubby and I do a lot of volunteer work. Right now I'm the Event Chair for our local Relay For Life that benefits the American Cancer Society. Life is CRAZY!!

It's nice to meet you all. Gosh, I didn't notice how much I was babbling. I do apologize!

Denae - I agree with your decision to send the girls to bed. I don't think fighting is a good thing. Nip it in the bud!

Shelby

 

[LUVMYTINK]

I posted on the SAHM thread, but I'll post on this one too. I think it's sad that there is still the whole ongoing working mom vs. stay home mom thing going on.

I posted there also I also don't like the working vs stay at home thing either. I respect both side. Heck we are all mothers aren't we?
We have 3 kids: #1DS 9yrs., DD 5yrs & #2DS 3 1/2yrs. I lovingly refer to the 2 youngest the terrible twosome.
Thinking of going back to work once all the kids are in school, but once DH gets back from school ( in TX till April at Crash, Fire Rescue school for military) he will be on crazy schedules (24 on 24 off / 48 on 48 off. plus getting in his mandatory 48hrs a month at the fire station) so we'll see what happens in the next few years.
Who knows maybe we'll be the lucky ones and hit the lotto and I can stay home with the kids forever
I do love being home with them..................................most of the time

 

[teacups]

You are welcome to post on the other thread, arent you? I saw your post and didnt realize the OP had not answered you. Sorry. I have been both. I raised my oldest while working full time, and now my two youngest as a SAHM. There is a huge difference IMO, for me anyway.

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

I posted on the other thread before seeing the question about it being for all moms.

I am a SAHM. I have 3 kids. DD7 she is in the second grade. She is a mini-me. Her newest phrase for me is, "FINE!" when asked to do anything. Oy! Fire is going to shoot out of my eye sockets next time I hear her say that.

DS5 is in Pre-K. 3 full days this year. He is getting ready for all day Kind. next year. He has PDD/NOS. Which in short is "on the spectrum", I know some hate that term but, it is much faster than trying to explain all of his initials. He is doing really good this year and is currently obsessed with Casey Junior Circus Train. he walks around the house huffing and puffing just like the train. He sounds like an obscene caller.

DS3 is a handful. He started Preschool two weeks ago. He already missed his first week because he is sick now. He has not been diagnosed with anything yet, but, is on his way. He has most of the symptoms that his brother does but, some different ones too. We thought we might send him to preschool first and see how that looks before we go any further. He won't potty train either. He knows his ABC's and can count to 100 but can't figure out where the bathroom is.

And Denae I would have sent them to bed too. But, only because by bathtime I am ready to "clock out". We don't usually let our duke it out. It's not a fair fight between any of them.

 

[PlutosFriend]

Great idea!
I am Diane, 40 years old, Mother of 2, ds is 9 1/2 and dd is 7 1/2. I work part time, if that matters Now let me go and read some of the other parent/child issues before I bombard you all with my own

 

[mickeyboat]

I posted on the other thread before seeing the question about it being for all moms.

I am a SAHM. I have 3 kids. DD7 she is in the second grade. She is a mini-me. Her newest phrase for me is, "FINE!" when asked to do anything. Oy! Fire is going to shoot out of my eye sockets next time I hear her say that.

DS5 is in Pre-K. 3 full days this year. He is getting ready for all day Kind. next year. He has PDD/NOS. Which in short is "on the spectrum", I know some hate that term but, it is much faster than trying to explain all of his initials. He is doing really good this year and is currently obsessed with Casey Junior Circus Train. he walks around the house huffing and puffing just like the train. He sounds like an obscene caller.

DS3 is a handful. He started Preschool two weeks ago. He already missed his first week because he is sick now. He has not been diagnosed with anything yet, but, is on his way. He has most of the symptoms that his brother does but, some different ones too. We thought we might send him to preschool first and see how that looks before we go any further. He won't potty train either. He knows his ABC's and can count to 100 but can't figure out where the bathroom is.

And Denae I would have sent them to bed too. But, only because by bathtime I am ready to "clock out". We don't usually let our duke it out. It's not a fair fight between any of them.

You had me laughing! I wonder if 7 is the golden age for back talk because we are getting a lot of it in our house, too.

I hope you will remind DS5 of his obscene caller phase someday.

 

[flipflop]

Good idea!

I'm Jill and I work out of the home full time. I have 2 1/2 year old triplets - Abby, Luke and Logan who keep me (and my DH) on my toes. Logan is giving me a devil of a time testing. He tests and tests and has a **** eating grin on his face the whole time. We are consistent with discipline and I am at my wits end. He has been waking up several times overnight screaming for DH or I to come in and put his blanket on (very odd since my kids don't usually wake up in the middle of the night unless they are sick). He tortures his brother and sister - taking away what they are playing with, pushing, being fresh, chasing them around the house with a baby stroller. He is the biggest of the three and I am really concerned he is going to be a bully. Suggestions??? I am a big meanie mommy and I have already gone so far as to take away his froggie (the blanket he sleeps with at night) at bedtime (this is not why he is waking up in the middle of the night - that has happened on nights when he has froggie).

I also don't get the whole SAHM v. WOHM issues/competition.

 

[PlutosFriend]

Thank you for starting this thread. I peeked at the SAHM thread, and didn't want to ruffle feathers because I work, so I didn't post.

I am Denae and I have 2 DD's - Hannah (8) and Emily (7). They are so close in age that they ended up in the same grade in school. It is nice in a lot of ways, but hard in others.

Here's something I would like advice about. DD's got sent to bed early last night because they were pushing and hitting each other at bath time. DH thinks I should just let them duke it out, but I think that's horrible. He thinks I am being mean because I punished them. I let a certain amount of rough-housing go, but I think pushing and hitting at 7 & 8 is too much. Thoughts?

Denae

Are you girls in the same class at school?
My two fight like nuts and it drives me crazy. Mostly bickering, but when they start get physical, I step in.

 

[PlutosFriend]

No I agree with you. I would only tolerate so much rough housing and fighting.

Ok my issue. How do I get DS5 to go to Lunch Bunch at his school? He goes from 9:00 to 11 and if we pay extra they can stay with their lunch boxes. Totally optional. I sent him at the beg of the year bc I wanted him to just think this was part of the new school year. He always has a rough time adjusting to the school year and is a very anxious child who struggles to try new things. That first time was a diaster bc they put the kids waiting to do LB with the little ones inside who were really new to schooland crying so DS5 was crying. The teacher was so mad that they put the kids there bc she knew it would freak him out but she was busy loading the kids who were going home. He cried and although the LB teacher calmed him down. He doesnt want to go back. The teachers said not to address it until after Christmas and let him get use to school. Ok it is after Christmas, he freaks when I mention it. And he doesnt care that I bought him a brand new Diego lunchbox as incentive. Sorry so long ideas????

Is it a must that he go? I remember how much I could not wait to get both of my kids in school all day. Now I miss that time when them when they were little and really wanted to be with me. They are still young and all, but just not as needy, so I guess I miss that part.

 

[mickeyboat]

Are you girls in the same class at school?
My two fight like nuts and it drives me crazy. Mostly bickering, but when they start get physical, I step in.

They are in the same grade, separate classrooms. Their bickering is getting out of control - it grates on my nerves as badly as whining! We recently instituted new consequences which I thought were working well, but they had a relapse last night. I like to blame it on Zach and Cody and Hannah Montana!