Out of the Mouths of Babes…
Yesterday, I was wrestling – completely unsuccessfully I might add – with some work (and quite probably huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf). My son wandered over to me and asked what I was doing.
“I’m just trying to get this work done, but I’m finding it very difficult” I said.
He looked at me thoughtfully for a moment, then said “You should ask for help.”
I smiled and said something like “Maybe I should” (but not for one minute intending to) then went back to struggling.
I was relaying the story to my husband later on – expecting him to giggle along with me – I mean it’s a lovely suggestion, but I’m not at school any more – it’s not as if I can just raise my hand and have the teacher come along and help me!
Tips to Deal with Bossy Children
Many children reach a ‘bossy’ stage at one time or another, for most it’s simply part of their development – as they develop a stronger sense of self, they want to take more control. This may manifest itself in a number of ways – perhaps in their interactions with their siblings or peers – or even in the way that they speak to adults.
Around the mid-point of each Perform class we have a little break and hand out water and fruit; and it’s at this point that I quite like to sit back a little and observe how the children interact with each other. In one particular class, a little girl came up to me complaining about another child.
With one hand on her hip (a hilariously adult gesture) – she exclaimed: ”I just don’t know what to do with him; he never does as he’s told!”
I had to fight the urge to giggle – it’s the sort of thing parents say all the time…
Guest Post on Baby Budgeting
Becky from Baby Budgeting was kind enough to offer me a guest posting slot this month, so please do pop over to take a look and let me know what you think via the following link - Imaginative Play for Children
Whilst you’re there do check out her other posts – the blog acts as a fantastic resource for parents who are watching the pennies - erm that’ll be all of us then!
In her own words:
“Becky has 2 ambitions in life
1. To stay off work to raise her children
2. To be happy and fulfilled in her family life
Should be simple but these 2 ideals are becoming increasingly difficult for modern day parents to achieve. To this end Becky has been very creative over the last few years making and saving the money she needs to stay off work. She has run an extremely part- time take your baby along baby signing business, she has done many car boot sales, she has learned the wonders of eBay and Amazon, she has budgeted wisely and so much more. Writing her book is her chance to share all she has learnt with others and hopefully help build a whole community of sharing, smart thinking parents who can free up time to be with their children.”
It’s fab – I can’t recommend it enough… Just remember to come back and see me here sometimes too :)
Lucy x
Image credit Paul Swansen
The Confidence to be Different
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
- Dr Seuss
I love that quote.
At Perform, I come into contact with children every day who worry that they’re ‘different’. All too often they want nothing more than to ‘fit in’.
I think that as a species the desire to conform is all too high on the list of our priorities. We all want to fit in.
Being different is frowned upon all too often in my experience. Different = Bad.
But we’re all different, right?
We’re all unique – and shouldn’t that be something that we’re keener to celebrate?
I get a little tired of the “It’s OK to be different” shtick. Being different is *so* much better than OK. Being different is wonderful.
But how do you deal with a child who wants nothing more than to fit in?
Praising Children
Most parents totally accept the idea that praising children is very important. You can use praise in any number of ways e.g. you’ve noticed their actions and appreciate them; or you may use praise to recognise and commend their talents or abilities. It can help boost self-esteem and reinforce good behaviour. All fabulous things, right?
But, it occurs to me, that sometimes we can be somewhat over-keen to praise.
Perhaps it’s because we’re so keen to make sure that we’ve given praise we neglect to pay attention to *how* we’re giving it. It’s certainly something that I’m trying to be more aware of.
Five Fabulous Things to Do This Half Term
I know we’re now half-way through Half-Term but, if you’re struggling with inspirational ideas to fill up the last few days, here are a few thoughts that will keep you clear of the theme parks, museums etc.
Whilst doing virtually any kind of activity will involve you in parting with some cash, I’ve tried to pick some which hopefully won’t break the bank! Well… here goes:
1. Get Arty!
Great whatever the weather (if it’s looking gloomy, it’s a great rainy day activity – or, if it’s a day like today, bring the paints outside). Painting pictures is always fun, whether they’re finger-painting, using brushes or sponges or trying out potato printing and of course you’re not limited to paper either. With child-friendly ceramic paints they can decorate plant pots, mugs or plates; or you might like to try out fabric paints and have them design their own t-shirts.
