September 8, 2009

Today

It's a blistery 73 degrees in my house this morning and I'm indulging in a cup of Sencha tea. Yum! Did I mention I've been up since 6am? That was sleeping in compared to what I expected when Maddox fell asleep for the night at 6pm completely missing dinner. Juliette has been my 6am waker most recently, but the last few days it's been 8ish! Why ever can't they be on the same schedule!?!

As I was sitting here in my early morning awake-ness I picked up my most recent Parents magazine that I had yet to read. One article in particular caught my attention "39 Things Every Mom Should Know". I thought I'd share a few that made me giggle (only because I KNOW first-hand on most of these).

3. Do your chores while kids are awake. Using up naptime to wash dishes or clean the toilet is truly soul crushing.

5. If the kids are awake, bit the bullet an be awake yourself. You'll waste so my hours trying futilely to extend early-morning snoozes that it's not worth it.

6. Just throw away the poopy underwear.

7. Don't beat yourself up if you have to use a bribe.

9. Buy cheap shoes when kids are little. Feet grow faster than you think. (Emily here: except in the case of Maddox's summer Keens...best $26 I spent! Great shoes and I can resell them on Ebay for what I paid for them :-)

15. Answer this question: What is the worst thing that can happen if your kids sleep in their clothes? (Nothing. Happened 3 times this week)

17. Try to like what they like. It kind of sucks when it's Bob the Builder, but the payoff will come when they discover Lemony Snicket.

19. If your child falls asleep occasionally without brushing his teeth, don't wake him; baby teth do eventually fall out. (Again, I know this first hand...happened 3 times this week)

26. Don't administer a punishment that hurts you more than it does them.

32. Buy quaint wooden toys and hand-knit stuffed animals, but don't expect your kids to play with them.

34. Teach them to like cool music. Why suffer through The Wiggles?

36. Give awards for actual achievements.

39. Independence is a wonderful thing. For everyone. So is together time. Make sure you have a healthy does of both.

by Kacy Faulconer

6 comments:

Kyle said...

17.) Bob the Builder - Can he fix it? Bob the Builder - YES HE CAN!

19.) You only learned this because I always told you that.

jacquelyn said...

yes those are all so true!! and funny!
especially the poopy underwear thing... oh and the music part, i cannot suffer through any more doodle bops.. thankfully dahlia and valen love they might be giants!
gwen

Jessi said...

Those are funny, I've learned that if Halle helps me do the chores, it keeps her busy and out of my way so I can do the main stuff, like cleaning bathrooms! Not so sure I agree with the buying of cheap shoes when they're young, you only get one chance to grow their feet, we're huge fans of Robeez and Stride Rite (love the outlet in Woodburn!)

Cheryl said...

Bryce's favorite music is polka! :)i kinda disagree about doing the chores when the kids are awake. They need to play with you too. I do half and half. that way I'm not always doing chores when they are up and not doing chores the entire nap period.

Hannah said...

So true! I agree with Cheryl about the chores. I can get so much more done when it's quiet. Plus I get the guilts if I do too much and don't spend time with them. I get guilty too throwing away their underwear, but I'm always so tempted. Hmmm, I guess I get guilty a lot!

Anonymous said...

I'd like to add one:
#40 It's okay to go to bed at 8:00 sometimes!
Really, what do I do after he goes to bed... watch TV that I don't care about and think about how early I have to get up! It's worth it to just go to bed sometimes :)

Molly