children
Children: Our most valuable natural resource.
Devastating Outcomes
Today, I am writing about a topic some people are currently going through, a topic others have already gone through, and a topic some of you may go through in the future.
Robyn KellowPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesSay What?
Kids are funny, aren't they? They have no shame in what they talk about, and it makes me think that maybe we should all start to live that way. I've been working in childcare for three years now, and I've overheard some pretty hilarious conversations. I thought I'd share some of these priceless encounters!
Hayley BonnettPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesThrough the Eyes of a Toddler
I’ve previously written a blog called “Through the Eyes of a Newborn.” Now I’ll do the same kind of thing, except for it being about the next phase of my life, which was my toddler years. I’ll begin with my second birthday as that is the age a child generally begins to get called a toddler.
Rebecca SharrockPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesFailing at Dance Mom
I never thought I would be a dance mom. Well, I never thought any of my children might be a dancer or good at dancing. My first daughter took ballet and tap and it was not a great fit. She is a fabulous strong swimmer now. I have two sons and neither of them wanted to try dance at all. My second daughter decided to dance as she loved tumbling. We had a friend who owned a dance studio in town and I actually used to watch her dogs when she had to go to competitions. She told me to get my daughter in one class to see if she liked it. So, we started with a hip hop class. Well, my daughter did like it.
Erin MisenarPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesPTA Mom Life
With four young kids, I have certainly been in a PTA. What is a PTA, you ask? The PTA stands for the Parent Teacher Association at any elementary, or middle school around. This organization is all volunteer positions and gets parents inside the school to help with a variety of areas.
Erin MisenarPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesOur Autism Journey
I knew instantly that I was expecting my second baby owing to the fact my sense of smell was heightened beyond belief! I was convinced, just like with my first pregnancy that people were not using potpourri but savoury rice to fragrance their homes!
Louise LacyPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesNature Nurtured
I knew I'd become a mother as soon as I became a mother; it was an instant success! I never thought I'd ever be a mother, and now I was and am and lived to enjoy every bit of it. At least it was completely true from childbirth to pre-teen years.
Martina R. GallegosPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesWhen Introverts Get Married
My husband is a hardcore introvert, and so am I. When we were young, one of the things I liked about him was how he liked doing quiet things just like me. I love being married to a guy who runs at the same speed. We have a whole weekend to do what we want? Great. He can play 20 hours of Skyrim while I devour a 500-page novel. Or we can binge-watch the Lord of the Rings movies. Don't have any friends? No problem, we'd rather stay home anyway.
Lana HutchinsonPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesChildren on the Spectrum
After my son Caleb was born, at about four months old I knew something was a bit "off" with him. He made no eye contact and didn't smile much. I had a nurse that would make weekly visits to my home (from the nurse and family partnership program) and when she made a milestone check-up on Caleb, she confirmed my suspicion. She said she would monitor Caleb more because she suspects he might be autistic. Sure enough by the time he was six months old, my nurse referred him to early intervention and Caleb was evaluated. For the next few months, he was seen by therapists and evaluated thoroughly for any physical delays, occupational delays, and cognitive delays, as well as speech delays. I didn't know much about autism so I wasn't devastated by the time he was officially diagnosed when he turned two. I did however feel guilt for a while. Maybe if I didn't work so hard while I was pregnant. Maybe if I had a better diet. Maybe if I slept a bit more. Guilt was what I felt. I started learning more about autism and tried to understand my son. Little things that I didn't know would matter, actually mattered. For example, one of the psychiatrist took a toy away from Caleb's hand during an evaluation to see how he would react. In return Caleb tried to take the toy back. I thought he did good but the psychiatrist said Caleb never once made eye contact with him. Usually a child would study a person's face to see what the expression was like. Caleb just focused on getting the toy back. It was like there wasn't even a person in front of him at all. After trying for a few seconds, Caleb gave up and just took another toy. Apparently any other child would've tried a bit more to retrieve the toy or even cry. When calling Caleb's name he would never react or look at whomever was calling him. You had to physically go to him, grab his face and have him look at you. This was also unusual in a child at that age apparently. He didn't acknowledge people or his surroundings.
Cindy Del VillarPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesExperts vs. Parents
Let me preface this article by explaining that the views here on behalf of "Parents" is my own and not meant to represent anyone else personally. Any reference to "The Experts" will appropriately have citations of the websites I have used. This is not meant as a target for the "bashers" out there, but as a place to express views. I certainly understand that every parent is different in their views on raising their children and some listen vehemently to the advice provided by experts in various fields. I appreciate comments expressing your opinion on any topic listed here or any other child topics, however request that you keep your comments and opinions neutral without bashing each other for their views.
Melissa C.Published 7 years ago in FamiliesAllowance?
When I was coming up, people—children—did chores to earn their allowance. Chores consisted of cleaning anything in the house outside of your bedroom.
Melissa C.Published 7 years ago in FamiliesIrish Twins
I've always said that I only wanted to get pregnant only twice. I wanted a son and a daughter, preferably with my son being the oldest. When my husband and I got married, I became a mom to his son. I didn't think I needed a son after that because technically, I now had one. I must have wished one too many times about having my own son first. Somehow, I got exactly what I had wished for, with a special way of delivery included.
Mishka UpchurchPublished 7 years ago in Families