Tag: mommy

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News

Drinking when pregnant?

Glass of Red Wine
Glass of Red Wine

When I was pregnant, I did not drink alcohol. I knew that some people said a drink here or there will not matter. I was one of those women who had waited to have kids and wanted to ensure all went well. I know things could have still gone wrong in many ways, however decided that I would give up alcohol as it is something that I could control.

According to DrinkWise Australia, there is no known level that is safe to the child. The site states that the more you drink (binge drinking especially) can be harmful to the baby. This was the same story I got at the doctors and was advised to not drink, so I didn’t.  However I can understand women who might have the odd glass of wine, or say a shandy or watered down alcohol beverage. These women might not be binge drinkers but it is their right to order a drink as long as it is in moderation, like with everyone else.   I personally would not drink, but that is my view.

In the news today, there was an article titled, “I can’t serve you. You’re pregnant”, in the Sydney Morning Herald – The story is about a woman who is pregnant and asks for an alcohol drink and was refused, due to her being pregnant. This occurred in California, so not sure if the rules are different there, and from the article I don’t think so. Makes me wonder if this has occurred in Australia? –  If it has let us know.

Refusing service due to being pregnant is an interesting one; will this become the way in the future? I just think it is discrimination, what about you? What about soft cheeses? Will I not be able to have a salad with my favourite cheese just in case it is dangerous?  Could the same be said for spicy chili dishes? If the spicy chili meals were banned, I would have been in deep trouble. I had many meals with dumplings with hot and spicy sauce. YUM would not mind some dumplings now.

It is interesting that you do get such conflicting advice. Some doctors say a drink here or there is fine and others say NO, don’t drink anything alcoholic!

Having it out with a hungry and angry pregnant woman might not be the way to go. But all joking aside, this is a serious issue, why can a complete stranger dictate what you eat/drink.  What are your thoughts? Did you abstain from alcohol when pregnant or did you have a glass of wine every now and then? Send in your comments.

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3 years and beyond

65 cents

Coins from Lillian
Coins from Lillian

Last night my husband was paid to read books. Lillian has an obsession with money and seems to be very enterprising, I had to have a chuckle that she thought to pay daddy to read her and Julia more books.

He told me that he read the first one, then he got about 20 cents. She mentioned that if he read another, she would pay him more. So he did. Then she paid him more for the third book, and he left with 65 cents. Great profit according to daddy, and as he said if this keeps up it will add to the money jar in the kitchen.

Not sure we will be able to do much with the money given by Lillian, although I was taken with the fact that she thought to do it. Very smart girl, she put the fact that people do things for money and she decided to give it a go. Now what happens when daddy does not want to read more than one book regardless of the money.

I am not sure I would have done it, and think Lillian was lucky it was daddy not mummy reading books that night. Before he left the room, Lillian took his head in her hands and told him “You will leave the door open”, and so he did.

Have you been paid for reading books to your children/child?  If so was it more than 65 cents.  Send in your comments.

Categories
News

Wonder clock not that wondrous

Why is it that we need applications to tell us when we will stop being able to have children. As a woman who had children later, I find this rather upsetting to say the least. There is ample media attention on women mainly in their mid to late 30’s, and this attention is stressing us all out.

I know it is best to have kids early rather than later, some people keep thinking that there is time, however you cannot wait forever to do the kid thing. It does have limits. We understood that, and it was not up to us, it just took longer in our case.

Working in my early 20’s and in my 30’s was essential, I had a degree and wanted to climb the corporate ladder, but also wanted to have a husband, kids and a good family life. This we have been lucky to have and we were blessed with twins. So we were just over the moon, however once pregnant I was conscious of the media and any stories that were ageist, telling me that there will be problems if I do get pregnant, and if I was, well then I had to be careful.

I decided to turn of the television/radio when these stories were on the air, I refused to be part of others conversations on these topics and I listened to a relaxation CD, now a digital file/MP4. I found tuning out the best medicine. I knew things could happen, but I wanted to just be positive and see what would happen and listening to others stressed me, I did not want to be part of this stress.

Having this iPhone application “Wonder Clock”, is just stressing all women out there and as you will see from Kasey Edwards story on the Sydney Morning Herald the app gives wrong results. I can understand the need and want to find out how long you have left, however if I knew that I would be stressing and running around like a mad woman.
What if you had an iPhone app for how long you have before you die, would you buy that? I wouldn’t, due to the fact that I would not want to know, and don’t want to be spending my last moments freaking out and worrying.

Why is all the focus on women? Women do carry the babies and are generally the ones that have a time limit, however research has shown that men need to look after themselves and indeed have time limits also.

Below are some links that show that men have a time limit on their fertility as well:

·         A man’s age and fertility
·         Fertility clock ticks for men, too
·         Men’s fertility decreases after 35

It could be stated that a percentage of women would like to settle down and have kids, but the man in their life is not ready, unreliable and just a child.  So the woman moves on to never meet the right guy. Then they are faced with the fact that they are getting older, and would like a child.  Maybe we need an iPhone app to sort out if the guy we are dating is a family man and the type for having kids with? Now that would have been something I would have purchased. (And this is my idea, so I am claiming dibs on it if it is created, and millions are made)

I don’t see why we should purchase an application that tells you will be barren in how many years. I for one would not purchase it; I want to feel energised, and youthful. Why buy an application to be told you are old. Let me know if you have used products like this? Did they work? And if they did, do you feel okay with the results? Send in your comments.

Categories
3 years and beyond

Go the F*$K to Sleep

Lately the girls are staying up and causing havoc, either it is many visits to the toilet, getting a glass of water, telling us they are still hungry, playing games, hurting themselves, losing toys, wants more stories to be read, then the girls want to read you the story again and again, and the list continues.

It is not like the kids are not tired, at lunch time we noticed that both girls had very tired eyes, but no day nap was had. As you can imagine, if no day nap, you would think that they would crash after dinner. No such joy.

Not sure why this is occurring. One reason might be the fact that they are on school holidays; with school they are more tired, mentally and physically. This could be it, or it is just that they are getting older and staying up later?  Does this happen to you? Tired children and still they take forever to go to sleep.

Today at compulsory rest time, Julia used her stealth invisible technique to move through the hallway unnoticed. It was a great technique and it worked, daddy and mummy did not notice her. I was in the dining room doing some sewing (more preparation actually than actual sewing), and I saw something move on the floor. I looked up and there was this red blanket and then a head surfaced and it was Julia. She was very pleased with herself, and I too thought it was clever; however she needed to go back to her room.  After the girls were finally in their room tonight we could not help but have a giggle about her “cloak of invisibility”, reminded us of the film “Eric the Viking”.

After so many times that the girls surfaced from their room, both of us were muttering “Go the f*$k to sleep, although not said to them, just to us. It made us think of the book of the same title.

You might be interested in the following links:

Do you have this problem at your house? Do your kids muck around at bed time? My girls are normally good, however the last week or two has been a nightmare trying to get them to bed.  What do you do to help kids go to sleep? Are there any tricks that you can share to help people with sleepy kids that don’t want to rest? Send in your comments.

Categories
Sewing

Project sewing

I have been cleaning and sorting so I can be more productive. Well that is the plan, and crossing fingers and toes it happens.  My aim is to make things to eventually sell, but the most important thing at the moment is that the girls need pants to wear. As they are slight and petite, they have a small waist, they seem to be growing length wise but not much around the middle. I would love to have this problem but to no avail.

Material has been washed, have the pattern and when I am refreshed will give the pants a go. I cannot wait. When complete will post pictures.

Have you been hanging to do a project? What has held you up? Is it kids, yourself or just exhausted with everything else on your plate?  Tell us what you are plotting and how you make time to do your pet project. Send in your comments.

 

Categories
3 years and beyond

Technology

Julia's home built computer
Julia’s home built computer
Julia's computer
Julia’s computer

For a while now the girls have been building make shift computers out of an old keyboard, mouse and a puzzle for a screen. Julia has built it again today, and you will see how clever it looks in the pictures.

It makes me think the girls are saying they want a computer. I would love to get them a tablet, like an iPad to learn, however it is the cost that is associated with these products. We would need to get two as sharing with that type of thing is not an option.

Maybe the new Microsoft Surface will be more affordable to purchase, and this will have to wait until we have money. Microsoft has not listed the costs of the new surface computer yet, should be available in October.

If Apple or Microsoft want to give away any iPad or Surface tablets we are happy to receive them, we can be the testing ground for them. I know this will never happen, but you don’t know… I can only dream.

 

The girls have figured out how to play, stop, pause shows with the television remote control. If they need to go to the bathroom, they pause what they are watching, come back and press play. Very clever indeed.

I wonder what other equipment or devices Julia or Lillian will build?  As you will see the computer even has a rest place for your feet, very convenient.  Do your kids build things that look like the real things? If so what have they created? Send in your comments and stories.

 

 

Categories
News

Carbon tax penalises the wrong people

Today Brumby’s, Australia’s largest bakery chains told franchisees to increase costs due to the carbon tax.  I heard this story on 702  ABC Sydney Radio, and was listening with interest. Ever since the government announced their carbon tax, I knew it would jack up prices for the average person, and also with other essentials – electricity, gas and probably others I don’t know about.

I must say that I really don’t fully understand the whole carbon tax issue or the ins and outs, the following article by The Sydney Morning Herald titled, “Carbon tax explained” will hopefully help you and also me.

From what I gather, the biggest polluters will be charged to lower their carbon footprint. To do this they are taxed. However this tax then flows on to the average person, this in turn has upped electricity costs by 20% from the 1st of July 2012, so exactly 3 days ago now.

The government is going to be compensating households with the extra costs, but only if you are eligible, to find out if you are eligible for help, go to The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) – Household Assistance Package.

One issue that I have with this tax, the government is taxing the businesses that are polluting, then the cost of services go up, the cost of goods, food and everything is going to go up. To win support for this the government gives the average family some money to help, however I don’t believe this will be enough as costs will sky rocket and not everyone will qualify.

What is to stop organisations like Brumby’s putting up prices? Who knows what other companies have already done so and not been noticed? How about this for a radical idea, don’t put costs up and then we will not need the assistance package. If they keep costs the way they were, the average family will not need more help to pay bills and the much needed heating bill in freezing winter.

I do understand that we have to make sure companies don’t pollute, however I think that the carbon tax is going to penalise the wrong people, the people with no money who are just trying to provide for their family. Maybe I don’t understand the tax very well. If I am missing something please send me a comment and let me know what I am missing.

What are your thoughts on the carbon tax? How about organisations increasing prices for their products, especially bread? Bread is a staple that should be equally available to all not a costly item. Send in your comments.

Categories
3 years and beyond

The Roast Beef Lie

Today I told a lie to Julia, it was for a good reason. I said that lamb cutlets was roast beef. Everyone at the table were looking at me very strangely but I had my reasons. Julia and Lillian don’t eat much at all and never have. Last Saturday Julia had roast beef and loved it, she then asked is it roast beef today and I just said yes. She nearly finished off the lamb cutlet all on her own, and I was very pleased she thought it was so tasty.

Now I have a dilemma, have I done the wrong thing by saying that the lamb cutlet was in fact roast beef? Most of me thinks not, due to the fact that she was eating and experiencing a new food. It is good for her to do so, but what if she then asks for roast beef and it is not what she was given last time? I mentioned this to the husband and he said that I can say, that it was a different variety of roast beef and is not the same as this one.

I suppose currently it is not a major issue, but I like to tell the kids the proper names for things and now I am telling fibs. Many parents before me have done this,  so it is not new, however I am not sure how this will end. Will Julia be an adult and asking for roast beef to get upset with what is presented to her? Will she forever be angry and upset with mummy and daddy for telling this lie? Maybe this will lead to counselling to get over the upset this innocent incident has created. I wait for the outcome, however this will not be instantly known and will only become known when Julia is older and can understand more, this is when I feel we will be in trouble.

Have you been in this situation? Did you do what I did and say a food was something when it wasn’t to ensure a child would eat? If you did, are your children o.k with this? Has it caused issues? Send in your comments.

Categories
3 years and beyond

Harassed

Do you find as a mother that you are the one getting asked for everything, mum this and mum that. Why doesn’t daddy get asked? Today you might have guessed, I have been harassed by kids, and things to do. I did not even get to do anything that I had planned. Although I never got to do anything I wanted to do, I did manage to vacuum the living room and change the sofa covers.

I do find that days that I feel harassed I don’t cope very well, getting interrupted and asked a million times for things is quite frankly, bloody annoying. If this is what it is going to be like for the next two weeks, these school holidays are going to be long for me. My countdown is on, 16 more days to go till they go back to school.

This might not be the entire kids fault, Lillian is sick with tonsillitis and I think Julia has it as well or well on her way. So kids sick, mummy harassed and did not have a great weekend.  The girls never sleep during the day, Lillian passed out on Friday and had a couple of hours sleep, and she also fell asleep in my arms and did not move when I put her in my bed to have a nap. I was planning on cuddling up next to her, however I had to urgently use the bathroom and when I got back to the bed, could not squeeze in.  Both girls are on antibiotics and hope they are well for Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

Wednesday the girls and I are visiting their great aunts, and Thursday we are off to the Play School Concert.  The girls have no idea what show we are off to on Thursday so cannot wait to see how excited they will be, will be interesting to see what presenters will be in the show. I am crossing fingers and toes it is the girls favourites. Lillian loves Abby and Julia loves Jay.

If kids are well enough we are going to play group on Tuesday but not sure on that one. Lillian has not been looking well at all, and I think she needs her rest. Luckily the husband and I don’t have tonsils so we are safe, just might get a bad cold, if we are unlucky and get infected.

Do you find it difficult being the go to person all the time? Why can’t you just sit down and not get asked to do something /questions/find things.  Why is the weekend not relaxing for all? It is probably due to kids being ill.  The girls did not want daddy much and were all over me like a rash, it is nice to a point.  However I would like to do some things as well as daddy. Although daddy did not do much fun stuff today, he tidied up the backyard and front, taking things to the tip (we had piles of things to organise, and then we got busy, so we were over the mess). Today it was freezing and kept on hailing and snowing off and on, so thinks the inside job was the better option.

Send in your comments, do you feel harassed by your kids/family/friends? Currently it is just the kids that are the issue for me, I do understand they are young, sick and need me. Some days it is easier to cope and others I just feel harassed everywhere I turn.

Categories
3 years and beyond

Twins everywhere

Hi all, I wake today to find yet another celebrity couple are expecting twins. Seems to be the thing now, pregnant, and wow we are having twins. True Blood stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer are expecting twins, not sure when, but I am sure they are excited, and in a bit of shock.  Having twins as your first children is a bit of a shock and an instant family if you never do it again. Perfect right, well it is also a lot of work. Congratulations to Anna and Stephen, it is great news. I am a fan of True Blood, and I hope all goes well. Not only is the True Blood stars expecting twins, my cousin is also as well, so congratulations to her as well.

As you might have guessed entertaining two children is a hard thing to do, and with two it is a big job. We made it to playgroup, although later than I had wanted to arrive. Kids did not want to do anything mummy told them too. The only threat that worked was, “If you are not going to get ready to go out, we will stay home”.

Some things that helped me when I first had the twins:

  • One thing that I found was an enormous help was cooking and freezing meals for dinner while pregnant. This allowed me to not fuss and just reheat the food, and if we wanted we added veggies or a salad to the meal. With a husband working long hours and then looking after 2 babies I did not have time to fix meals and think about what to cook, let alone go shopping.
  • Another thing that I did which helped was a self adhesive chalk board that lived on the fridge. This allowed me to log what amount of milk each child had and what time it was taken. This allowed me at a glance to know when I can go out and when I need to be back home.
  • I always had the babies on a schedule/routine. If one woke, I would wake the other one up. I know sounds terrible, but I did not want to have one getting up and the other sleeping. If this was the case, I would be up all day and night. I managed to express my breast milk and both girls were mostly fed with breast milk until they were 5 months, after that, I did get a bit and it was put in their cereal for breakfast. My milk ran out the week before the girls turned 8 months.  In the evening I gave the girls formula as I found it hard to keep up with the production demands.
  • If I did have a window of time, say 3 hours, I used this to nip to the shops, and get some much needed time away from the house. It could have been anything as long as it was doing something different. I would window shop, have a tea/hot chocolate at a cafe, eat lunch out if I had the money and so on, maybe even take the babies to the park for some sun and for the babies to get some sun and to look at other things than the house.
  • I was a zombie for the first 3 months as every 2-3 hours they needed milk. Breast Milk seems to not sit in their belly as long as formula does so they need more of it, and with more frequency.  However, after the 3 months the girls slept for 12-14 hour nights and that was just bliss. We are very lucky our twins are good sleepers. I have heard stories of babies that were not. They are still good and barring sickness all is well. Even when they were babies, teething was not a major issue. They were a bit out of sorts, but we just helped them with some painkillers and all was right in the world.

It was easier when the kids were little, now they want to do so much that you are just so exhausted all the time. I wish I had help like celebrities have to care for kids, or at least offer support especially in school holidays. The girls have started their holidays, and I am busily counting down for when term 3 starts, bring on July 17th.

What made life easier for you when you had your first kids/kid? What would you suggest for a first time mother? Send in your comments.

 

Categories
3 years and beyond Creative

Ice Boats

Last week the girls and I were watching Play School, in the episode they did craft. I don’t know if you are like me, but when these crafty segments are in the kids programs I cringe and wait for the barrage of questions and pestering, “Can we do that mummy?”  So with this craft idea on play school I said yes. The girls were very excited and happy, so next morning we got started and it did not take long.

Ice Boats - Perfect fun for kids.
Ice Boats – Perfect fun for kids.

As you will see from the pictures the girls loved it and had a ball. So what is ice boats? Well, it is really simple.

  1. Get plastic containers, food dye, blu-tack, straws/sticks and you can create flags for your boats if you want to. We did not but that would be the next step.
  2. Once you have your container, add some tack to the bottom of it.
  3. Stick your stick/straw into the tack to make sure it is not going to move.
  4. Mix the water and colour of choice from the food dye in a mixing jug.
  5. Pour coloured water into plastic container.
  6. Put in freezer to set.
  7. You might want to have a bit of room so your sail does not snap off.
  8. When taking the ice boat out of the container, I had to put some hot water around the bottom so it would slide out easily.
Playing with the boats before they melt.
Playing with the boats before they melt.

Now you have kids in bath, and they are getting clean while also having fun, plus you have done some craft time with them also. Bonus points all round.

Do you dread the crafty things on kids television programs? Does it put pressure on you to be really crafty too? I know the feeling, especially with two keen kids who want to get involved and messy to boot. I am hoping to find more crafty things that I can do with the girls while they are on school holidays, and it has started today. So project tire kids out has started in ernest.

Send in your tips and tricks and then maybe I might have some more crafty ideas to try out these holidays.

Categories
3 years and beyond Katoomba and Weather

Winter Magic

Dragon on the Carrington
Dragon on the Carrington

Today was Winter Magic, if you are in Katoomba you will know that this is a parade to celebrate the winter solstice. The weather was great a real surprise from yesterday, today was blue sky with no clouds in the sky and yesterday it was black clouds, rain and threatening snow.  It was even warmer than I expected the day to be, check out some pictures of the day from The Blue Mountains Gazette.

I was asked to march with two groups for winter magic and we decided to march with the North Katoomba Community Hub, these guys do such great work and it is a great community of parents, kids, and local people who contribute their skills and time to this community organisation.

The theme as I could tell were dragons, I thought that it was something that the guys at the hub had decided upon, but after seeing that there were dragons everywhere, it must have been a theme that was for the whole parade not just for one.

Daddy and Lilly
Daddy and Lilly

The girls were very good and marched with me all the way without any complaint. I was so proud of them, Lillian looked like she was getting very tired and near the end kept on rubbing her eyes, slowing down and looking at things other than where she was walking. I am very pleased that the kids finished the march without the need for me to carry anyone. Carrying someone would have been impossible as I was tasked with holding a banner also.

After we left the parade we went off to have fish and chips, not in a park as it is cold, but at home. Let’s hope that this lovely weather keeps up… I need to do some washing and would like to not use the dryer. How has your weekend been so far? Did you go and have adventures with the family? Send in your comments.

Categories
Pre-School

Glowing Report

Yesterday, James and I attended the girls first parent teacher afternoon (I keep on wanting to say parent teacher night). I know it is normally night time, but I suppose pre-school is an afternoon time frame. I suppose it could be afternoon, not sure as I have not done the school thing as yet and pre-school is our first encounter with a school like system, other than our time at school.

You will all be pleased to know that both children are doing extremely well and the teacher would like to start the process of teaching them to read and to write. We got the impression that this is left to when the child is older, but as the girls seem ready she would like to give it a go and see how it goes. One thing that we need to do more of at home before learning can commence is play word games with them to know how letters sound, what words start with what letter. Once the girls have more letters at their disposal the game and learning that the school wants to do will happen.

The pre-school has cards and they get the child to recognise a letter and put the letter to a word, so if the word was “Cat”, and if the letters were “AT” and there was a C or say a B available, then the child might spell either cat or bat, depending on which letter they pick.

The girls are recognising letters and numbers quite well, however not sure how many they do know and if we are at the point of forming word/words. We have been practicing today and Julia was getting some things right and others all mixed up. She got annoyed and said, “I want to get it right!” I told her there were heaps to learn and it doesn’t matter if it is wrong and there is nothing to worry about.  Lillian also found it a bit hard to understand why it was all wrong and she just ended making up things, C is for Bed, D is for Pillow and more strange things.

I can understand from their point of view it is frustrating as there is a lot to learn and it is not making much sense, early days still and no pressure, they are smart little bunnies and they will get it soon.

One thing that the teacher was very impressed about is that you tell girls something and they say it well, do it, and remember things. Language, fine motor skills, and other skills seem to be on track or above. We are very pleased indeed. Not only are they doing well with what the school is teaching them, they are making friends and seem to popular as well, could have something to do with being cute little twins or just down to personality.

Do you find that your child is hungry for knowledge; Lillian has wanted to go to school since she was one years old. She did not understand why she could not. I hope the appetite lasts throughout their life and they learn great skills. As I told their teacher, we are not fussed if they go to university or become doctors or lawyers, we just want them to have a skill and be able to work, provide and be happy with what they do.

Did you get good outcomes from parent afternoons/night s? Did they help? We did ask if there was anything we could do to help, other than helping with the letter recognition we are on track. However I was prepared for any area of improvement if need be. Sometimes the girls are not the best at sharing, or doing things on their own, this has gotten a bit better due to school, but as mentioned was armed to think that there could be something else to focus on. If you did get a report that an area was in need of improvement or more guidance, how did you deal with that? Send in your comments.

Categories
University Study

Exam disaster

I have sat my university exam and was not pleased. It was very difficult and more than I expected it to be. I had notes available and did not have some that I should have had. To top it off, I was ill, and faced mathematical questions that I was led to believe that I would just have to name the formula or way to figure it out but not actually figure it out – I was very wrong.

I had to complete questions that I thought I could do in the time for the exam and hope for the best. Passing this subject needs to happen as I would like to graduate next year, I don’t want to have to do this subject again. I am very keen to finish this degree.

Although this was stressful and I am very worried about the outcome, at least now I don’t have to do any more university work, until next semester.

Not keen on next semester and yes there is another exam to do. Next semester is Contracts Management. I know I am doing this to myself, it sounds terrible, however everything is all listed in a contract and if you know where to look you can uncover everything. So I thought it would be a good skill to have.

I have alerted my teacher to my possible poor performance and the issue of being ill while undertaking it and also before during study. So we will see. I just want to pass.

Categories
3 years and beyond

Mental or Not?

The government has implemented a new program to test three year olds for signs of mental illness.  This new program will start from July 1, 2012 and will be run by GP’s with the standard health check for kids; it is a voluntary program that allows parents to go to the doctor with any concerns.

The idea is that behaviour/issues will be noticed and help will be found for these children.  However I am a big believer in labels and kids will be marked as early as three years old for being shy, upset, and anxious or other things and some or all of these things kids grow out of, some might not, but most do.

According to Jill Stark who wrote “Mental health checks for preschoolers” that is published online at Fairfax’s Essential Kids website, the program:

“…will consider behaviour such as sleeping with the light on, temper tantrums or extreme shyness as signs of possible psychological problems.”

I for one would not want to bring my kids for a check-up to then have normal behaviour seen as possible signs of mental illness. I do understand that early diagnose for kids that need help is essential and I applaud any program that helps families and especially these kids. However I worry that kids who are just being kids will clog up the system and not give the time for kids that really need the program.  Unless my girls give me any sign to worry, which has not happened and I think not, I will not use this service.

Another worry for me is who is this information shared with? Schools – pre-schools, primary, secondary, universities, future work places, and the list can continue. Is giving the child a label going to hurt the chances of recovery if there is an issue? I do know that finding out what ails you is helpful, as then you can work to fix it, and I do agree.

However for me it is like telling a kid that they are stupid and then hoping that they achieve. When I was at school, if you were not good at maths you were put in the dumb class. Teachers gave you easier tasks and did not attempt to teach you what you really should know, for example algebra. If these teachers did not tell you were dumb/stupid and spent some time teaching you in different ways how to understand the maths problem, then this would lead to kids getting better at maths and achieving.

What are your thoughts to this new program for mental health checks for three year olds? Currently it is a voluntary program, but what if it becomes mandatory?  I for one would not want to have to go and do it, some things are just private. Although, I do think that this service is great for people that really need it, and I hope they can access the service that should be for them, not the average kids who are just being challenging children. Send in your thoughts?

Categories
3 years and beyond

The aliens did it

Green Alien
Green Alien

Today we have learnt that it was not the girls being messy it was the aliens. I am not sure when they have visited us and where they are hiding, but Lillian has confirmed it was indeed aliens and not herself or Julia that is responsible for the mess.

When daddy was in their room asking for the girls to tidy it up, Lillian turns away and put her head on an angle. Daddy said it was very mysterious the way she did it, and then she told him about the aliens.
He lost it and just had to laugh.

I asked Lillian about why she was not helping clean up a mess that she helped create, and she quite seriously told me that it was not her that did it, it was the aliens. I asked her when they arrived, and what they looked like. She told me that they were green, and by this stage Julia was in on telling me that they were green and trying to describe them, mainly I just know that they are green, naughty and messy.

Having this ability to have a great imagination is I believe a great asset and a tool that can help you in your line of work, writing, acting, or just having a fun. I do hope that the girls never lose the ability to have fun and to have a make believe world.

Is it due to Lillian having a vivid imagination about outer space? Or just a very active imagination for a three year old? She was calm and serious in telling me about these naughty visitors and the goings ons.  Or is she just trying to shift the blame? Would mummy and daddy believe there really was someone else responsible for the mess and chaos? I think she hopes so.

Has your child got a vivid imagination? Do they make up wonderful stories, and if so what are some of them that have made you laugh and think how clever the story and detail was. Send in your comments.

Categories
Creative

Painting and tent building

Daddy and Lillian in tent
Daddy and Lillian in tent

Today it has not stopped raining, so another indoor craft day I think. What to do to keep the little monkeys busy? The fun for today was painting and tent building.

I set up the dining room for painting. Sheets of paper were organised as was the paint, water and brushes. To make it easier for each child I put the paint into muffin/cupcake tins.  Lillian painted a great picture of a platypus and footprints, Julia painted a platypus and a jungle with footprints, very creative pictures indeed.  This kept the girls entertained for a couple of hours, enough for me to tidy up the kitchen.  A big mess was made, but it is all okay as it will wash off clothes and furniture.  If you don’t use Crayola paint you should as it washes out and you can be confident that it will come out of clothes, walls and other things. Crayola have textas and other items that are washable and I have found these great as well, the girls tend to colour their faces, legs, and other body parts, so it is nice to know that it will all wash off.

After painting the kids hands, faces were washed. A change of clothes were needed for kids and also to mummy as I got dirty as well. Then daddy and the girls built a tent in the living room. The tent was a space for books to be read by daddy and puzzle making time.  Tent was made with 3 dining chairs and a sheet.

 

As I write this the tent is still up and kids are busy creating more works of art using their pencils and textas, with Wallace and Gromit playing in the background.  What have you been up to this long weekend. I know that hubby is a bit sad that it is raining and wet, he wanted to do some yard work. Maybe next weekend it will be sunnier.

 

 

Categories
Creative

Playdough and collage Fun

This June long weekend has been wet and cold. What do you do with kids with this kind of weather? Yesterday the hubby and I made some wonderful playdough, blue this time instead of the pink that is constantly requested.  We used the recipe from McKenzie’s Cream of Tartar for playdough as it gives a nice smooth fluffy feeling, I used to use the recipe on the side of the food dye box but have found this one with cream of tartar is far superior. The recipe calls for you to put it over the stove, however we just put hot water mixed with the food dye and mixed it in a bowel and added more flour if it needed it.  I urge you to give it a go; I think you will be very surprised at how brilliantly it turns out.

I have a box, called the “collage box” that keeps decorations, paper, glue and other things that can be stuck on paper to decorate it. I have taken to keeping paper that is pretty and other cute things for later collage masterpieces.  We did a bit of collage and had the box out when the playdough was used. The girls got creative with their snowmen and added sparkles, eyes, and other things to make unique pieces of art. Both snowmen are still on the dining room table to dry out.

Let us know what you think of the girls wonderful art, I think it is just very clever and creative, however I am their mother and supposed to think that.

Playdough Snowmen
Playdough Snowmen

 

What have you done on a rainy day to keep kids entertained? Do you have any great craft ideas? Send in your comments.