Mom Speak

Connecting with Moms in my Community

2009-04-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest challenges I have faced since leaving my job is finding a way to connect with other parents in my community. I have tried the internet. I have joined countless groups that discuss parenting issues but for the most part the interactions have been computer based. I have frequented the local parks and have met a few moms, but rarely connect with the same people on a weekly or monthly basis. Is it too early to invite another child to a play date the first time my daughter plays with them? She is not yet at the stage where she relishes playing with others but I'd like her to have friends she can visit from time to time, especially on a wet or cold day.

CafeMom.com or MothersClick.com are two really great online communities if you are interested.

Potty Training........

2009-04-27T23:14:00.001-07:00

For those of you out there who have ever wandered in the wilderness that is potty training...this blogs for you. While up late one night searching the net for help or other parents to commiserate with I found this .......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW0H2tPZATQ

Now since I don't know Japanese I didn't learn anything, but it certainly made me feel better.

But like many of parents I solicited advice from friends, bought videos (Elmo's potty, to name one), read how to books (Potty training for Dummies), and checked out children's books at the library...The Potty Train being one of my personal favorites (Chugga Chugga PooH Pooh!...gotta love it). After all that what it comes down to is am I committed enough to see this thing through.

I mean along with transitioning into a toddler bed and giving up bottles, diapers represent babyhood. And for me once my daughter is out of diapers its like I'm saying she isn't a baby anymore. As a mom going through this for the first time its hard. I know I should look forward to her growing up and moving beyond these stages, but honestly I feel a little sad that she isn't a baby anymore. So yes I have to work on the commitment thing.

Plus I have visions of taking my daughter to a public restroom for the first time........Much worse than changing a poopy diaper any day. Help!

I'm scared and its my daughter who is going through a life changing event. All her life she's had a diaper. I look at it like her learning a new language. Its new and strange but if I make it fun she'll adapt and pick it up in no time.

So, we have bought the potty. We took her shopping for undies and talked to her and read her books.

Here goes......DAY 1

Your Child Can Learn Anything

2009-04-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever stayed up to watch late night TV and found yourself listening to one of those infomercials about teaching your baby to read? You probably thought the same thing I did. Scam! Well my husband bought a book by Doman and Aisen called How to Give Your Baby Encyclopedic Knowledge. And while I am not advocating you all go out and buy the book or invest in the informercial product, I do agree with both in principle. You can teach your child anything. Using 3x5 cards with names of animals, presidents, food, objects in the house my 2 year old can recognize over 250 words when reading books, or even read words on displays in stores. She often spells the words if asked (usually if I hold the object up in front of her, like a toy dolphin or play pizza) My husband has even taught her the names of the presidents in order of when they served (I don't even remember that).

For those of you who don't have unlimited time to spend make every minute count. Play games on the bus during your commute. Go to the library and check out books on new subjects and read to your child ( I only discovered the library after I quit, but go on your off day. Most libraries are open 6-7 days a week) Your child from age 0 -6yrs is like a sponge. They absorb almost anything you teach them

There are countless resources on the net. But some that I have used for information about how to engage my child in learning at home are www.preksmarties.com/babies/index.htm or www. babycenter.com. I have used baby center since my daughter was born. They offer information about all different topics free.

The most inportant tool your child has for learning is you. The more you inteact, read, play with your child ( at an early age) the more they learn.

If you have any ideas or insights let me know. I'm always looking for ways to teach my daughter.