Since May is the month for mothers, we are devoting our blog entries to these moms. We will give tips for moms at all stages of life--new moms, moms of toddlers, step-moms and grandmothers. Every child and every day bring new experiences and new challenges. If prepared, these changes will be easier to handle.
GRANDMOTHERS
You've raised your own, they're out of the house, and it's nice and quiet. Until...the grandchildren arrive! Suddenly, your home becomes an obstacle course, and Saturday evenings include diaper changes again. Here are some tips to help you get through the years and still have your own life.
• First and foremost--Take Care of YOU! You are the most important person in your life. If you can't function, you can't help or nurture others.
• Set boundaries. Don't let your children take advantage of free babysitting. Offer to help, but don't let it take over your life. If you want two or three days a week for your own activities, let your children know up front what days you are/are not available.
• Baby proof your home again. This is especially important with prescription medications and cleaning supplies. Meds can look like candy--don't leave your pills laying around.
• If you are watching your grandchildren on a regular basis, purchase your own toys and equipment so mom and dad don't have to pack it up all the time. This will also be safer for the child, rather than improvising things like stacked phone books on a chair instead of a booster seat.
• Have extra clothing on hand for emergency changes.
• Only do what you are capable of. If you have a bad back, don't offer to watch toddlers that are heavy to lift. If you don't have an approved car seat, don't offer to drive them to day care or pre-school.
• Follow mom and dad's rules. If they say 'no' to something like soda pop for a toddler, don't go behind their backs.
• When you are looking to downsize, keep the family situation in mind. Are you babysitting on a regular basis? Are the children older? Do they stay overnight for visits? Are there amenities close by or on the grounds that they could enjoy also?
• Don't empty your home by giving everything to your children/grandchildren. Ask them what they want, and let them have those items. Then give away the rest. Don't clutter their homes with things they won't appreciate as much as you did.
• Ask for help. If you can't downsize, pack and move all at the same time, hire some help. Save your time for the important things--yourself and your family.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tips for Mothers--Step-moms
Since May is the month for mothers, we are devoting our blog entries to these moms. We will give tips for moms at all stages of life--new moms, moms of toddlers, step-moms and grandmothers. Every child and every day bring new experiences and new challenges. If prepared, these changes will be easier to handle.
STEP-MOMS
These situations are a challenge, but are more so the older the child. Younger children are more open to change, as they haven't experienced years of traditions and schedules. Here are some tips to help step-moms handle life with their new families.
• Discuss upcoming changes as much as possible beforehand so children can ask questions and be prepared. Don't surprise children with major changes.
• Be patient. Some children will accept you immediately. Others will be wary or angry. Accept what it is at the start, then slowly work to change their perception of you.
• Don't try to buy their affection. They will just demand more and more from you. as the months go by.
• Enlist the support of your spouse when disciplining the children.
• Do not go against the decisions of your spouse without discussing it first, unless you feel the child's personal safety is at risk.
• Always check with your spouse before promising the children anything. They may be playing you against each other.
• Check with the biological mother and step-father on important matters. Again, the children may be telling different stories to each set of parents.
• Your spouse has the final say with his children, so respect that, But also expect from him that he will listen to your opinion on all matters, especially in those where you differ.
• Accept that your spouse will sometimes side with his children instead of you. Time and experience will eventually work matters out. Be open and discuss these differences with your spouse.
• Don't expect your family to welcome them with open arms at their first meeting. Keep your step-children in the front of their minds, though, without being insistent or obtrusive.
• Never assume to replace their biological mother. Even if they had a poor relationship with her, let them .
• Love the children as if they were your own.
STEP-MOMS
These situations are a challenge, but are more so the older the child. Younger children are more open to change, as they haven't experienced years of traditions and schedules. Here are some tips to help step-moms handle life with their new families.
• Discuss upcoming changes as much as possible beforehand so children can ask questions and be prepared. Don't surprise children with major changes.
• Be patient. Some children will accept you immediately. Others will be wary or angry. Accept what it is at the start, then slowly work to change their perception of you.
• Don't try to buy their affection. They will just demand more and more from you. as the months go by.
• Enlist the support of your spouse when disciplining the children.
• Do not go against the decisions of your spouse without discussing it first, unless you feel the child's personal safety is at risk.
• Always check with your spouse before promising the children anything. They may be playing you against each other.
• Check with the biological mother and step-father on important matters. Again, the children may be telling different stories to each set of parents.
• Your spouse has the final say with his children, so respect that, But also expect from him that he will listen to your opinion on all matters, especially in those where you differ.
• Accept that your spouse will sometimes side with his children instead of you. Time and experience will eventually work matters out. Be open and discuss these differences with your spouse.
• Don't expect your family to welcome them with open arms at their first meeting. Keep your step-children in the front of their minds, though, without being insistent or obtrusive.
• Never assume to replace their biological mother. Even if they had a poor relationship with her, let them .
• Love the children as if they were your own.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Organizing Toddlers
Since May is the month for mothers, we are devoting our blog entries to these moms. We will give tips for moms at all stages of life--new moms, moms of toddlers, step-moms and grandmothers. Every child and every day bring new experiences and new challenges. If prepared, these changes will be easier to handle.
MOMS OF TODDLERS
• There are new places to 'babyproof' in your home, now that your little one is mobile and reaching higher. Get down to his/her eye level to see what dangers or temptations are present.
• They are off before you realize it! Keep a close eye on them at all times.
• Have alarms on doors to your patio if you have a pool. Or keep the door securely locked, even when you are home.
• All family members (adults, older siblings and grandparents) MUST cooperate with your safety rules and issues. One slip, and there could be serious consequences.
• Use furniture that is small and low, designed just for their size.
• Do not place any furniture under windows.
• Secure furniture to walls, just in case they decide to practice their climbing skills.
• They grow fast at this age. As you do laundry, rotate out their clothes, packing away (or donating) items they have outgrown. Anything seasonal this year will not fit them next year.
• Keep a hamper in their closet or bedroom. Teach them early to use it.
• Always have an extra set or two of clothes with you when you travel, no matter how short the trip.
• Keep them stimulated by rotating out their toys. Pack some away for a month or two, then bring them out and put others away. It will be like Christmas all year round.
• Donate toys that no longer hold their interest, no matter how much YOU like it.
• Enroll them in preschool for socialization, or arrange playdates with other moms of tots in the area.
MOMS OF TODDLERS
• There are new places to 'babyproof' in your home, now that your little one is mobile and reaching higher. Get down to his/her eye level to see what dangers or temptations are present.
• They are off before you realize it! Keep a close eye on them at all times.
• Have alarms on doors to your patio if you have a pool. Or keep the door securely locked, even when you are home.
• All family members (adults, older siblings and grandparents) MUST cooperate with your safety rules and issues. One slip, and there could be serious consequences.
• Use furniture that is small and low, designed just for their size.
• Do not place any furniture under windows.
• Secure furniture to walls, just in case they decide to practice their climbing skills.
• They grow fast at this age. As you do laundry, rotate out their clothes, packing away (or donating) items they have outgrown. Anything seasonal this year will not fit them next year.
• Keep a hamper in their closet or bedroom. Teach them early to use it.
• Always have an extra set or two of clothes with you when you travel, no matter how short the trip.
• Keep them stimulated by rotating out their toys. Pack some away for a month or two, then bring them out and put others away. It will be like Christmas all year round.
• Donate toys that no longer hold their interest, no matter how much YOU like it.
• Enroll them in preschool for socialization, or arrange playdates with other moms of tots in the area.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
May is for Mothers!
Since May is the month for mothers, we are devoting our blog entries to moms. We will give tips for moms at all stages of life--new moms, moms of toddlers, step-moms and grandmothers. Every child every day brings new experiences and new challenges. If prepared, these changes will be easier to handle.
FIRST-TIME MOMS
This is perhaps the most difficult of all stages, since these moms are brand new at this. They are facing the unexpected. They are being trusted with a new life, yet have no idea exactly what lies ahead.
Here are some tips for new moms:
• Other moms are great resources for you. Ask away!
• But... don't listen to everything everybody tells you. You can get conflicting or incorrect information. You are different, your circumstances are unique. Take what is useful and discard the rest.
• Your physician is your ultimate resource. They know more about you and your pregnancy than any of your friends.
• Read up and attend classes.
• Find a support group if you have any special needs such as multiple births or illness.
• Whatever your due date is, have the nursery done at least a month before that. You never know if that little one will come early.
• Don't buy every new gadget that's out there before the baby comes. Start with the basics and add as needed.
• Do not buy used equipment without checking for recalls. Is saving a few dollars worth your child's life?
• Cook several meals ahead of time and place them in your freezer. You won't have the time or energy to cook when you get home from the hospital.
• Discourage visitors your first few days home. You will need the time to bond with your child and get some well-needed rest.
• Start childproofing early. Babies surprise you with their progress!
There are too many topics to cover in one short blog entry. Check out the Gerber site for more information and advice from the pros.
FIRST-TIME MOMS
This is perhaps the most difficult of all stages, since these moms are brand new at this. They are facing the unexpected. They are being trusted with a new life, yet have no idea exactly what lies ahead.
Here are some tips for new moms:
• Other moms are great resources for you. Ask away!
• But... don't listen to everything everybody tells you. You can get conflicting or incorrect information. You are different, your circumstances are unique. Take what is useful and discard the rest.
• Your physician is your ultimate resource. They know more about you and your pregnancy than any of your friends.
• Read up and attend classes.
• Find a support group if you have any special needs such as multiple births or illness.
• Whatever your due date is, have the nursery done at least a month before that. You never know if that little one will come early.
• Don't buy every new gadget that's out there before the baby comes. Start with the basics and add as needed.
• Do not buy used equipment without checking for recalls. Is saving a few dollars worth your child's life?
• Cook several meals ahead of time and place them in your freezer. You won't have the time or energy to cook when you get home from the hospital.
• Discourage visitors your first few days home. You will need the time to bond with your child and get some well-needed rest.
• Start childproofing early. Babies surprise you with their progress!
There are too many topics to cover in one short blog entry. Check out the Gerber site for more information and advice from the pros.
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