I have a firm testimony in marriage. Especially marriage in parenting. Some aspects of mothering do NOT come naturally to me. Having endless ideas of what to do during the day to entertain and enrich my children are one of those aspects. Since Anna's been born, it's been especially difficult for me to find things to do that works around Anna's feeding schedule, the endless housework, and Eli's happy verses cranky times. Needless to say, there has been way TOO much tv watching which makes Eli even more cranky. To add to this is the depressing fact that Eli is even more of a hand full than I expected. He's hard to control and he's stubborn towards ANY authority. So I get VERY down about my apparent ineptitude to raise a decent human being. Yes, I cry about it often. Yes, I worry that I've ruined him for life. Maybe I'm too negative. Maybe I'm so focused on telling him what he CAN'T do that he gets resentful and fights back.
I'm trying to remember that laughter is great medicine. This hit me yesterday when an impatient lady cut me off in the Costco parking lot. A man saw it and just started laughing. I saw that and I couldn't help but smile too. What a great attitude! I'm going to try to alleviate Eli's anger with laughter from now on. I think it will help us both.
Okay, back to my main point of this post. Aaron has always been super supportive of me. He knows my worries and he tries to find ways to help me solve my problems. Unfortunately, many of them, while great ideas are difficult to carry out without me feeling like I'm imposing on someone else.
The other day, he truly had inspiration that I don't think I would ever have received. He had the idea that as we are trying to ween Eli from the tv again that we come up with a bunch of activities to do together, type them up, cut them out, and put them in a jar. Eli would enjoy pulling a piece of paper out and seeing what's on it and then we'd have something to do to fill in the usual tv time. GENIUS!! Yes, many of you might think this is so OBVIOUS but for me it wasn't and I'm so grateful for my husband and partner in parenting that increases my testimony that parenting is supposed to be for two!
...and We're Back!
5 months ago
6 comments:
Television is SO very hard to regulate when adjustments are happeneing. I think its Graet you recognize it and want to change it. It could be worse. Some kids at age 3 and 4 start playing those DS's and wow. Addictive for both parents and kids. We were going to buy one for Elise, but saw this in other kids and decided against it. The tv is enought to regulate.
It will get easier-once he starts preschool and school. Elise hardly has time to watch it now.
You are an Amazing parent. I give you pats on the back for all you put into your kids. I think He will be an Outstanding Person because he has You and Aaron for examples. love you guys.
I totally understand what you feel about entertaining. It is hard to do it day after day. Check out this blog. It has awesome ideas. http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/
Sigh. I totally feel like I"m in the same boat right now. That WAS a good idea. But now I need to think of things to fill that jar. :) Tonight I just want to collapse and cry. I definitely need to call you soon. Good luck friend!
I totally know what you mean about parenting being for two. At the end of the day, sometimes I am just SO glad Tim is home so that he can entertain Emmy for a little while. I love the fact that he and I are on the same page though when it comes to things. If I need help with something, he always is willing to give advice. If he needs help with something, I do the same thing. It makes life so much easier and parenting so much more rewarding.
The Jar is an awesome idea, and NO I wouldn't have thought of it either so don't worry. I agree it's so nice to have a partner to help out when you are at your wits end.
I just came across another awesome blog and thought of you. These 10 ways to play are so fun and very easy to do. So I thought I would pass it on. http://lets-explore.net/blog/ways-to-play-monthly-downloads/
We should get together some time. Meet in the middle in Sunnyvale or go to the zoo or something together. My e-mail is kathiegwilliam@gmail.com Let me know if you want to.
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