Search Results for: blog balancing seasonal temperaments

Balancing Seasonal Temperaments

Some people love this time of year and really get into all the seasonal festivities—others of us may get a touch of the Bah humbugs. This can be challenging enough at work or out and about, but it can be even more challenging when we have to cope with these different seasonal temperaments within our own families. We can all have very different ideas about how to make the most of the season. We are not a huge family, my children and I—there are only four of us, but that is four very different holiday season temperaments. My eldest daughter … Continue reading →

Herding Turtles

Years ago, when my children were all much younger, my mother once commented while I was trying to get the three of them headed in the same direction at the same time that it was just like “herding turtles.” With three kids in three years, there were times when it was more than challenging. But the truth is, it was much easier to get them all coordinated and organized when they were younger, than it is now that they are all older teens! Now, getting all three of them in the same room on the same day at the same … Continue reading →

Two Last-Minute Shoppers and One Who does it Early

I wrote early in on in the holiday season about the way most families have various individuals with different “holiday” temperaments to contend with. Some individuals really get into the hustle and bustle of the season, while others prefer a more low key approach. As we are only five days away from the “big day” here, I am watching as my teenagers’ personalities and temperaments are unfolding. Now that they are old enough to be less influenced by my schedule, I see their own internal ways starting to evolve. I am noticing that this year we have two last-minute shoppers … Continue reading →

Why a Little Horseplay is a Good Thing

Sure, we want our children to behave. As a matter of fact, this time of year, we often require them to be “on their best behavior” more than usual—there are visiting relatives and holiday parties, church and school pageants, as well as other special occasions. For our kids this can mean a lot of time indoors and a lot of time wearing uncomfortable clothes! Not to mention, plenty of high expectations when it comes to their behavior. Our kids need a bit of release, though, even big kids. A little horseplay and getting out and blowing off some steam can … Continue reading →

Patience and Empathy Go Hand-in-Hand

The more stressed we single parents get, the harder it can be to “keep our cool” with our kids (or even with friends and coworkers). I find that when I remember to foster some empathy, it just naturally helps me to be more patient. Remembering that we all are in the same boat and putting myself in my kids’ shoes, helps me to find more patience in my parenting and other personal interactions. Patience can be tough to muster! Just last night, I was preparing to settle in after a long day—work with one job, before working on another, and … Continue reading →

Do You Warn People Before They Come To Your House?

A few years ago, I started adding a little “disclaimer” to any invitations I sent out: “Our home houses kids and cats, please let me know if you are allergic to either.” This disclaimer was in response to a few grumbling people and an invitation I received to a barbecue that said “No dogs or children.” I was aggravated and offended, but I realized that there were plenty of people out there who didn’t like kids or animals (I am SO not one of them) and that it was only fair that everyone should know the score before they crossed … Continue reading →

Cooking for Thanksgiving? Keep Small Children Out of the Kitchen

For me, Thanksgiving is like my Super Bowl, Birthday and Fourth of July all rolled into one. While it is not my favorite holiday, it is a day when I absolutely love the cooking and food preparation. For years, I have loved planning the menu, the shopping, and the culinary challenges—but all of this cooking and entertaining can pose a parenting dilemma… Safety can be a big family concern this time of year—with a change in activities, increased traffic and other distractions, this can be a dangerous time of year in the home for many children—starting with the cooking of … Continue reading →