Search Results for: blog letting our kids be different from us

Tips for Parenting Introverted Kids

Do you feel that your child is exceptionally quiet? This can be somewhat confusing for parents who are naturally extroverted. How do you raise a child who is very different from yourself? Here are some tips to help extroverted parents raise introverted kids. What is an introvert? People who are introverted prefer to be by themselves (or, sometimes, with one or two very close friends.) Being in a crowd of people, or forced to attend a party, can be overwhelming to introverted people. To “recharge”, an introvert will need to spend some time alone. Extroverted parents might feel the need … Continue reading →

Cheap and Simple Fall Fun for Kids

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to have fun with kids. Sure, a trip to a fancy amusement park can be a real memory maker, but when it comes down to it, children relish simple moments with loved ones who shower them with attention and affection. You can do that and more by taking your kids on an outdoor adventure. Make the most of fall’s gorgeous weather by trekking around the block, to a park, or on the trails of a local arboretum. Most young children have extra energy to burn, so keep them busy by having … Continue reading →

Staying Cool with Kids

It’s so hot… my neighbor’s chickens are laying omelets. It’s so hot… squirrels are picking up nuts with potholders. It’s so hot… you can wash and dry your clothes at the same time. It’s so hot… you can catch fried fish in the lake. The last one’s no joke. The heat wave that has blanketed much of the nation, including here in Wisconsin, has caused a rash of deaths among local fish. Thousands of Northern Pike and Perch are dying in area waters because of the recent string of record breaking hot temperatures. DNR officials say the fish can’t survive … Continue reading →

Leave Your Kids at Home

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Recently there was a story in the news about a mother who is accused of putting her five year old daughter in a tanning bed. I don’t know if this woman is guilty or not but she certainly is fond of tanning. As a single mother I’ve had to take Hailey lots of places that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. When I went to the emergency room, not only did she go with me, she had to drive me, with only a learners permit because I was in too much pain to drive myself. I will never forget how frightened … Continue reading →

Honoring Our Children’s Individuality

I’d like you all to meet ToriAnn Perkey. She and her husband, Josh, are homeschoolers, and I’ve recently had several conversations with ToriAnn about her decision to homeschool and her philosophies concerning it. I’ll be sharing snippets of our conversation here on Families.com over the course of the next couple of weeks, and I’ll kick off by sharing highlights of our conversation about the uniqueness of children and how that led to our decisions to homeschool. I have four very bright children who keep me hopping morning, noon, and night. My decision to homeschool was largely based on my desire … Continue reading →

October 2010 General Conference-Courageous Parenting

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I have to admit that the idea of being a parent to teenagers terrifies me. Now, let me say, there are definitely things about it that are enticing too. But, for the most part, I’m terrified! Hopefully the years between now and then will provide me with added wisdom and knowledge to help my kids become well-rounded, decent people. I loved the talk in General Conference titled “Courageous Parenting” by Elder Larry R. Lawrence of the Seventy. While I am still a few years away from dealing with some of these issues, it gives me hope to know that we … Continue reading →

When Your Chronically Ill Child Rebels

As a parent of a child with a chronic, life-threatening condition, I know how hard it can be when she fights her treatments or medication. It is frustrating, because you know she needs it. It is heart breaking because you hate that she needs it. In addition, you feel torn between forcing her and just giving in this one time. But it is never just one time. Children with chronic conditions go through a lot of stress and grown-up issues, more than most people can imagine. And they deal with this illness every single day of their lives. Treatments often … Continue reading →

My Last Blog

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This is going to be my last blog as the Adoption Blogger for Families.com. I’m looking forward to spending the summer with my kids, possibly working at their school, and taking on new writing projects. I may well guest blog occasionally for this or other Families blogs. It seems the Adoption Blog will continue, so I hope this blog, along with Families’ forums, can be a source of information and community for adoptive parents, adoptees, and birth parents. Yesterday I could think of a million things to say in my last few blogs and wondered how I would fit it … Continue reading →

Letting Children Grow Up Too Fast

“Can I have a cell phone for my birthday?” “How old do I have to be before I can date?” “Can I hang out at the park with my friend?” “Can I get a Facebook page?” These are all questions that a child of mine has asked in the past week. The scary thing is he will be turning 11 years old this upcoming weekend. He is barely a tween. I am sure it is hard being the youngest. To have to sit back and watch your older brother and sister get more privileges can’t be easy. I am trying … Continue reading →

The Kids are All Right

I’ve had some forced time at home the last few weeks, due to a nasty virus (not H1N1; I had myself tested). In some ways it’s been good to slow down. I had time alone with Regina this week, and time just watching the kids come and go and play with their friends in the yard and hang out at home, and I thought to myself once again, “I can’t believe I’m the mother of these great kids. I am the luckiest mom.” And no, the sentiment for my biological son wasn’t any different than my feelings for my daughters. … Continue reading →