MyBaby - LatteMommy Journal

Separation Anxiety...What's that?

Posted May 30, 2007 at 1:46PM by LatteMommy
LatteMommy

You know I hear from so many parents/books/tv about separation anxiety. Our daughter doesn't poses any of that once so ever. or maybe that comes later in the school years. She even tells us to go out to dinner so she can stay with the Grandparents. Today during Tumble class she wanted NOTHING to do with me (her Mommy), but latched herself onto another child's Mommy in her class. The other Mother loved it and said it made her week, but this did hurt my feelings some. I guess I'm too sensitive. I am home all the time with her and I know she gets sick of me and craves for interaction with other people/kids. That is why we have her in tumble class once a week, so she can get that. We also take her to the park, story time, the mall playground and Chuck E Cheeses to interact and socialize with other kids. BUT I think she really needs something like a play group with other kids her age and I don't know where start. Our friends live a good distance away and don't have children yet and all of our family live far away and our neighbors kids are much older. They sometimes play outside together but that is hit or miss.

My husband and I are the ones who have the separation anxiety. When we are able to go away over night somewhere, we miss her like crazy, but when we come home she' happy to see us but not over excited. I really don't think she would mind it at all if we went away for a whole week and she got to stay with her Grandparents the whole time.

I wonder too if it has something to do with the fact they let her do anything and everything she wants and we have rules and discipline at our house. Hmm?

I have a few idea's on how to go about looking for a play group, just need to get to it, but would love to hear some suggestions.

Thanks EVERYONE for the very helpful advice. Have a wonderful day.

Tags: separation anxiety

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Sticky_Mommy responded May 30, 2007 at 9:23PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

My daughter who's 3 takes her turns showing her favors between me or my husband, so I think it maybe a phase for your daughter or she's just an indipentdant (sorry bad speller) little girl. I used to think I could shape my kids, but you can only guide/teach them, they have their own personalities and you just have to help them understand and discover who they are becoming. As for starting a PlayGroup - no idea!!! Suggestions could be looking the event section on this site and also look at the local librarys for play groups.

karriejean responded May 30, 2007 at 10:43PM

Massage therapist, martial artist, butt-kickin' momma.

Playgroups are amazingly satisfying, both for the moms and the kids. I met up with a woman in my hypnobirthing class 8 months after we both gave birth and we exchanged numbers. A month later she called me and said she and another mom were starting a playgroup. All the other mom's were approached by these two women in grocery stores, at library readings, etc. Children's programs are an excellent place to network and connect. Maybe talk to some of the other parents at the tumbling class?

Sticky_Mommy responded June 1, 2007 at 10:38AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Cute kid on the homepage of MyBaby - was that Easter?

Need a Break

Posted May 21, 2007 at 4:12PM by LatteMommy
LatteMommy

My opinion: I think as parents we all need to take a break once a week and also give our child(ren) a break from us too. So we all can regain our sanity.

My daughter who is 3 now asks us when we are going out to dinner so she can go to her Grandparents house. They live a big distance away and are the only family we have near by. Now with these rediculous gas prices we find it harder to be able to afford to drop her off there for the day and then drive back home to "Just to catch up on Sleep". We are both so worn out lately. We've been non-stop.

We've asked our neighbors kids (one high school student and one college student) if they would like a babysitting job once a week and they said "awesome". It's crazy....Even if we have them watch our daughter for 4 hours!!!, it will still be cheeper than driving her up to her Grandparents house, back home, back to pick her up and then home again.

G&G wore her out so much that she fell asleep on Grammies lap.

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cosmoblue responded May 21, 2007 at 6:12PM

I agree that parents need a break sometime. I am just trying to figure out how to get mine. I haven't had a break in about 9 months. We do not have any family near by and don't know any babysitting teenagers. I'm gonna have to get on that.

Sticky_Mommy responded May 21, 2007 at 8:57PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Even with family close by, you don't alway get the time you need for yourself, your parent and as a family. If anyone knows the secret - SHARE! I get babysitting referrals from other parents, & I keep meaning to start a neighborhood babysiting co-op/share. DH & I try 2 spend 2X a month alone.

Oh So Fresh

Posted May 21, 2007 at 9:32AM by LatteMommy
LatteMommy

We have been using time outs to help get a handle on our daughter's Freshness & temper tantrums, but I am wondering if there is something else that we can try that may help. We are trying to remain consistent cause we've heard that is very important. She does not hit or slap, but the talking back and yelling at us has gotten worse in the past two weeks. I'm wondering if this is another stage we are going through. Some days I wonder if I will survive the terrible 3's. It is very wearing on us too. My Sister-In-Law said she barely made it through 3 but when my niece turned 4 ... All was saved. :)

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rockergirrl responded May 21, 2007 at 11:23AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

It is my personal opinion that time outs are appropriate sometimes but that they don't handle tantrums and fresh behavior very well. With a tantrum look at it more like she needs cool down time where you remove her from the tantrum site, find a place where you sit with her until she calms down.

rockergirrl responded May 21, 2007 at 11:25AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

continued - by doing this instead of sitting a child in time out by themselves until they get over it you are not feeding the frenzy as I like to call it. And for the yelling and talking back - just remember to stay as calm as possible. If a parent yells back it does nothing but make

rockergirrl responded May 21, 2007 at 11:26AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

continued . . it does nothing but make the situation worse. Stay as calm as you can (yes hard sometimes) and be consistent yet calm that we do not yell or speak that way. It is a phase and it will get better with time and patience.

handanmyl responded May 21, 2007 at 2:17PM

Three is for me!

Terrible threes wereawful for us, but if you remain calm you will get through it. What worked for us was to wait patiently for the tantrum to be over, the sit and talk to her calmly about how she feels. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but be consistant!!!

Sticky_Mommy responded May 21, 2007 at 2:50PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

You hit the nail on the head when you said you're trying to be consistent. Kids need & crave boundries. If my kid has a tantrum I make her go in the other room until she's done. When she whines I tell her I can't understand her until she talks in a big girl voice. When she hits me she goes on the ..

Sticky_Mommy responded May 21, 2007 at 2:51PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

..naughty step (1 min per year) and all's forgiven after that. We talk about behaviors that get her on the step so it doesn't come as a surprize. Kids - if they're not putting rocks in their mouths, they're sassn' back!

dustbunny responded May 21, 2007 at 5:10PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

I'm all about the naughty spot- (we taped a green placemat to the floor) for my 3yro. If he's way out of control, he goes to his room. If he's yelling at me I just ignore it until he comes out to apologize. it's maddening isn't it? keep cool, they love to see you sweat

birdiehandmade responded May 21, 2007 at 8:54PM

I'm going to post a blog about this because I can't get it down to 300. But, have you considered her diet?..... READ MORE

Potty Training Challenges

Posted May 20, 2007 at 6:27PM by LatteMommy
LatteMommy

Update to 'O to Potty'..... Our daughter has a great handle on this going on the potty thing now. We are so very proud of her. We have created a chart that she puts a sticker on every time she goes on the potty and then when she gets to a certain number of stickers she gets a chocolate chip cookie. It is working very well........BUT I have a real concern.... I worry that she is holding her pee too long sometimes....especially when she is at the Grandparents or having a lot of fun. We keep asking her if she has to go but she will say "Nope". Then when she does tell us she has to go; it's a huge amount. I worry about bladder infections. Does anyone have any advice for us about this? Thanks for all your advice so far.

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rockergirrl responded May 21, 2007 at 7:17AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

Instead of asking her try telling her it is time to use the potty if you notice her wiggling around a lot. Asking yes or no questions to a child is too easy for them to say no.

Sticky_Mommy responded May 21, 2007 at 2:53PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Great point rockergirrl, if I ask my 3.5 yr old if she has to go, she says no. If I tell her to sit on the potty & I'll count to 10, if she goes, she goes, if not she tried. Also try reading a story.

O' to Mother's Day!

Posted May 15, 2007 at 11:41AM by LatteMommy
LatteMommy

Mother's Day is so awesome for me because my daughter who is now three reminds me with her hugs and kisses, what a special gift I have received to be able to be a Mother. It was hard getting pregnant when we decided to have a baby. Pregnancy was rough (enough to not do it again - LOL).... BUT the joy of being a Mother is such a wonderful gift from God. Everyday is something new and a new hurdle to get over, but when she comes running up to me with open arms and says "I luv U Mommy", it makes the struggles (temper tantrums) worth it. Somedays I feel like I'm at a comedy club cause of the things she comes out with. Like this am I asked her to go get her clothes and get dressed.... She proceeded to tell me that she was unable to right now and would have to check her schedule and figure something out. LOL. She also spilled her milk this am and looked at me and said "it'll be ok Mommy, just stay calm". I then fell over laughing! And all that before I had my coffee! Not bad.

My husband had my daughter ask me what I wanted for Mother's Day then they went out a few days before for the entire evening shopping. A great part of the gift was my evening alone to just sit and stare at the walls. Well they got my gift and my husband told my daughter that it was a secret and not to tell me what it was. When they got home she came running up to the door saying "Mommy, we got you a watch but it's a secret and we can't tell you". LOL.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU MOM'S AND DADDY MOM'S TOO!

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Sticky_Mommy responded May 15, 2007 at 2:20PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

LOL! Too funny! I try to write down the stuff that comes out of my daughter's mouth b/c it's such a crack up. The best part of my day is coming home and my daughter runs up to me with open arms and says how glad she is that I'm home.

momotogo responded May 16, 2007 at 9:30AM

Oh the sophistication that can spout from such tiny mouths...where does it all come from?

How to find a good babysitter in your area?

Posted May 3, 2007 at 1:30PM by LatteMommy
LatteMommy

Does anyone have any advice on how to go about finding a good babysitter in my area? Also what is the going rate per hour for a babysitter now a days?

We don't have family near by so it's tough for my husband and I to just go chill out for an evening. It'd be nice, just the two of us, to get a day a week to talk "adult conversation" with each other. We'd like to find a babysitter for 3 hours once a week, so we can get the break we need to reboot. ex. go see a movie and it not be animated! or go out to eat and hear and enjoy what each other is talking about without interruption or having to explain what we are discussing. We love our daughter so much and really enjoy spending time together with her as a family but we think it would be good for her to get a break from us once a week too. Any suggestions?

Tags: babysitter

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Sticky_Mommy responded May 3, 2007 at 1:49PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Spending alone time with your spouse is the best thing you can do 4 your marrage! I pay $10 per hour for 2 kids. Our college student sitter has to drive 10 miles to our house, knows CPR, and folds our laundry!

momotogo responded May 3, 2007 at 1:53PM

In the absence of family, how about friends in the area? Or maybe they can offer a referral. The American Red Cross provides Babysitter Training courses for kids between the ages of 11 and 15, maybe they have a referral program.

birdiehandmade responded May 3, 2007 at 2:04PM

Finding someone you trust is hard. Sometimes you can find one by asking coworkers if they have any high school age children? If you know and trust the parents of the babysitter, you can rest easier knowing that they are there as a sort of back-up for the sitter. We pay ours $10/hr for 2 kiddies.

FKB responded May 3, 2007 at 10:11PM

we have had great success contacting st. michaels college and UVM through their student work study groups... a they seem to have good ways of getting the word out then you do you interviews etc...good luck...it is important

mpl11 responded May 4, 2007 at 11:35AM

You try calling your local high school, they may be able to give you names of kids who babysit.

redsoxmom responded May 4, 2007 at 11:45AM

I have received a list of students at St. Michaels College before, and it listed when the students are available. I would suggest contacting them as well. I have heard very positive results.

Clearing the Toddler Matter

Posted May 3, 2007 at 11:04AM by LatteMommy
LatteMommy

As many of you know what a day with a 3 year old can bring...... on the edge of brink of insanity....

The key to regaining my mental sanity.....

I get out on one of these beautiful spring days and go horseback riding. When the weather is nice I like to go at least once a month to clear the "toddler matter" from the brain and press the reset button or as my husband calls it "The Control Alt Delete Day". LOL.

Tags: The Key

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Preschool - Is it worth the cost?

Posted May 3, 2007 at 12:05AM by LatteMommy
LatteMommy

I'm a stay at home Mom and work on teaching my daughter new things everyday to help her get ready for school one day. Besides the early social interaction with other children her age, what are some other good points about sending her to a preschool before Kindergarten?

Tags: Preschool

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rockergirrl responded May 3, 2007 at 7:12AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

My personal belief is that preschool is not needed before kindergarten but it is more of a nice to have. The social aspect is a plus for sure. They also learn a nice rhythm to their day, learn about picking up, sharing, etc. I think a nice short program a few days a week can be nice. not all day.

Misda_Sleep responded May 3, 2007 at 9:13AM

Preschool:1. Gives you a few hours to yourself - that doesn't mean sleep or t.v., it's probably more like cleaning, planning, etc.2. She will learn that you are not the center of the universe and it's ok to go a few hours without you.3. She will be exposed to new concepts/ideas earlier

olivesmama responded May 3, 2007 at 10:17AM

There are a lot of creative ideas the programs introduce that we may not have thought of yet. Songs, stories, arts and crafts, academics, responsibilities towards peers...I think if you choose the right program the good points are endless. I love Montessori's methods!

birdiehandmade responded May 3, 2007 at 2:00PM

As a stay@home mommy, it can be hard to justify the cost of preschool, but we've found it really worth it - a few hrs of time to yourself, and greater self-assurance on the child's part. Plus, it's usually really FUN for your little one to just go experience other kids. Avoid mommy burn out!

oneanddone responded May 4, 2007 at 12:10AM

definitely preschool! in fact, i am certain that my kid is already smarter then me - all because she went (is going) to preschool. She loves it and loves to tell about what they did in school...maybe she will actually like school when she gets older...

mpl11 responded May 4, 2007 at 11:40AM

My kids loved preschool, and it really help them not to have separation anxiety as they got older.

Please Help Children with Type 1 Diabetes!

Posted May 2, 2007 at 11:59PM by LatteMommy
LatteMommy

Hi Everyone!

We are writing to you to ask for your support in a very special cause.

This Sunday, May 6th we will down in Washington, DC and joining up with Team Sara Soldiers again to take part in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation'sWalk to Cure Diabetes along with a half-million other walkers across the country.

JDRF's goal this year is to raise $90 million to help fund research for a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.

Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes, is a devastating, often deadly disease that affects millions of people--a large and growing percentage of them children like our cousin Sara who is 9 years old. She has been living with this terrible disease for six years now. But with your help WE WILL FIND A CURE!

Many people think type 1 diabetes can be controlled by insulin. While insulin does keep people with type 1 diabetes alive, it is NOT a cure. Aside from the daily challenges of living with type 1 diabetes, there are many severe, often fatal, complications caused by the disease.

The good news, though, is that a cure for type 1 diabetes is within reach. In fact, JDRF funding and leadership is associated with most major scientific breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes research to date. And JDRF funds a major portion of all type 1 diabetes research worldwide, more than any other charity.

We are writing to ask for your support because now more than ever, EACH of us can be a part of bringing about a cure. Each of us can make a real difference

Won't you please give to JDRF as generously as you're able?

Together, we can make the cure a reality.

Thank you and God Bless,

Team Sara Soldiers

Please visit our Walk Web page if you would like to make a tax deductible donation online

http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=86666278">http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=86666278</a

Thank you always for your support and prayers. We couldn't do this without your generous help. Please feel free to pass this along to others.

Tags: We need your help!

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'O' to Potty

Posted May 2, 2007 at 10:28PM by LatteMommy
LatteMommy

Our daughter is 3 and doing okay with potty training. We've had our set backs for some reason unknown to us, but we seem to be back on track again and doing well okay.... BUT why is it that somedays she flat our refuses to sit on the potty and other days she just goes and does it without us asking her if she needs go. We give her lots of praise when she does and when she refuses we try to encourage her to try again later, but other than that we are not sure what else to do to help motivate her along. How is it that some parents can potty train their child in a week?

Tags: No more Diapers...R we there yet

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LatteMommy responded May 2, 2007 at 10:33PM

LatteMommy

Oh and how come everytime we call GiGi (great Grandma) on the phone that is the time our daughter does a stinkie ? This has been the case since our daughter was born. Our daughter has had constipation issues so GiGi has heard a lot from us and has been a BIG RELIEF.....LOL

mecjg responded May 2, 2007 at 10:34PM

let them go in their pants one or two times and that will change them fairly quickly. They will be very uncomfortable as will the parents.....but they will not forget the bad feeling and will usually rush to the toilet the next time.

roundrobin responded May 4, 2007 at 9:22AM

The key words in the original posting is some parents, so it does not magically happen to ALL parents. My advice? Hang in there, time will take care of this on its own.

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