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Hi!
I have been finding myself taking
care of loose ends (again) and doing a lot of catch up (again) this
month, so I am thinking that in laying out our yearly plan, it would
be a great idea to make every 4th month a "catch up" month.
As a matter of fact, March marks the first quarter of the year, wow!
So this would be a good time to
review any progress you have made so far, and pinpoint any areas that
you have made progress but didn't quite get it finished. And finish
it up!
I have been making great strides
in my goals for "me" in March. I joined a gymn that is
similar to "Curves", I lost 1.25lbs last week. Doesn't
sound like much, but it is 1.25 off of the 10 I have wanted to loose
for a few years. And I'm heading in the right direction. That is
always the first step.
I've seen improvement in my back
after 2 visits to my specialist, well worth the time.
If you are missing the Thursday
reminders, you can sign up for them seperately here.
NEW PARENTING RESOURCE...
I was happy to discover this
parenting resouce called "Parenting Rule #1, Mom Has Fun! A
guide to responsive parenting". I honestly don't think that
there is a better deal on the internet.
As busy mom's, the main priority
is always our children, even though it is a hard road at times. This
book shows us how to make it easier, better, and more fun.
I purchased it myself and can't
wait to finish reading it and start using it. Contrary to how it may
sound, it's not all about "spoiling" the kids, as a matter
of fact, some of the methods used are more rigid than I am accustomed
to here. It's just what I need!
It's a great family resource,
includes Dad's and other family care giver's. The focus is on
bringing out the best in every one and raising your children to be
happier and more productive adults.
This isn't any boring, crusty
parenting book either, it's full of Nicole's antidotes of her own
family, a very interesting read. And it has some really cute pictures
with some very funny captions.
She mentions on her site that her
one wish is that she had been able to get this book into everyone's
hands a few years ago, I wish that too!
A few sample chapter titles...
Every Child Is Born A Genius
Kid's Need Boundaries
Accountability and Discipline
Emotional Engagement Leads to Punishment
Controlling The World Of Emotions
Rule #1 - Mom Has Fun!
Build A Team
Tools To Use Anytime
Games Children Play
Quick Reference (!)
Go To "More
Fun, Less Work" site.
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Here is an article written by
Nicole MacKenzie, author of "Parenting Rule #1, Mom Has Fun! A
guide to responsive parenting".
I found it to be particularly of
interest because since I have started getting a handle on things in
our home, I have seen a big difference in the stress level of
everyone involved.
More interesting, I can tell
right away by the level of emotional upheaval going on between the
kids if the house is out of hand, or if I am stressed.
We hear a lot about how we
shouldn't let other people's emotions control us, and even though we
know it, they still do!
And it's even worse for kids who
don't know any better and truly are "at our mercy". You've
all heard the saying "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!".
So I believe whole heartedly that
the article below applies to kids of any age. And especially to us as
parents. (and her book deals very well with the issues of emotions
and boundaries)
The first place to start is with
your self. You can do that by putting into practice all of the things
we have discussed over the past few months in this newsletter.
And you can get a really good
head start on some great parenting resources from the ebook "Parenting
Rule #1, Mom Has Fun! A guide to responsive parenting" by
Nicole MacKenzie.
It is only 15.95 to buy the ebook,
many items out there these days are selling for $47 and up. You
can't beat that price for something so important to your kids and to
your self.
Click here to purchase. |
Is Your Baby
Crying Because YOU Are Stressed? - by Nicole MacKenzie
Of course we all
know that babies cry when they are physically uncomfortable, like
when they're hungry or need a diaper change. But what about emotions
like worry, sadness, anger, boredom or self-pity? No, babies don't
experience these types of emotions... yet. When a baby comes into the
world they are bright, alive and in total amazement. They are
completely content and satisfied with their existence.
So if they aren't
born with these emotions they must learn them... but how? No parent
consciously sets out to teach their baby to be sad, angry or anxious!
Most new parents
don't realize just how much they impact their babies with their own
emotions. Plus everyone else in the baby's environment impacts them
as well. Babies are like sponges taking in information all the time.
Their own emotional response system is not developed until about the
age of 18 months. So you can think of them like little mirrors –
mostly just reflecting the emotions around them.
Another good
analogy is to think of babies like little radio receivers and
everyone around them as a radio station transmitter. Babies simply
tune in and "play" whatever the people nearby are "broadcasting".
I raised six
babies and observed this often. I learned that whenever I got
emotional and stressed, my baby always started to cry! When each of
my babies was quite small, I would often take them with me to
business meetings. They would usually be sleeping soundly, or
contentedly awake. But the moment the meeting got tense, the moment
it got a bit rough for me, my baby immediately started crying loudly!
I have often found
that parents who complain about their baby not being able to fall
asleep (excluding a medical problem) show a similar pattern. They are
insecure about what they are doing and already afraid that the baby
might not go to sleep. So before even starting the task at hand, they
are already stressed. This emotion gets picked up by the baby who
then responds to mom's stress with crying -- this stresses mom even
more, and so on. You can see the vicious circle forming!
The remedy is to
start paying more attention to what emotions you are teaching your
baby –- what emotions you are transmitting to your new little
"radio". Obviously, you should always first make sure your
baby's physical needs are met. But once you're sure they are, take a
moment to "check in" with your own self to see what you are
feeling. Are you feeling stressed, irritable, or angry at someone
else and are replaying it over and over in your mind? Are you feeling
sad, worried or sorry for yourself?
If so, here's some
hints on how to step out of this emotional endless loop...
** First, this
simple exercise of awareness is often enough to break the unconscious
cycle. When you just step back and notice the emotion, instead of
being immersed in the emotion, it will often evaporate by itself.
** Take a break!
Do something that is fun for you and come back to your baby
refreshed. Even a small break will do wonders. You'll see how
dramatically things will change when you do this.
** Give yourself
permission to make mistakes – you will anyhow! Whenever you feel
yourself getting stressed or emotional, relax! Just remember the most
precious and important gift you have to give your baby is your
unconditional love.
** Drop the
schedule for a day and just love and appreciate your baby.
** Accept
assistance from others when needed. You don't have to do it all yourself!
** And always
remember to have fun!
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Nicole Mackenzie's
simple, yet proven Responsive Parenting Method shows parents how to
raise more responsible and happier kids using non-judgmental
awareness, curiosity and discipline without punishment - plus have
fun in the process! Nicole is an author and mother of 6 children. She
has been a facilitator, speaker, coach and trainer for 16 years.
Please visit http://morefunlessworkparenting.com |
"What the
mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin."
-- Henry Ward Beecher |
