Category Archives: Uncategorized

Behavior challenges with toddlers

Image     This past year has been one roller coaster ride! With twists and turns in so many different directions. My second child was born in July, although I was thrilled to be a mommy of “baby #2” I felt so concerned for my first baby. Did I give him enough time, will all my time go towards the new baby…these thoughts constantly ran through my mind.  Although my kids have a decent age difference of two and half years, I felt sad for my first born.  I felt as if he wasnt my baby anymore, I was even sad to leave him when I had to deliver my daughter.  It amazed me the amount of interest and excitement  he showed for her arrival however, I noticed some drastic changes in his behavior as time progressed.  He began hitting himself, throwing tantrums, whining and crying for every “no” I mentioned. At the moment not thinking it was anything serious it began to worsen. I felt like a failure, a bad mom, and any other awful characteristic you can imagine. Then I realized something, maybe he is not the problem…maybe it is ME! It has taken me a whole seven months to figure this out.  I needed to change my attitude and rearrange my emotions. One thing I noticed lately especially when we were on vacation; is that his behavior is different (better) when it’s just me and him. I thought, “there is no way I can take time away from an infant…she needs me more…he is more self sufficient because he’s older….blah, blah, blah.  He’s my baby too, and he needs my attention just as much. Here are a few tips and advice on what to do with to entertain and keep your toddler busy so they do not feel left out.

  • Remember that they are going through so many changes emotionally and physically that they tend to act out and behave in a negative way. Try to help guide him.
  • Mommy/son/or daughter dates.  I like to do this with my son at least twice a week.  Even if it is just me and him that go to the store together without daddy or siblings.  This helps to show him that he or she is still a priority in your schedule.
  • Allow them to help you in any way. Kids are very interested and curious to help in any way they can.  This can include showing them to pick up their toys, help with the dishes, and even vacuum.  Reward them with positive reinforcements like, “your such a good boy and helper”. I noticed that when you let them help you they are distracted from throwing tantrums.
  • Sometimes making a schedule helps to teach them consistency.  I know first hand that I have struggled with consistency, it is something that requires your attention and time.  Write out your ideas and put them on paper, and stick to it.  Having your kids do something at the same time everyday will also give them structure to prepare them for preschool and years to come.

Being a SAHM is rewarding however your kids require so much of your attention at all times of the day.  Try to include them in fun activities throughout the day so they are not left with time to throw fits.  I know that vacuuming and cleaning may take longer with the help of a toddler, but at the end of the day it helps build their self esteem and confidence and allows them to understand they are helping and doing a good job at it.  Kids need credit for good deeds just as much as adults do.  Every child behaves differently when a new member of the family arrives, this can happen over a period of time or immediately.  Just remember that kids feed off your energry and attitude, if you are angry and frustrated they feel it.  Take a bathroom break along with a deep breath to relax so your kids don’t feel your emotions.

Don’t forget to share your thoughts and ideas with me, I love to hear from you all. Signing out for now sending u all positive thoughts and prayers. Keep striving for mommy success 🙂

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Home School Versus Public School

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      I have become quite the skeptic when it comes to what type of schooling I want to introduce to my children. With the recent events of violence around our nation I am not only saddened but I am fearful for my own children and their safety.  I recently had a conversation with my cousin regarding this very topic, and although I have “time” because both of my kids are still young. I want to be prepared for this issue when the time comes, and I highly recommend you all do the same.   So I came up with a small list of some pros and cons of homeschooling, and how each of these can impact the child.  Through my own research I have found that it all depends on how much you are willing to sacrifice for your children’s education and financial aspects.  Let’s look at all the pros and cons of homeschooling;

Pros:

  • Great source of one on one education.
  • There are great lesson plans and curriculum. 
  • You are with your child at all times and know where they are.
  • You are fully aware of the quality of their education, you are providing them with what you want them to learn and what will benefit them for the future.
  • Home school associations which include field trips, and activities with their peers

Cons:

  • Requires all of your time which means little to no breaks; whereas when they go to school you are alone most of the day unless you have little ones still at home.
  • Less interaction with their peers which can cause anti social behavior in some cases.
  • Learning disabilities are not noticed as quickly and can cause delays in their advancements.
  • Different learning environments can enhance the child’s learning abilities and explore their talents. 

 

            While public school may not be all that great, I went to a public school as did my husband and we turned out OK. Today times are changing, and so is the public school system especially here in the Los Angeles area.  From what I have seen compared to other districts in other states, the curriculum is slower and far behind and our kids in public schools are the ones suffering, of course money plays a huge factor in these issues.  Homeschooling is not “traditional” however, as parents we have the option to choose what we think and feel is best for our kids.  It still amazes me how blessed we are to have the freedom we do when it comes to raising our kids.  Education is something so special and dear to my heart, because it is so important.  We need to make the best decisions we can for our kids and their futures.  I do believe that if the student and parent put in the work, the child will succeed.  These times are rough and we as parents worry about the safety and well being of our kids.  Today that is being compromised and it is important to know your options and take action.

             I always look forward to your feedback and comments, so feel free to share. Signing off for now sending prayers and positive thoughts your way. Keep striving for mommy success! 🙂

Picture above provided by: google images

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3 tips for Traveling with infants and toddlers

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Traveling with kids can be pretty overwhelimg, especially if it is your first time.  Travelling with kids however is much more difficult.  You are not only packing for yourself but for your little ones as well.  We recently returned from a three week vacation in Iowa visiting my family for the holidays ✈.  I was really nervous about the trip, because my kids are still so little, however it was not as bad as I anticipated.   I am going to provide you all with three helpful and easy tips to traveling with an infant or toddler. 

 

1. Arrange your flight as early as possible.  Traveling early in the morning is easier for kids, in my opinion.  Our flight departed at  6am and my kids slept for most of the flight, we had a connecting flight however they were tired from waking up so early.  I have experienced that the earlier you travel there are less people on the flight as well, so it is easier for airline staff to accommodate your needs.

2. Pack a “bag of tricks”.  This bag can include toys, coloring books, crayons, and snacks.  I packed a backpack for my three year old son, of course he slept most of the time, but during our connection flight he had some toys to entertain him. I also made sure to pack him some snacks in case he was hungry during the flight.

3. Make sure to eat a breakfast.  This is so important not just for kids but also for adults, the idea is to arrive as early as you can to the airport to beat traffic and check your bags on time so you are not rushing through things.  With kids you need enough time to get through security and this way you can stop and eat before your flight.  A hungry and cranky child is not a good combination.  The idea is to make them comfortable even if you are not traveling on a long flight.

            Airport and Airline staff are always very helpful Traveling with kids.  We traveled through American Airlines and they were very helpful in assisting us.  I also recommend that you get a good night sleep before traveling so that you are prepared for delays and cancelations.  As always I look forward to your comments and feedback so feel free to share. Until next time thanks reading and keep striving for mommy success.  🙂