Thursday, May 31, 2012

Happy-Go-Lucky Little Ladies or Mini-Monsters? (TODDLERS) AKA my favorite Toddler/Preschooler Discipline tips

I don't have all the answers and I still have those "Oh-my-gosh-I'm-doing-a-horrible-job-at-parental-discipline" moments.  Usually they are late at night, when I'm exhausted.  (My kind husband is quick to remind me of this.)  So, I humbly offer a few discipline tips or strategies that work for me and our Crew... the things I go back to time after time... the things my husband and I agree makes sense, seems loving and are just plain Godly.

#1 - Be consistent.  A double-minded Mommy is unstable in all her ways.  You're believing that your training up a Godly individual.  Show your faith by your consistent parental discipline action.  Consistency is key.  Don't try one thing one day and another thing another day.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Meltdown-Free Walmart trips - The Diaper Bag

The Diaper Bag

1. Pack good, fresh, non-wipe-needing snacks for all members of your Crew - snacks that consist of regular nibble food and a treat for later, a full sippy cup plus a bottle of water for you (you'll work up a sweat, trust me).

2. Pack wipes - enough for your whole crew and you. 
(This is essential.  Trust me.  I've had little Blossom poopy on my good Packer jacket sleeve.  Gah.  Wipes really are wonderful!)

3. Rotate your diaper bag toys, meaning variety is your friend.
If the same rattles have been in there for as long as the extra outfit from last season has, it is time to change it up.

4. Pack sufficient undergarments for the ages and potty ability level of your children (diapers, pull-ups, panties, etc.)

5. Pack an extra outfit for the youngest member of your crew.

Bonus: Keep your diaper bag packed always.  Then, you've got it altogether and you're ready for just about anything!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Meltdown-free Walmart trips - Tips

1. Choose the time of day for errands very carefully.
(Not in the middle of naptime, lunchtime or a nursing session.)  My favorite is right after breakfast, but that means, you have to have prepared your lists, diaper bag, stroller and such the previous night.

2. Involve, involve, involve the children! 
(After Mommy started doing this, my oldest commented, "This is so fun.  And, being here went SO quick this time!")  It will seem like it takes longer to have them "help," but there are fewer meltdowns and meltdowns take time, so really, I think it evens out.  By the way, involving the children makes it easier not to lose them.  And, don't forget to involve them with the carrying in and putting away also.

3. Outline the Walmart/errand rules before you head inside.
We like "Don't whine or beg."  "Stay with Mommy and the cart." 

4. Never, ever, ever lose your head, your cool or your patience!
(Who will take charge if you lose it, your 4 yr old?  I think not.)

5. Reward with something small for good Walmart behavior.
Our favorite is a pack of gummies after Mommy loads all the groceries in the truck.

6. In the event of disobedience/breaking the rules, quietly remind of the rules and remind that consequences will come later in the vehicle. 
In extreme cases, park your cart at the service desk, go out to your vehicle and take care of the matter.  Then, return to your shopping.  It is inconvenient, but worthwhile.  Sometimes the consequences simply have to wait til you're at home.  Our society is no longer conducive to almost any form of public discipline.  So, it is up to the you to make the best of an embarrassing situation, and later, at home, teach how to act in the grocery store so that you don't experience a repeat meltdown.

7. Beware of parking lots. 
Put your kids in the vehicle first.  Then, strap them in and then load your groceries.  Groceries can be replaced.  Kids can not.  Be extremely watchful in parking lots.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Meltdown-free Walmart trips - Your Attitude III

Comment received:
"Look at all your big helpers!"
Answer given:
"Yes, they are my big helpers and they're such good girlies too!"

It's all in the attitude.  The connection between attitude and action is unmistakable.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Meltdown-free Walmart trips - Your Attitude II

Comment received:
"Better you than me!"
Thought inside my head:
"I'm sure glad it's me!"
Answer given:
Only a gracious smile.

My attitude matters.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Meltdown-free Walmart trips - Your Attitude I

Comment received:
"You've got your hands full!"
Answer smilingly given:
"Yes, full... of blessings!"

It's all in the attitude.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Why does Walmart Matter?

People are watching my children and me, while we're in Walmart.  Can they see Jesus?  Do they want to know more?  At Walmart, I'm witnessing to them, as I pick out my apples and check off my list.  And, that's why our behavior at Walmart matters.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Why I Am The Way I Am

I take the Bible seriously.
What I believe, flows from the precious lines of Scripture.
Who I am, comes from the words of that Holy Book.
What I do every day, is based on what I see on those God-breathed pages.
In short, I believe in practical Christianity and that's why I am the way I am.