Okay: Poll time. What age do you find it appropriate for children to have a 'boyfriend' or 'girlfriend'?
When I was in middle school, it was a different day and age. No texting, no social media. If a boy called your house, chances are no matter where you hid with the phone (because, as we remember, the phone was attached to the wall and you had a limited radius of places to go with the phone), your mom or dad would hear the gist of the conversation. Or the boy would maybe come over to your house. Either way, chances were that the parents were bound to meet this other person sooner or later. There was no secretiveness, no 'privacy'. (Never mind I was a huge dork in middle school and never had a boy friend...that's beside the point.)
I have seen far too many children who have Facebook accounts, who are middle school aged, that have provocative profile pictures. Who have suggestive status updates. Who have boy-girl drama played out on the internet for all their friends to see. Who text secretively to their friends. Friends who the parents have no clue about.
I kinda have to be the uncool mom and say frankly...I don't like it. Nothing good can come from all of this unsupervised "'he-in' and she-in'".
Am I being unreasonable?
Am I just that old fashioned?
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Birds,Bees, and Me
I'm not a prude. No, really, I'm not. I grew up with a German mother, so we had a very European attitude about nudity...i.e., everyone has one so it's no big deal.
So today's science lesson has me a little red-faced and nervous.
It's about reproduction. (Who else is singing that song from Grease 2 now?) Oh yeah. We actually have to use the technical terms for our bodies and everything. (Oh hush-you all know you have nicknames for certain parts! Names that make you snicker when you hear someone else unwittingly say it! Wait...is that just me? It is? Oh.)
(Funny story- my son's name is Will and when he was a toddler, his 'nickname' for his...you know...was Wee Willie's Winkie. Which was cute until his kindergarten teacher taught them song and nursery rhyme about Wee Willie Winkie. My son came home telling me the class sang a song about HIS WINKIE. He was a legend in his own mind.) DON'T TELL HIM I TOLD YOU.
Now, before you think my kids are completely naive, let me just say that they know how babies come out of the tummy...they know a sperm fertilizes an egg...but they have never asked how DOES that sperm get there in the first place? And I learned long ago...only answer what they are asking about. And they have never asked that key question.
I will say that it helps having two kids of the opposite sex. When they we smaller they used to take baths together and they noticed the difference then, so there is no shocking revelation there.
Anyway, like I said, I'm not a prude, and I don't mind teaching my children about the Birds and the Bees...but I feel like I am exposing my self talking about it with them. Because I know they will look at me and figure it out about me and Daddy. And there might be questions. And imaginations. And therapy bills.
So, I will grit my teeth and act like a mature adult today. I will answer all questions scientifically and biologically. There will even be a cute little lapbook involved.
But I might need a glass of wine when it's all over.
So today's science lesson has me a little red-faced and nervous.
It's about reproduction. (Who else is singing that song from Grease 2 now?) Oh yeah. We actually have to use the technical terms for our bodies and everything. (Oh hush-you all know you have nicknames for certain parts! Names that make you snicker when you hear someone else unwittingly say it! Wait...is that just me? It is? Oh.)
(Funny story- my son's name is Will and when he was a toddler, his 'nickname' for his...you know...was Wee Willie's Winkie. Which was cute until his kindergarten teacher taught them song and nursery rhyme about Wee Willie Winkie. My son came home telling me the class sang a song about HIS WINKIE. He was a legend in his own mind.) DON'T TELL HIM I TOLD YOU.
Now, before you think my kids are completely naive, let me just say that they know how babies come out of the tummy...they know a sperm fertilizes an egg...but they have never asked how DOES that sperm get there in the first place? And I learned long ago...only answer what they are asking about. And they have never asked that key question.
I will say that it helps having two kids of the opposite sex. When they we smaller they used to take baths together and they noticed the difference then, so there is no shocking revelation there.
Anyway, like I said, I'm not a prude, and I don't mind teaching my children about the Birds and the Bees...but I feel like I am exposing my self talking about it with them. Because I know they will look at me and figure it out about me and Daddy. And there might be questions. And imaginations. And therapy bills.
So, I will grit my teeth and act like a mature adult today. I will answer all questions scientifically and biologically. There will even be a cute little lapbook involved.
But I might need a glass of wine when it's all over.
Friday, July 29, 2011
The Right Track
When I gave birth to my oldest almost 12 years ago, I had no experience with children. None. I never babysat, I 'd never changed a diaper, I'd never fixed a bottle. And I had no desire to.
But I knew laying there on that delivery table, despite the fact that I had lost the use of my legs and was shaking uncontrollably, that if a wild cougar entered the room I was fully capable of hurling myself on it (albeit with my elbows) and tearing its throat out with my teeth if it even LOOKED at my son. (Future daughter-in-law...take note.) The same thing was true with my daughter.
And the older they get, that feeling never subsides. Even though my son is almost 12...steps away from manhood...and my daughter is 9...if anything were to hurt or harm them I would do whatever I could to protect them or die trying.
So one of my deepest wishes as a mother is that my children forge a close bond. One that lasts long after I am gone. That they look out for each other when I'm not around. That they are truly friends as well as siblings.
Last night my kids went to a birthday party at a local fun center. Both kids got an armband and game tokens. My son plowed through his tokens immediately. My daughter was too busy riding rides to bother using hers.
Closing time was drawing near and I knew my daughter wouldn't use her tokens, so I gave them to my son. And of course five seconds after I did so, she came asking for them. I apologized and told her what I had done and offered to buy her more. "No..it's okay," she said. "Will likes video games more than me. He can have them." And she was fine.
Meanwhile, my son had won several tickets at the skee-ball game. "Lauren can have these tickets to pick out a prize, since they were her tokens that won them," he said. My heart warmed.
They both ran to the counter, tickets in hand. Then I heard my daughter say to my son excitedly, "Why don't I get something for you too?" So they traded in their tickets for two Silly Bandz and two lollipops. Which they shared.
My heart melted.
I think they are on the right track.
But I knew laying there on that delivery table, despite the fact that I had lost the use of my legs and was shaking uncontrollably, that if a wild cougar entered the room I was fully capable of hurling myself on it (albeit with my elbows) and tearing its throat out with my teeth if it even LOOKED at my son. (Future daughter-in-law...take note.) The same thing was true with my daughter.
And the older they get, that feeling never subsides. Even though my son is almost 12...steps away from manhood...and my daughter is 9...if anything were to hurt or harm them I would do whatever I could to protect them or die trying.
So one of my deepest wishes as a mother is that my children forge a close bond. One that lasts long after I am gone. That they look out for each other when I'm not around. That they are truly friends as well as siblings.
Last night my kids went to a birthday party at a local fun center. Both kids got an armband and game tokens. My son plowed through his tokens immediately. My daughter was too busy riding rides to bother using hers.
Closing time was drawing near and I knew my daughter wouldn't use her tokens, so I gave them to my son. And of course five seconds after I did so, she came asking for them. I apologized and told her what I had done and offered to buy her more. "No..it's okay," she said. "Will likes video games more than me. He can have them." And she was fine.
Meanwhile, my son had won several tickets at the skee-ball game. "Lauren can have these tickets to pick out a prize, since they were her tokens that won them," he said. My heart warmed.
They both ran to the counter, tickets in hand. Then I heard my daughter say to my son excitedly, "Why don't I get something for you too?" So they traded in their tickets for two Silly Bandz and two lollipops. Which they shared.
My heart melted.
I think they are on the right track.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Our First Week of School
Ah...the first week of school. We are so full of enthusiasm and eagerness. Wonder how long it will last?
Anyhoo, this is pretty much how our first week of school went:
Daddy decided to be sick this week, so as you all know, this is a big monkey wrench in our progress. Is Daddy a big distraction in your house when he is home? Although, he was not sick enough that he couldn't grade math work for me. Maybe that's why he went back to work today. lol.
Math: Worked from our Saxon books, which my daughter exclaimed that she loved, and did a hands on project building 3D figures from modeling clay and toothpicks, then submerging in bubble solution to see what kinds of 'panes' develop. Very cool!
Language Arts: Spelling and grammar...what can I say? Boring stuff, but you gotta learn it. Love our writing curriculum though! (The Wordsmith series)
Science: Talked about energy. How energy is in everything and how every living thing gets energy in different ways. Did a cool experiment with iodine and starches. A fun time was had by all.
History: Discussed the Spanish Empire and how they came to South America for gold. Made Easy Paella (or as my daughter called it...Spanish Jambalaya). Labeled and colored a map of Spain, Portugual and their surroundings. Read aloud "Don Quixote", which is really a cute story! No, I have never read it.
Art: Studied Salvador Dali, since he is a Spanish artist. Blew their minds with some trippy Dali paintings. Tried our own collages in the style of Dali.
Music: Practiced piano. Lessons start next week. EVERYTHING starts next week. I need a paper bag to hyperventilate into.
And, for inspiration, I read this:
http://habitsforahappyhome.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/fear-not-trust-and-rejoice/
Did I forget anything? Probably. But it is our first week, and I am impressed if we just get into a routine.
How about you? Are you starting school yet? If you have, how long did it take you to get into a routine?
Anyhoo, this is pretty much how our first week of school went:
Daddy decided to be sick this week, so as you all know, this is a big monkey wrench in our progress. Is Daddy a big distraction in your house when he is home? Although, he was not sick enough that he couldn't grade math work for me. Maybe that's why he went back to work today. lol.
Math: Worked from our Saxon books, which my daughter exclaimed that she loved, and did a hands on project building 3D figures from modeling clay and toothpicks, then submerging in bubble solution to see what kinds of 'panes' develop. Very cool!
Language Arts: Spelling and grammar...what can I say? Boring stuff, but you gotta learn it. Love our writing curriculum though! (The Wordsmith series)
Science: Talked about energy. How energy is in everything and how every living thing gets energy in different ways. Did a cool experiment with iodine and starches. A fun time was had by all.
History: Discussed the Spanish Empire and how they came to South America for gold. Made Easy Paella (or as my daughter called it...Spanish Jambalaya). Labeled and colored a map of Spain, Portugual and their surroundings. Read aloud "Don Quixote", which is really a cute story! No, I have never read it.
Art: Studied Salvador Dali, since he is a Spanish artist. Blew their minds with some trippy Dali paintings. Tried our own collages in the style of Dali.
Music: Practiced piano. Lessons start next week. EVERYTHING starts next week. I need a paper bag to hyperventilate into.
And, for inspiration, I read this:
http://habitsforahappyhome.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/fear-not-trust-and-rejoice/
Did I forget anything? Probably. But it is our first week, and I am impressed if we just get into a routine.
How about you? Are you starting school yet? If you have, how long did it take you to get into a routine?
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Hop On Over to my Lunchroom
http://lunchladyvillage.blogspot.com/
My new blog, focusing on healthy and easy lunch ideas! Go over and check it out! Well, in a few days I will have recipes there, but the blog *is* up and running!
My new blog, focusing on healthy and easy lunch ideas! Go over and check it out! Well, in a few days I will have recipes there, but the blog *is* up and running!
Frugal 101
Now that the US government is on the verge of financial ruin, let's discuss being frugal, shall we?
I was frugal back when frugal was called 'tightwad'. Or 'cheapskate'. And I married a man who was even a tighter wad than me. You could practically hear the squeaking when our collective tightness got together. But I digress...
There are some things I do on a regular basis that help our family save money. Here are a few:
1. Never use a credit card. We don't even own one. We do have a bank debit card for transactions online or booking hotel rooms. And for those of you who may live under a rock, the bank debit cards withdraw funds directly from your checking account. There is no interest. And all God's people said "Amen".
2. Buy used whenever you can. I frequent the local used bookstore for curriculum. I shop at Goodwill frequently for clothes. (Get over yourself-once you buy brand new clothes and put them on they are USED too. Although I will admit I don't buy anything I can't wash in hot water when I get it home.)
3. Use a clothesline to dry laundry. Yes, it's inconvenient. But so is forgetting about the dried clothes in the dryer and pulling the whole wrinkled mess out of the dryer and then running it through AGAIN to get the wrinkles out. Or forgetting to turn ON the dryer and having to wash the whole load again because they smell like a locker room. I know I am not the only one who has done this!
4. Plan menus and grocery shop from the menus. This avoids unnecessary purchases-you only get what you need for those menus and that's it. It also helps you remember why you bought those green peppers in the first place. OH- and frozen chopped onions and bell peppers are awesome! They cost a fraction of what fresh costs and when used in a soup or sauce, no one is the wiser.
5. Cook at home. You get healthier meals and it is SO MUCH CHEAPER. Plus you save on gas driving to restaurants. And it's a great opportunity to include your kids in the cooking process.
6. Did you know you can set up your mortgage to pay one extra payment a month that goes directly to the principle of the loan? You can.
What about you? What are some of your money saving tips? I'd love to hear them!
I was frugal back when frugal was called 'tightwad'. Or 'cheapskate'. And I married a man who was even a tighter wad than me. You could practically hear the squeaking when our collective tightness got together. But I digress...
There are some things I do on a regular basis that help our family save money. Here are a few:
1. Never use a credit card. We don't even own one. We do have a bank debit card for transactions online or booking hotel rooms. And for those of you who may live under a rock, the bank debit cards withdraw funds directly from your checking account. There is no interest. And all God's people said "Amen".
2. Buy used whenever you can. I frequent the local used bookstore for curriculum. I shop at Goodwill frequently for clothes. (Get over yourself-once you buy brand new clothes and put them on they are USED too. Although I will admit I don't buy anything I can't wash in hot water when I get it home.)
3. Use a clothesline to dry laundry. Yes, it's inconvenient. But so is forgetting about the dried clothes in the dryer and pulling the whole wrinkled mess out of the dryer and then running it through AGAIN to get the wrinkles out. Or forgetting to turn ON the dryer and having to wash the whole load again because they smell like a locker room. I know I am not the only one who has done this!
4. Plan menus and grocery shop from the menus. This avoids unnecessary purchases-you only get what you need for those menus and that's it. It also helps you remember why you bought those green peppers in the first place. OH- and frozen chopped onions and bell peppers are awesome! They cost a fraction of what fresh costs and when used in a soup or sauce, no one is the wiser.
5. Cook at home. You get healthier meals and it is SO MUCH CHEAPER. Plus you save on gas driving to restaurants. And it's a great opportunity to include your kids in the cooking process.
6. Did you know you can set up your mortgage to pay one extra payment a month that goes directly to the principle of the loan? You can.
What about you? What are some of your money saving tips? I'd love to hear them!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Can You Tell I Love Food?
Can you tell I love food? And I love to eat? Last night we went grocery shopping and during the check-out process my daughter exclaimed, "Wow. We sure do buy a lot of food." To which I replied..."I know. You guys eat, like, EVERY DAY. " To which the bag boy snickered.
Here are some of our plans for dinners for the coming days:
Taco Pizza. (If I put lettuce on top, does that count as healthy? I do add corn and beans to my taco meat if that makes it any better...)
Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Spinach, Broccoli, Chopped Ham and Cheese.
Chicken Pot Pie (homemade, of course.)
Grilled Steak and Onion Sandwiches on Hoagie Rolls with Swiss Cheese, fresh fruit
Easy Paella ( made with packaged yellow rice, kielbasa, shrimp and frozen peas.) We will make this our first week of school, as our first history lesson focuses on Spain. Cause I'm kooky like that.
Saturday is my birthday, so my folks are cooking me dinner-Steak, Salad and my favorite Black Forest Cherry Cake!
I'm considering starting another blog devoted to fun lunch ideas for stay at home moms....what say you?
Here are some of our plans for dinners for the coming days:
Taco Pizza. (If I put lettuce on top, does that count as healthy? I do add corn and beans to my taco meat if that makes it any better...)
Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Spinach, Broccoli, Chopped Ham and Cheese.
Chicken Pot Pie (homemade, of course.)
Grilled Steak and Onion Sandwiches on Hoagie Rolls with Swiss Cheese, fresh fruit
Easy Paella ( made with packaged yellow rice, kielbasa, shrimp and frozen peas.) We will make this our first week of school, as our first history lesson focuses on Spain. Cause I'm kooky like that.
Saturday is my birthday, so my folks are cooking me dinner-Steak, Salad and my favorite Black Forest Cherry Cake!
I'm considering starting another blog devoted to fun lunch ideas for stay at home moms....what say you?
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