The Kid Right Now

I recently read an article in Canadian Today's Parent (see todaysparent.com for July 2008 issue), How to raise a great kid what every child needs by John Hoffman. It did not present a formula for raising a great kid. Rather, it inspired me to reconsider the way I think about raising the great kids I already have. Specifically, Hoffman suggested that we think of our children as two entities - one a work-in-progress (with lots to learn), the other the child s/he is supposed to be right now now and thereby worthy of our honour and respect. I really like this because it frees us up from being so concerned and consumed with the future person we are trying to create and acknowledges that our children are people with their own thoughts, feelings, problems, ideas, passions, strengths and weaknesses ALREADY. With a 5 year old about to start kindergarten and a 2.5 year old on the brink of toilet training and pre-school I am turning a new proverbial leaf; that is, focusing more on the amazing little creatures that they each are right now, and letting the work-in-progress parts (from tears instead of words to running around stores like they were at the park!) work themselves out.

Raising kids is a process - indeed!

Why?

Because.... (let me think for a minute - translation: wrack my brain, search the web or look it up in a book). My 5 year old and his 2.5 little bro are constantly asking questions. In response to what I hope is detailed and age appropriate explanation, it seems they are quick to exclaim - why?

B1 loves to play his Leapster (Leap Frog learning system). Just yesterday he told me, "My Leapster knows everything about animals because it is the Animal Genius!"

It is amazing to see how knowledgeable they are becoming.

When There is Nothing I "Have" to Do

What a remarkable feeling to have a day to myself. I putter with this and that. To perhaps accomplish things, but perhaps not. A Thursday, which has always been my favourite day. My children are taken care of, DOD is working - even the dog is content to sleep the day away. No one "needs" me (not until about 4:00 pm, that is!). There are a few things I would like to get done - one of which I completed already. But, what freedom in not having to be somewhere at a certain time, have something done by a certain time or just need to be available to others. a) Refresh. b) Breathe. c) Relax. d) Have Fun.

e) All of the above