This competition has nothing to do with Facebook or Amazon. Prizes will be bought directly from Amazon, they are not gifts to us.
lauantai 7. maaliskuuta 2015
keskiviikko 4. maaliskuuta 2015
My story
I've been a single mom for 11 years. My twins turn 12 at the end of April.
My son had been diagnosed ADHD at summer 2012 and my daughter was diagnosed ADD last fall (2014).
The years have been rough and I don't know what the future brings for us but I'm celebrating every single day of my life with them.
You never know when it's the last time to say "I love you" or "Goodbye".
Make your days as cheerful as you possible can!
My son had been diagnosed ADHD at summer 2012 and my daughter was diagnosed ADD last fall (2014).
The years have been rough and I don't know what the future brings for us but I'm celebrating every single day of my life with them.
You never know when it's the last time to say "I love you" or "Goodbye".
Make your days as cheerful as you possible can!
 |
| Black n´white cat is Edison, and the striped one is Fluffy =) |
maanantai 2. maaliskuuta 2015
5 + 5 single mom/dad secrets
#6 Don’t Have A Competition With
Yourself
On days when I have to get out of the house to bring JD to school so I can work, I often try to do it all—make beds, do breakfast dishes, play and clean up toys. But it occurred to me one particularly chaotic morning (think Cheerios on the floor, a missing sneaker and an empty mascara tube), the only thing I have to do by 8am is feed JD breakfast, shower, get both of us dressed and out the door. No one was keeping score of the unmade beds but me. Now I ditch morning chores and play blocks or color with JD instead of rushing to clean before we leave. This laidback approach takes a lot of pressure off me, and I know my son enjoys the extra quality time.
On days when I have to get out of the house to bring JD to school so I can work, I often try to do it all—make beds, do breakfast dishes, play and clean up toys. But it occurred to me one particularly chaotic morning (think Cheerios on the floor, a missing sneaker and an empty mascara tube), the only thing I have to do by 8am is feed JD breakfast, shower, get both of us dressed and out the door. No one was keeping score of the unmade beds but me. Now I ditch morning chores and play blocks or color with JD instead of rushing to clean before we leave. This laidback approach takes a lot of pressure off me, and I know my son enjoys the extra quality time.
#7 Point Out Good Qualities In Men/WomenNo mom/dad in the picture? This means it’s up to you to show your child that there are good men/women all around him. So when my older brother put our new kitchen table together, I made a big deal about how awesome and helpful he was being in front of JD. When my dad shows up to JD’s soccer practices and games, I tell him how much Poppy loves him and that he used to coach his uncles’ teams, so he can show him how to make a winning goal. I asked my brother Brian to attend the Father’s Day party at JD’s school and I make a point to hang out with my platonic guy friends in front of JD, because I want him to see the interaction. If Mom's/Dad’s not around to show your son or daughter how a good woman/man behaves or to do “guy/girly things,” than it’s your very important job to seek out these role models.
#8 Congratulate Yourself
I know this sounds silly, but if you live alone with your child, no one is going to pat you on the back when your kid is finally potty-trained or when you serve up a hot, healthy dinner after working all day. You should be aware of these epic achievements and know you’re the one making it all happen. I smile proudly when JD burps and says “excuse me,” without me having to prompt him. When he shares his toys at the park, I feel good that my constant “share with your friends” speech has sunk in. I do it all, and I deserve the recognition.
I know this sounds silly, but if you live alone with your child, no one is going to pat you on the back when your kid is finally potty-trained or when you serve up a hot, healthy dinner after working all day. You should be aware of these epic achievements and know you’re the one making it all happen. I smile proudly when JD burps and says “excuse me,” without me having to prompt him. When he shares his toys at the park, I feel good that my constant “share with your friends” speech has sunk in. I do it all, and I deserve the recognition.
#9 Always Be Prepared
I never leave home without a sippy cup and snack of some kind. I also keep crayons, a coloring book, a few Matchbox cars and snack in my purse at all times. I stash clean clothes, snacks and juice boxes in my car. Being prepared is important for all parents, but even more so for single ones since it’s up to only me to squelch a meltdown or entertain my child while we wait to be seated for dinner.
I never leave home without a sippy cup and snack of some kind. I also keep crayons, a coloring book, a few Matchbox cars and snack in my purse at all times. I stash clean clothes, snacks and juice boxes in my car. Being prepared is important for all parents, but even more so for single ones since it’s up to only me to squelch a meltdown or entertain my child while we wait to be seated for dinner.
#10 Multitask Strategically
I try to accomplish housework and playtime simultaneously, so I’m not up for hours after bedtime getting chores done. I sit on the living room floor with a basket of clean laundry and fold while JD races cars on a ramp. Every so often, I make a “vrooom” noise and slide a car down the path. I can also hold up a shirt to quiz JD on his colors, or encourage him to pair socks together. Work, play and even some sneaky learning gets done and everyone is happy.
An article from Parenting by Christine Coppa
I try to accomplish housework and playtime simultaneously, so I’m not up for hours after bedtime getting chores done. I sit on the living room floor with a basket of clean laundry and fold while JD races cars on a ramp. Every so often, I make a “vrooom” noise and slide a car down the path. I can also hold up a shirt to quiz JD on his colors, or encourage him to pair socks together. Work, play and even some sneaky learning gets done and everyone is happy.
An article from Parenting by Christine Coppa
5 + 5 single mom/dad secrets
"How do
successful single parents keep it all together? Author, blogger and single mom
Christine Coppa shares her advice for surviving (and thriving) as a single
parent.
#1 Seek Out Role Models
Single parents and their kids can flourish, and there are plenty of examples to prove it. Make a list of single parents—or children raised by a single parent—who inspire you, and refer to it when you’re having a rough day. Some of the people on my list include President Obama, who was raised by his single mom and grandparents; President Clinton, who was brought up primarily by his mom; and actress Bridget Moynahan, who went through her pregnancy alone after splitting from Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. I’m not just inspired by celebrities though; my real life friend Matt who blogs at mattlogelin.com about unexpected single fatherhood is another confidence booster for me. Seeing all of these success stories and many more unfold before my eyes is proof that single parenthood is not only manageable, but an incredible gift that allows me to shape my son into a wonderful human being.
Single parents and their kids can flourish, and there are plenty of examples to prove it. Make a list of single parents—or children raised by a single parent—who inspire you, and refer to it when you’re having a rough day. Some of the people on my list include President Obama, who was raised by his single mom and grandparents; President Clinton, who was brought up primarily by his mom; and actress Bridget Moynahan, who went through her pregnancy alone after splitting from Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. I’m not just inspired by celebrities though; my real life friend Matt who blogs at mattlogelin.com about unexpected single fatherhood is another confidence booster for me. Seeing all of these success stories and many more unfold before my eyes is proof that single parenthood is not only manageable, but an incredible gift that allows me to shape my son into a wonderful human being.
If you need more inspiration, check out the
book Holding Her Head High: 12 Single Mothers Who Championed Their Children and Changed History
by Janine Turner. It’s full of amazing
single moms dating back to the Middle Ages.
by Janine Turner. It’s full of amazing
single moms dating back to the Middle Ages.
#2 Find A Work Schedule That Suits Your Family
As a freelance
writer, I’m lucky to work from home, but it wasn’t always this way. I used to
be on staff at a magazine where I worked long hours that didn’t really match up
well with JD’s daycare pickup. So, I took a deep breath and asked my boss if I
could work a slightly different schedule where I came in earlier but left in
time to get my son from daycare. My boss was understanding and allowed me to
work a more convenient shift. Don’t be afraid to express your needs to your
employer, or reveal you’re a single parent, because most bosses want to work
with you, not against you. You can also check out the best companies for working mothers to target
your job search to companies with family-friendly benefits.
#3 Schedule Kid-Free Time
I’m not saying you have to go on a date, or even out for girls night. But I am saying there is no harm in getting a babysitter so you can enjoy a pedicure or trip to the bookstore when you don’t go near the children’s section. You have to remember that married couples have their date nights, or at least times where they hand the kids off to each other. Single motherhood is hard work and you deserve time off every once in a while. Can’t spring for a sitter? Arrange a childcare swap with a mom friend you trust.
I’m not saying you have to go on a date, or even out for girls night. But I am saying there is no harm in getting a babysitter so you can enjoy a pedicure or trip to the bookstore when you don’t go near the children’s section. You have to remember that married couples have their date nights, or at least times where they hand the kids off to each other. Single motherhood is hard work and you deserve time off every once in a while. Can’t spring for a sitter? Arrange a childcare swap with a mom friend you trust.
#4 Don’t Obsess About Things You Can’t
Control
No one can force your child’s other parent to visit. You can’t help it if he promises to show up for your child’s big game and doesn’t. These are the other parent’s issues—not yours, so don’t lose sleep over it. Instead, focus on what you can control and that is what kind of parent you are.
No one can force your child’s other parent to visit. You can’t help it if he promises to show up for your child’s big game and doesn’t. These are the other parent’s issues—not yours, so don’t lose sleep over it. Instead, focus on what you can control and that is what kind of parent you are.
#5 Count to 10
It’s easy to lose your cool when you have to be “on” all the time. Single parents have no one to trade off with when they’re about to lose their marbles over yet another bowl of peas thrown on the floor. Don’t yell, because it’s not healthy for the child and you’ll regret it afterward. Instead, walk away and count to 10 or just laugh it off. You’ll feel better in a minute, and ready to face the peas."
It’s easy to lose your cool when you have to be “on” all the time. Single parents have no one to trade off with when they’re about to lose their marbles over yet another bowl of peas thrown on the floor. Don’t yell, because it’s not healthy for the child and you’ll regret it afterward. Instead, walk away and count to 10 or just laugh it off. You’ll feel better in a minute, and ready to face the peas."
This article continues tomorrow...
sunnuntai 1. maaliskuuta 2015
Welcome Dear Reader!
I don't think we celebrate enough. Life is hard and sometimes we just wake up one morning only to see that another month has gone by.
This blog is about learning to see the beauty in little things, learning to celebrate another "I-didnt-Scream-At-My-Kids" day and to find ways to tap ourselves on the back for doing a good job.
Let's make this life worth living!
This blog is about learning to see the beauty in little things, learning to celebrate another "I-didnt-Scream-At-My-Kids" day and to find ways to tap ourselves on the back for doing a good job.
Let's make this life worth living!
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