tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211624362011-12-14T18:58:43.475-08:00the musings of a single parent on the verge of raising a responsible kidMcDougallernoreply@blogger.comBlogger691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-85808327332040558922008-01-09T05:53:00.000-08:002008-01-09T06:17:36.090-08:00

What kind of relationship do you want your child to have with food? In this society, many women are consumed with the desire to be thin and as we've seen with the Anna Nicole tragedy, children are not immune to our hang ups and desires. The first two years of a child's life are not the time to impart societal values on a child, especially with regards to weight and food.This research shows the

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1165380558729668702006-12-05T20:27:00.000-08:002006-12-05T20:49:18.743-08:00

Tonight was the night my daughter grew up...just a little bit more. She's six and a half (going on thirty six) and just lost her second tooth today. Finally. That thing was hanging there for at least three more days than it should have. Finally settled in to bed this evening and she says "mommy, can I ask you something...""sure honey...""I had this thought in my head that maybe there really was

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1163208170619274222006-11-10T17:21:00.000-08:002006-11-10T17:40:50.186-08:00

Parents - Listen up. Being a helicopter parent is no way to raise a child who is strong, capable, and can make his or her own decisions. I see it in my daughter's elementary school, kids forget their lunch or their homework and run straight to the office to make the phone call and minutes later a parent arrives at school, homework or lunch in hand. Where are the natural consequences? What are

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1162277665259694232006-10-30T22:52:00.000-08:002006-10-30T22:57:09.520-08:00

Parents, Halloween is a famously loved holiday by kids everywhere. It’s a fun time to dress up like silly or scary characters and go trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Be sure your kids are safe while trick-or-treating with these quick tips:Wear Bright ColorsBoth parents and kids should wear brightly colored clothing. If you are wearing a costume that is dark in color, apply reflective tape

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1162230199215646862006-10-30T09:42:00.000-08:002006-10-30T09:46:29.460-08:00

It's not too late to put together some fun treats for Halloween!Getting ready for a howling Halloween party this year? Spruce up your party this year with some icky, but yummy party food. Here are some fun food ideas for your ghostly Halloween party:Snot cubesRefrigerate yellow and green Jello (any flavors) in ice cube trays. Serve chilled.Worms in snotMake snot cubes, as directed above, out of

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1160291506699165012006-10-08T00:10:00.000-07:002006-10-08T00:16:27.776-07:00

It can upset and alarm you when your toddler bites. Some experts say when toddlers become frustrated because they haven’t yet learned to speak they resort to extreme measures like biting.Biting can become a dangerous problem if it isn’t properly handled. It is extremely important for parents to learn how to deal with this and meet it head-on. The following tips will show you how to cope with your

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1159716950535637892006-10-01T08:31:00.000-07:002006-10-01T08:35:50.556-07:00

Fun Halloween GamesMake a Spider Web All you need for this fun game is a ball of black, white, or silver yarn or string and a few kids. Have everyone stand around in a circle. Ask one child to hold one end of the string and then toss the ball to another kid. Each child holds on the string and then tosses it to someone else. Before you know it you’ll have a great spider web. Mummy Contest Grab a

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1157004600781110732006-08-30T22:52:00.004-07:002006-09-23T23:46:39.753-07:00

You love hearing about what your child did while you were apart, but have you ever stopped to think she might like hearing about your adventures? Even very young children can relate to some of the emotions you experience on the job, like enthusiasm or frustration. Some easy ways to share...Blow off a bad day: Explain, "My boss was crabby. I'm going to 'shake it off.'Talk about job satisfaction: "

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1156694848759483312006-08-27T09:01:00.000-07:002006-08-27T09:07:28.806-07:00

Saying no to kids prepares them for disappointment - Chicago Sun-Times Saying no to kids prepares them for disappointment Chicago Sun-Times, United States - 6 hours ago ... Betsy Hart is the author of It Takes a Parent: How the Culture of Pushover Parenting is Hurting Our Kids -- and What to Do About It. ... One of my favorite lines from The Princess Bride: Inigo Montoya: Who are you?

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1153868152264993142006-07-25T15:51:00.000-07:002006-08-05T22:24:29.520-07:00

It’s Not the Child's Fault; Believe it or Not, Poor Parenting is ... - PR Web (press release) It’s Not the Child's Fault; Believe it or Not, Poor Parenting is ... PR Web (press release), WA - Jul 24, 2006 ... Anne Sprigpitt, owner of Parenting-tips.info says, "Most parents don’t realise it, but their actions have a direct influence on the behaviour of their child ... Parents, are you listening?

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1152946295234488532006-07-14T23:40:00.000-07:002006-07-14T23:51:35.246-07:00

Kline: Parenting takes more than just having a kid - North Shore SundayKline: Parenting takes more than just having a kidNorth Shore Sunday, MA - 13 hours ago... Clearly, parenting can't be licensed and there's no way to make prospective parents pass a test to show their preparedness for the task. ...Crazy, isn't it. You need a license for everything...except to be a parent. The most important

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1152373534702851002006-07-08T08:32:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:55:34.040-07:00

Get Tough On KidsToronto Sun Mike Strobel of the Toronto Sun has a call for action. Read his article here and notice at the end he wants you to write about your own. "Tell me about yours in 100 words or less. Anecdotes. Pats on the back. Whatever paints a picture of your young 'un."As you read the article, you might feel like you have the best kids on earth, so don't hesitate...go ahead, tell

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1152341969058497612006-07-07T23:55:00.000-07:002006-07-07T23:59:29.126-07:00

This is an exhaustive list of things that you can do with your child. Not only are they low cost, but very  imaginative and fun as well. Here are the first ten on the list: 1. Go on a nature walk and collect different things. Make a collage with those things. 2. Make cookies together. 3. Draw a family picture. 4. Play charades. 5. Finger paint with shaving cream on paper. 6. Make homemade

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1152296202173041292006-07-07T11:12:00.000-07:002006-07-08T00:06:08.966-07:00

Never leave children unattended in or near the water. Use U.S. Coast Guard approved life vests, also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs), on boats, docks, and around deep or swift water. Make sure children always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter, rollerblading or skateboarding. Protect children from excessive exposure to sun -- especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1152221655398303152006-07-06T14:29:00.000-07:002006-07-06T14:34:15.450-07:00

Americans might learn from Indian parenting - Cincinnati Enquirer Americans might learn from Indian parenting Cincinnati Enquirer, OH - 11 hours ago This became firmly implanted in my mind when I visited an American friend of mine who lives here with his wife and only child, a 10-year-old boy. ... When asked, "do you want your Dad to be your friend?" most Indian children would say: We have

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1152130450281686742006-07-05T13:09:00.000-07:002006-07-05T13:16:07.723-07:00

PARENTING | Tips for stay-at-home dads - Kansas City StarPARENTING | Tips for stay-at-home dadsKansas City Star, MO - Jun 21, 2006The US has an estimated 2 million stay-at-home fathers. If your family is considering this arrangement as an option, Dad should take this advice: ... You hear alot about SAHMs, but what about the SAHDs? I think it is wonderful to see fathers so involved with their

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1152083425455189162006-07-05T00:06:00.000-07:002006-07-05T00:21:43.276-07:00

Gasoline costs don't have to limit your family fun - Shreveport TimesGasoline costs don't have to limit your family funShreveport Times, LA - Jul 3, 2006Are rising fuel costs putting the brakes on the family's vacation this summer?You still can have a good time, even with a tighter budget. Gas prices have kept me a little closer to home this summer, but it has been fun, and to tell

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1152054291760783312006-07-04T16:00:00.000-07:002006-07-04T16:04:51.790-07:00

5 Quick Parenting Tips To Help You Raise A Smarter Baby - Press World (press release) This is a great article I found about raising a smarter baby. It isn't just about playing music and reading to you baby anymore, but actually teaching your baby sign language. From personal experience, I have to say that being able to communicate with my baby when she just couldn't quite say the words was the

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1151967564227230372006-07-03T15:49:00.000-07:002006-07-03T15:59:24.250-07:00

Hi Everyone - Summer is in full swing, and you might be looking for some new ideas to entertain the kids. Check out this article that just came my way at The Toddler Tamer...Fun Things to do with Your Kids this SummerBy: Susanne Myers10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this Summerthat Won’t Break the BankFor a family with small children like my own, a big family vacation in the summer isn

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1150254862713279822006-06-13T19:57:00.000-07:002006-06-13T20:18:03.920-07:00

I watch "Without A Trace." I can't help it. It scares me, but I love the drama...and the lessons I learn. Tonight I am watching an episode about a boy who was tricked into thinking that he had found his birth father by an online predator. It is television, and there was a happy ending, but it is not far from the truth...Think your child is too young? Think it can't happen in your home or your

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1149288487179808442006-06-02T15:40:00.000-07:002006-06-02T15:48:07.193-07:00

Here is a new article, just added to The Toddler Tamer. We all want to raise happy confident kids, but sometimes we do things that work against this, often times without even realizing it. This article explores seven simple things you can do to build confidence in your children...7 Ways To Build Your Child's ConfidenceHere's one of the best bits of parenting advice you'll ever find: "a confident

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1148506754490541962006-05-24T14:30:00.000-07:002006-05-24T14:43:59.303-07:00

I was looking for some information on homework and young children but found these two articles instead. I shouldn't be shocked, but I am. Is litigation taking the 'play' out of kids' playgrounds?School recess still common, but no longer a givenParents...let me know what is going on in your schools...In a time when child obesity is on the rise, how smart is this?For more info on child obesity,

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1147706436057925482006-05-15T08:16:00.000-07:002006-05-15T08:20:36.080-07:00

Have you ever had your child gone for an extended period of time, say anything over a few days and notice that she is a different child when she returns? Definitely the case with my daughter after her trip to Hawaii. She looks taller and acts older...But sometimes that can happen overnight! I swear, my daughter will come out of her room and I will think, "oh my gosh, who is that child?" Her face

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1147619473160359942006-05-14T08:06:00.000-07:002006-05-14T08:11:13.176-07:00

It has been very quiet in this house...too quiet! I am ready for my daughter to be home...I never really was ready for her to be gone...I know she has had a great time, who wouldn't have a great time in Hawaii, but I have missed her so much. I am so glad that she is coming back today. Having her safely back at home is the only thing I want on this very special day. Happy Mother's Day to all you

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1147273696087917002006-05-10T07:53:00.000-07:002006-05-10T08:08:16.106-07:00

My daughter is still in Hawaii and it is very quiet here. You would think that I would be out running around, going out, and having fun, but deadlines await and I have been busy trying to make them. So, what is different without my daughter? Everything! It is quiet here, very quiet! The biggest difference for me......is the fact that I don't have to worry about what time it is. My day is usually

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1146870340903532462006-05-05T16:04:00.000-07:002006-05-05T16:08:43.280-07:00

Emily left with my family this morning, they are on their way to Hawaii. I opted out of the trip, everyone asks why...you probably do too, but I am content staying here in sunny Central Oregon. I look at it as my own personal 7-day vacation package in recreation paradise, complete with my own bed and a DSL connection...I went for a bike ride today...without a watch. School is out... I think. I

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1146666951676184072006-05-03T07:29:00.000-07:002006-05-03T07:35:51.700-07:00

My beautiful daughter is 6 years old today! I can't believe it. She is asleep, and I just wanted to take a couple of minutes to wish her a happy birthday...Emily, you are the light of my life. I can't believe that six years has gone by so quickly. I didn't know you when you were born, but I felt you in my heart. May 3, 2000 was a day to remember. May 5, 2000 was almost better, because that is the

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1145999015758838622006-04-25T13:58:00.000-07:002006-07-03T17:00:53.933-07:00

I saw this fun article today, and thought I would pass it on. It is called "What Toddlers Eat Around the World" and it looks at toddler trends in Japan, South Africa, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, India, Israel, Brazil, Turkey, and Korea..."American tots may scarf down Cheerios and chicken nuggets, but in most other countries, kids eat what their parents do. See what parents are serving up toddlers

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1145892732459900872006-04-24T08:31:00.000-07:002006-04-24T10:17:01.906-07:00

What does your child do for fun? Does she get outside and play soccer, ride her bike, or run around with her friends. Studies abound about the positive health benefits of exercise for both adults and kids, so what can you do?Summer is coming and in my hometown parents are asking each other what sports their kids will be involved in. I don't have an answer for that yet...the parks and rec

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1145819303977874852006-04-23T11:59:00.002-07:002006-04-23T13:51:53.843-07:00

The weather is finally nice, and the flowers are starting to bloom. We had over 6" of snow last Monday and now the weather is actually looking spring-like. Sun and everything. What does that mean for my daughter and me..?It means...no more television. I am guilty of using the TV to pass the time, but when the nice weather hits, I can't justify the cost. I am going to use the $40 a month I pay for

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1145545602492005892006-04-20T07:51:00.000-07:002006-04-20T11:44:58.426-07:00

This morning on The Today Show, they will be talking about the "Me Generation." I already know what they are going to say...We are raising our kids to think they are special, basically entitled. I believe we are raising our children to believe that they are entitled to the good life without working for it. Parents protect their children from failure, but they also protect them from well earned

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1145395034041202662006-04-18T14:06:00.000-07:002006-04-18T14:17:14.053-07:00

...about parenting? I like to write about parenting, but what I write is tied to my own experience in parenting my daughter, and may not be relevant to you and your kids. I would like to write about issues that are important to you... ...but I can't write about them if I don't know what they are, so what do you say? Will you leave comments here and let me know what you are struggling with, or

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1145045937924811082006-04-14T13:10:00.000-07:002006-04-18T14:05:02.390-07:00

I am looking for your responses on these two scenarios. There are no wrong answers. 1. You are shopping in Target and as you near the toy section you hear a loud smack, a child crying and with your next step you see a mother pulling her son up off the ground. He is in tears and you can see he has been spanked. What do you do?2. You are at a wildlife sanctuary and you are quietly watching a great

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1145036906717432402006-04-14T10:40:00.000-07:002006-04-14T10:48:26.726-07:00

Single moms and dads, I want to hear from you. What do you do for a living and how do manage your schedule with your child's schedule? This article on the best careers for single parents has me thinking...I have looked into many of these top ten careers myself, but there was always something that kept me from pursuing the ones that attracted me the most...mainly, my child's school schedule. Now,

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1144946997126633532006-04-13T09:42:00.000-07:002006-04-13T09:49:57.136-07:00

We are going to have a neighborhood Easter Egg hunt this year. I can't think of a better way to get everyone together and have some fun...I am a little wary of using real eggs, and have talked to the neighbors about this. Everyone is in agreement that using plastic eggs filled with small goodies would be better. I think the kids like them better anyway. Who wouldn't want to have candy and little

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1144901231241333022006-04-12T19:30:00.000-07:002006-04-15T17:11:49.916-07:00

According to a new article at The Toddler Tamer "Gifted children have been defined as those 'who by nature of outstanding abilities are capable of high performance.' The term "outstanding abilities" refers to general intellectual ability, specific academic aptitude, leadership ability, ability in the visual or performing arts, creative thinking, or athletic ability..."The article goes on to say..

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1144894361745273432006-04-12T19:01:00.000-07:002006-04-12T19:12:41.756-07:00

So, are you making Easter eggs with your kids this weekend? I am. My daughter saw Martha Stewart this morning on The Today Show, making white chocolate filled eggs. She asked me if we could make those...I had to laugh. We will be making eggs, but not Martha Stewart style. And that is a Good Thing. We are doing your basic tye-dye eggs and glitter eggs. All you need here is food coloring, vinegar,

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1144723429655612182006-04-10T19:39:00.000-07:002006-04-10T19:43:49.670-07:00

I am not the only one blogging about Justin Berry. Please check out Writers Right, particularly the post dated April 6, if you would like links to more blogs on this subject.

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1144597763231308002006-04-09T08:31:00.000-07:002006-04-09T08:49:23.253-07:00

I am listening to C-SPAN right now and 19 year old Justin Berry is testifying. What a brave kid. It can't be easy to do what he is doing...telling members of Congress about his internet porn business, one that he started when he was 13 years old...This is so frightening, so real, and I am afraid, not uncommon. This kid was in deep.Here is a NY Times article:Child Sex as Internet Fare, Through

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1144529129253965922006-04-08T13:35:00.000-07:002006-04-08T13:47:48.043-07:00

More news of school violence, this time the incident was thwarted by other students before it even started. I don't have any answers, but what baffles me the most are the statments like the one made by the father of one of the boys who said the "charges were a mistake..."Come on parents, wake up and raise your kids!

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1144425236456168382006-04-07T08:51:00.000-07:002006-04-07T08:53:56.456-07:00

"As parents we know that it is not always easy to raise our kids the way we know we should. As long as you are aware that the way you raise them day by day, will influence them for the rest of their lives, literally shaping their attitudes and personalities"...Read the full article here.

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1144393773218116062006-04-06T23:43:00.000-07:002006-04-07T00:10:19.516-07:00

This wonderful article is a good reminder to parents who want to raise responsible kids...It urges parents to deal with the consequences of their actions and to admit their failings to their kids. This might be different that how you were raised, but try it, it is a good exercise. Part of raising responsible kids is modeling what responsibility is. You can do this by talking to your kids about

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1144266880001711462006-04-05T11:50:00.000-07:002006-04-06T14:48:43.976-07:00

Parents, beware! Your kids know more about technology than you do, but that does not mean that you cannot educate yourself. And educate yourself you must. Kids and web cams do NOT mix. Do not fool yourself, there are sexual predators everywhere, not just on the street asking your kids to help them look for their lost dogs. A web cam is an open invitation for them to come into your house. Do not

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1144160837130952062006-04-04T07:06:00.000-07:002006-04-04T07:27:17.173-07:00

"Single parenting is not for the meek or mild. You have a lot to be proud of."This is from an article titled, 10 Single Parent Resolutions. I was hunting around for articles on single parenting and came across this one on resolutions. I really liked resolution #10, Congratulate Yourself Often...So much of my day is devoted to my daughter, my job and our house, that I often lose sight of the good

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1144086861248121212006-04-03T10:49:00.000-07:002006-04-03T10:54:21.266-07:00

I said I was going to leave the electronics at home this time, but I am so glad that I didn't. The weather was nasty, there wasn't much to look at, and my daughter really enjoyed watching a movie on the way to our destination...Just goes to show you that you should never say never. It was a treat for her to watch movies in the car and I loved listening to her laugh out loud, even though I had no

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1143913023744196052006-04-01T09:18:00.000-08:002006-04-01T09:38:36.826-08:00

My daughter and I are taking off for a one day mini vacation. It is spring break and we stayed home this week. I really wanted to do something before school started back up again so we are on our way to some hot springs I heard about. I will check it out and post about our trip when we return...We are running around this morning packing, and I am here at the computer thinking about ways to keep

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1143873325820296902006-03-31T22:16:00.000-08:002006-03-31T22:55:51.276-08:00

Please read this article about a 21 year old 4.0 chemical engineering student who hanged himself accidentally this week while playing the choking game. Parents, this is serious stuff and it affects kids of all ages and backgrounds...“Between 400 and 500 kids a year die from this game…And that doesn’t count those that just have serious injuries and have to get tracheotomies, or they have strokes,

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1143842759250778142006-03-31T13:46:00.000-08:002006-03-31T14:13:04.280-08:00

It has been a little quiet on the blog lately, but that doesn't mean that parenting hasn't been going on. My daughter has been feeling her oats this week, and I have been getting glimpses of what life might be like when she is 15. I am going to have my hands full...I grew up in the middle of two brothers, and now that I am single mother raising a daughter, I can attest to the fact that boys and

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1142873709132963922006-03-20T08:53:00.000-08:002006-03-22T14:18:49.426-08:00

It has been a long time since I posted. To anyone who actually reads this blog, I apologize. It seems that being a parent has actually gotten in the way of writing about parenting. Single parenting is a challenge, the rewards are great, as with all parenting, but free time is little limited. I got up an hour earlier today so that I could tackle some items on my to-do list and even though my

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1141346688898190932006-03-02T16:36:00.001-08:002006-03-02T16:46:31.423-08:00

Today is my day to volunteer in my daughter's Kindergarten class. I do math centers with the kids in the morning and get to see them in action. I am constantly amazed at five and six year olds and what they know...I am also amazed at the teachers! What does it take to be a Kindergarten teacher? Patience? Yes. Lots of it. Skill? Yes. More than one would think. A love of kids? I am quite sure you

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1141150326103166972006-02-28T10:08:00.000-08:002006-02-28T10:12:06.120-08:00

My mother asks me what playdates are all about. After all, when she was raising us, we were just sent out to play, with the words "be home by dinner time" in our heads...Times certainly have changed, and it is sad that kids can't just run around like they used to, sad because of what might happen if they do. On the other hand, I like that I know where my child is and who she is with. I really

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1140894301012344762006-02-25T10:54:00.000-08:002006-02-25T11:05:01.943-08:00

My daughter and I are having a conversation this morning about being a good parent. I want to know what makes a great parent and I want to hear it from a five year old's perspective...She says I am a good parent because I give her choices, keep her in my heart while she is in school, and help her when she gets hurt. I ask her what makes a bad parent, and she says, bad parents don't love their

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1139902421870245352006-02-13T23:02:00.000-08:002006-02-13T23:33:41.960-08:00

Winterfest. This year it coincides with the Olympics, which makes all winter sports enthusiasts, young and old, do their best. Sunday, February 11th, marked the day when Michelle Kwan quit the Olympics, and the day local skating talent gave it their all on the ice...This was my five year old's first performance on ice. She just started skating before Christmas. She was great, cute as all get out,

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1139593366469566812006-02-10T09:29:00.000-08:002006-02-10T09:44:23.463-08:00

"If you believe that your kids will just naturally develop into good citizens or caring people, think again." Dr. Ruth Peters from "Laying Down the Law"Is this a prevalent attitude in America? Do we let other people raise our children? Do we expect teachers to raise our kids? It certainly is easy to blame them for our children's misbehavior, but really, who is to blame? We are, we are the parents

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1139495543289366322006-02-09T06:24:00.000-08:002006-02-09T07:21:23.270-08:00

My daughter is like every other kid, she leaves her toys around the house.What usually happens when I find them is that they will go on top of the refrigerator until she can earn them back with some extra chores like cleaning her bathroom sink, wiping the mirrors or cleaning the sliding glass door until it is free of dog prints. Oh wait, that is my job. The top of the refrigerator is full and the

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1138918835069369202006-02-02T14:02:00.000-08:002006-02-02T14:21:49.630-08:00

I probably should have just turned a blind eye to the news today. Andrea Yates out of prison, teens on a shooting rampage at a gay bar, drugs sewed inside of puppies. So, I turned off the news and went to volunteer in my daughter's classroom, where I could bask in innocence for a few hours...We cannot tell how our kids are going to turn out, but we can do our best to raise responsible,

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1138819642946678642006-02-01T10:29:00.000-08:002006-02-28T17:21:57.473-08:00

We had a school delay this morning due to icy road conditions. I was hoping it would be a snow day instead, one where we could ski around the neighborhood and build snowmen, and come in for hot chocolate when we got cold, but as my daughter says, "you get what you get...and you don't throw a fit." At least the sun is out, and we were lucky to have some extra time this morning to relax and laugh

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1138740015887425592006-01-31T12:30:00.000-08:002006-01-31T17:45:53.300-08:00

Parents, teachers and school boards don't always see eye to eye, for instance, at this morning's PTA meeting. We are faced with overcrowding issues in our district and not everyone agrees on a solution, but I think everyone can agree one one thing, to help our kids, we need to get involved...No matter what is happening on the outside of the classroom, one of the best things a parent can do is

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1138644810256602112006-01-30T09:43:00.001-08:002006-01-31T12:44:24.286-08:00

My daughter told me this morning at breakfast, "you are such a nice mommy." I asked her why she thought so, and she told me, "because you let me decide if I want to take a shower this morning or take one later today." I thought WOW, she is a walking, talking Love and Logic kid...All I really do is give her choices on things in her day to day routine, like when she wants to take her shower (would

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1138602361290123672006-01-29T22:14:00.000-08:002006-01-31T12:43:31.660-08:00

I write about parenting simply because I am having so much fun being a parent and I like to share what I have learned...This is from an article I am compiling on raising responsible kids. Are there other topics you would like to see explored? Please leave your comments and feedback.Enjoy!Parenting A Responsible Child Part one "Intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character, that is

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1138487279502759922006-01-28T14:17:00.000-08:002006-01-29T22:46:43.716-08:00

It seems that the Love and Logic Institute is not alone in telling parents not pay for grades, chores and good behaviour... Earlier in the century it was written that the use of presents, rewards and the like should not be employed as a means of establishing good relations between the child and the parents on a "merely commercial basis." It was said that you don't give a child a bike for

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1138425602140640972006-01-27T21:19:00.000-08:002006-02-01T18:24:38.770-08:00

"Your children are not your children.They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.They come through you but not from you,And though they are with you yet they belong not to you...You may give them your love but not your thoughts,For they have their own thoughts.You may house their bodies but not their souls,For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,which you cannot visit, not

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1138325917593427542006-01-26T17:11:00.000-08:002006-02-01T07:54:55.423-08:00

My daughter was three years old when I first heard of Love and Logic. I remember the day well because I spent most of it reading a book a friend had loaned me on the subject. I "got it" right away it seemed like it could be the key... The words and phrases seemed funny to me at first and I wondered how I was going to sound, but I loved the philosophy and hoped that it would work. I had nothing to

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1138222640713842392006-01-25T12:26:00.000-08:002006-02-01T07:55:28.563-08:00

Some good advice on raising your child with a sense of community..."Help your child think about age-appropriate things that she can do to serve the community. For example, your young child might help you sort items for recycling or give money from her piggy bank to a charitable group. An older child might participate in walks for charity, volunteer at animal shelters or visit residents of a local

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1138145176179213572006-01-24T15:12:00.000-08:002006-02-28T12:29:28.643-08:00

I say these four little words to my daughter at the end of every school day, and I always get the same response... a smile, a hug, and a "nice to see you too, mommy!"...How many things in life have this kind of predictability, especially when it comes to five year olds? I picked up this little "pearl of wisdom" at a recent Love and Logic seminar in Portland, Oregon, and it has been easy to make

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1138040674996436892006-01-23T10:10:00.000-08:002006-01-29T22:44:14.303-08:00

It looks like the guidance I am giving my daughter in responsibility is also helping her learn compassion. Last night during her prayers, she said, "thank you God for my friends and family, and my bestest mommy and all our animals, and for the people everywhere, they are all nice."...Such sweet sentiments for a five year old, who has no doubt in her mind that people are inherently good, some just

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1137731437568302992006-01-19T20:09:00.000-08:002006-01-29T22:43:53.920-08:00

Silence can include a dishwasher, a barking dog and a cat shredding the weather stripping on the garage door to get in. Okay, maybe not the barking dog... It is all relative. Just one long hour ago, my sweet daughter was having a meltdown to beat all meltdowns, and my ear drums were about to explode. My heart rate was rising and my thoughts could have turned to anger or agony, but I soothed

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1137609166019103542006-01-18T10:24:00.000-08:002006-01-29T15:17:26.033-08:00

It is hard to believe that yesterday I was in San Francisco finishing up a seminar in copywriting hosted by Dr. Harlan Kilstein and Tina Lorenz. Among the guest presenters were Joel Comm, David Garfinkel and Alex Mandossian, all masters in their fields... Not only were the presenters amazing, enthusiastic and motivational but the attendees were among the best and the brightest. I expect to see

McDougallernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21162436.post-1137606034733225702006-01-18T09:40:00.000-08:002006-01-29T15:18:08.423-08:00

It is beautiful day outside here in Burlingame, CA, at least that is what they say. Being at a copywriting seminar is not about crab cocktails at the wharf, cable cars and Dim Sum, but about hotel rooms and conference rooms...It was obvious that 5 days away from home was going to be a experience, but I never thought it would lead to this kind of transformation.Up until now, parenting was the

McDougallernoreply@blogger.com