march 2014
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M O T H E R S O F P R E S C H O O L E R S First Presbyterian Church // Edmond, Oklahoma
being present in your child’s day Adapted from article by Tricia Goyer, read full article here: http://www.thebettermom.com/2013/06/28/40-ways-to-be-present-in-your-childs-day/
The true gifts of life lie in the moment. That is why we call it the present. ~ Author Unknown In the midst of a busy day it’s easy for mamas to think of our children as “tasks” rather than as “hearts” we need to connect with. “If young children live in the present and adults spend most of their time in the past or in the future, we have abandoned our children to some degree,” says Becky Bailey, PH.D., author of I Love Your Rituals. How often are your children present but abandoned in your day? Do you expect them to be able to entertain themselves so you can get your work done? Do you use the television or video games to keep your kids occupied more than you should so you can focus on your work? We must give our children attention—real, focused, positive attention. When our child’s love tank/attention tank is full, then he or she has fuel to feed other positive relationships. Each moment in our day we have the choice to be present. Our children will not only benefit from it, but we will reap the rewards. Ways to Be Present in Your Child’s Day: • Sing “This Little Piggie Went to Market” as you put on your child’s socks. • Make eye contact when your child asks you a question. • Use different voices when reading a bedtime story. • Play horsey ride. • Take a deep breath and say a prayer thanking God for “right now.” • Get on the floor and invite your child to join you. • Create a gratitude journal with your kids and add to it through the day. • Put down your smart phone. Set it aside and pick it up and check it once and hour. • Write things you appreciate about your kids on post-it notes and repeat these things often. • Add a sprinkling of love to your child’s lunch. Ask, “What is one thing I can do to show my child I love him/her during this meal?” • Ignore the dishes, the laundry, the vacuuming for the first hour of the day and start the day off with your child. • Teach your child a finger play you knew as a child. • Find ways to say “Yes” rather than “No.” • Start again if a moment’s not going right. Call out, “Do over!” • Teach your child a simple chore. • Slow down. Take twice as long as you plan on doing
something, and do it with your child. • Tell your child about an experience you had when you were his/her age. • Soak in your child’s stories. Ask for more details. • Ask your child what he/she would like to do for ten minutes. Set a timer and have fun. • Go into the yard and see what type of creatures you can find. • Play Simon Says. • Tell your child than you are so thankful he/she is part of your family. • Bring out your photo album and share a special memory. • Offer a hug. • Ask your child to help you with whatever your working on. • Go on a lunch date. • Visit the library. • Memorize a Bible verse together. • Turn off the Television • Forgive yourself. Don’t let your mind wander to the past and all the ways you’ve messed up as a parent. Give that to God. • If you find yourself thinking/worrying about the future file that away for later when your kids are in bed. Better yet, give that to God, too!
moppets news Due to security changes at First Presbyterian Church Edmond, the back staircase by the children’s area will be locked during MOPS. Please use the main staircases and elevators by the sanctuary. We are taking snack donations for our MOPPETS program. Please only bring SUNSHINE BRAND CHEEZ ITS or NABISCO HONEY MAID GRAHAHMS because of allergy precautions.
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