wee ones

[0–18 months] oh no you didn’t

You’ve waited months for this precious wee one, but you really had no idea what was to come. Feedings, burps, diaper changes, and repeat and repeat and repeat. And who knew that something so small could produce so much laundry? It’s hard work, so what is your honey thinking when he comes home and asks inquisitively, “So, did you do anything today?” Do ANYTHING!?! Boy, you better run!

Your honey just served up a nice lofty serve just waiting to be crushed on the return. Let’s face it, odds are he didn’t mean what he said. Of course he should have asked “did you do anything exciting today?” or simply “how was your day?” But that wasn’t what was said and now you have an opportunity to react:

• gas on a fire Exhaustion is the perfect catalyst for mind-blowing, fly-off-the-handle, over reactions so do your best to stay in check. Let him know he needs to rephrase the question and if you need some time, take a timeout.

• you too It is really hard to take care of yourself when all your focus is on this new wee one, but you have to! Get sleep when you can, eat right, and don’t forget the water.

• maybe more If your honey can do no right, just about everything sets you off, from how he talks, breaths, sleeps, you name it, you hate it, maybe it isn’t him. Yes, mood swings are normal after having a baby, but if you are experiencing extreme sadness or anger for an extended period of time, talk to your doctor. You could be suffering from Postpartum Depression.

in 2011, 23% of married-couple family groups with kiddos under 15 years old had a stay-at-home mama

“This time goes so fast.” We’d all be millionaires if we got a dollar every time we heard that, right? Well, it is true. Our kids grow so fast. He just had his sixth birthday and in two more six-year spans he’ll be gone and I’m missing everything…I should be a stay-at-home mom, right? Well, maybe? Sometimes you got to know when to hold them and know when to punch that work clock.

Should You Stay Or Should You Go

Most mamas, at some time or another, experience the desire to be a full-time, stay-at-home mom. There are countless opinions on the subject, as well as upstanding citizens raised by each type of mama. It’s not black and white. You need to make a decision that is right for you and your family. Here are some things to consider:

• moola Let’s face it, you have to be able to support your family financially. If you stay home, can you do that? Take into account all your expenses as well as the money you will save by staying at home with the kiddos.

• gotta want it A good lesson for life is to never do anything out of guilt. Evaluate your feelings for wanting to stay home. Make sure being a stay-at-home mom is what you really want and that your hubby is really on board too.

• what if If you are home full-time, can you and your family handle your hubby being out of work or what if your relationship changes? Consider all the things that could throw a wrench in life and how being a stay-at-home mom will fit in that mix.

What is this? You know he hears you. You’re only feet from him, but nothing. Is this unresponsiveness to the mama call something you should rush Mr. Preschooler to the ER for? Or is this more of a case of selective hearing? Call that bluff mama!

what’s that you say

We have things we don’t like to do and your preschooler is no different. Odds are you will notice his ability to tune you out when you are requesting the completion of tasks that are not his fave. Teeth brushing, toy pick-up, bedtime, or pretty much anything while he’s watching SpongeBob. The important thing is not letting this nonlistening behavior become a habit. It’s disrespectful, so nip it in the bud now with these communication tips: i once caught a fish this big We’ve all been guilty of it...stretching the truth just a bit. But we also know it isn’t right. It’s dishonest. Even if it is “minor” things your big kid is stretching the truth on, don’t look the other way. It’s still lying. And why is he doing this? Exaggerating or stretching the truth doesn’t include lie telling to get out of trouble. Odds are

• come hither I love it when my kiddos are screaming for me from across the house, said no mama ever! So, don't do it to your kiddo. Walk over to your preschooler and proceed with your request.

• say it If you want him to do something, tell him, don’t ask. Use statements [pick up your toys], not questions [can you pick up your toys].

• focus Eliminating distractions will offer you the best bet for being heard.

If your preschooler continues to not follow through after the first request, make it clear that is not OK. Letting that behavior go on without consequence will only reinforce it.

You hear your big kid talking to his friend about how much he loves swimming in the ocean. What? Swimming in the lake, yes, but you live in oceanless North Dakota and he hasn’t even been on a plane. Mama, you gotta be all in and right the ship on this truth stretching.