Thanks:
1. Surprise dinner out. Last night I was looking through recipes and trying to find something to make for dinner without much luck. I haven't been shopping yet since before we left to go out of town (does anyone have a solution to shopping with two kids? I HATE it, and so avoid it like the plague- I wait till I have a moment when I can leave the kids with Jake as often as possible) and so I was missing one or two key ingredients to anything that sounded good. In my moment of frustration Jake called and said, "So, are we going out to eat tonight?!" "YES!" was my immediate response.
2. Good quotes. Here are a couple new favorites: "Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again." - Henry Ford "At the end of each day, you should play back the tapes of your performance. The results should either applaud you or prod you." - Jim Rohn.
3. Stuff that makes you think. I'm reading this excellent book right now- and though I'm waiting for some answers to questions still, and I'm not sure their theories are as simple as they make them out to be- the ideas are making me think critically and leading me to ask some good questions and spurring good discussions on parenting techniques with my husband. Just now I found they have a great website with lots of other resources as well- check it out if you're interested: http://www.loveandlogic.com/ecom/p-124-from-innocence-to-entitlement-book.aspx
Friday, November 30, 2007
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2 comments:
Shopping with kids is always difficult! If your store has the shopping cart that allows you to put them both in it, I would suggest using that!
I've found, in my experience shopping with 2 kids and then 3 kids, feed them before you go! That is the hardest when they see things they want, and they are hungry! Since Dekker is so young, I'd actually suggest carrying some snacks in your purse or diaper bag to feed to him, just in case the trip takes longer than you anticipate.
I'd also suggest having a list, so the shopping trip will be faster (thus limiting the amount of time wandering looking for ideas). I've also found that allowing them to help (if they are able) me with tasks, such as putting stuff in the cart, looking for things, putting stuff on the belt at the register, holding the list,etc.
It might also help to play games with Josh (since he's a little older). Have him find all the green things, or play "I spy" style game to keep his attention. Shopping can be a great way to teach math concepts, colors, counting, etc.
I also allow the kids to pick out a treat at the end of the trip (most of the time) if they have been good. Just something cheap and inexpensive (so it doesn't kill the grocery budget), like a donut, or those little debbie snacks, fruit, a lunchable, candy bar, whatever they would like. This way they have something to look forward to.
I can't say that it is terribly enjoyable to shop with kids (no matter how many there are), but sometimes it is worth it. I used to wait for a Saturday, or some other day until Daniel was able to watch the kids, so I could go, or we would go as a family. But, I decided I would rather have that time to either be with my family (in a less stressful environment) and hubby, so I've tried to make an effort to shop during the day with the kids.
In reality, you'll have to tailor any shopping plan to fit your personality, and the personalities/needs of your children.
Here's my shopping idea ... have more kids! Now that I have four, I find that shopping with two is a breeze! :) Okay, just joking. I don't really have any great advice ... I usually try to go without them too.
As for your love & logic book ... Aaron & I took a love & logic class I really enjoyed and I own a couple of books. However, I hadn't seen the one this site references. It looks good. I'll have to check it out. (And I would love to take another class!)
Not sure what you're pondering, but here is another book I really enjoy ... "The Parenting Breakthrough" by Merrilee Browne Boyack. She is a mother of 4 boys so it resounds with me for many reasons. I can tell you more about it if you're interested or just check it out. :)
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