Got Poo Poos?

Chores?

2008-10-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

Has anybody assigned "chores" to their Two- or 3-years old yet? Just curious as I came across a posting on Parent Center in their "Teaching Values" section.

According to the article:

"Children need chores. Helping out around the house teaches social and family responsibility. It gives your child a sense of accomplishment and pride and helps her learn practical skills...."

"Two-, 3-, and 4-year-olds love to be helpers. Harnessing this natural impulse makes starting chores easy...."

For Erik, we've been slowly assigning him "chores" such as putting his clothes into his own hamper but sometimes he loves to use that IKEA hamper and pretend he's a Jellyfish, thanks to Nemo, and demands that we "bounce" on him like Marlin and Dory. We've also seen Erik taken an interest in setting the table up for meals, which he did so ON HIS OWN, to our surprise on evening, but we haven't asked him to do it as a routine...but probably will now :o) hahaha!

The site also listed out some age-appropriate task examples such as (read more here):

At 2, your child should be able to:

Place dirty clothes in a hamper

Put a dirty diaper in the bin

Pick up toys after playing with them

Place napkins on the table

Sort lights and darks for the laundry

At 3, your child should be able to:

Sort socks by color or possibly match them

Water a plant

Feed a pet

Clean up her own spills

Get her own simple snack ready

Remove her own dish from the table

Help wash a car

Karalyn's Goody Jar

2008-09-07T17:32:00.001-07:00

A few years ago I was shocked to find this entry written by my mother in my baby book when I was a year old: "very naughty and hard headed." How in the world could she have made that assessment about me when I was barely even old enough to walk?

What goes around comes around, it seems. A kid doesn't have to walk in order to have a stubborn streak but it sure doesn't help matters either. Karalyn definitely has my temper and hard-headedness. She will absolutely not give in to anything or anybody. I've never seen anything like it. Karl just laughs. "I have," he says. "She's just like you."

Today I bought a glass canning jar and a heavy bag of medium-sized, twinkly, mulit-colored "stones." The teachers at CCLC suggested I try this. I call it Karalyn's Goody Jar. It's a reward system. For each good behavior, Karalyn will have the privilege of putting a colored stone in her jar. When the jar is filled up she can have a treat. I haven't decided what treat yet, but something she likes. Maybe more playdoh. I just showed her the jar and stones. She was in a bad mood. She didn't respond. *sigh* No stones in the jar yet.

Sarah and Tara are going to implement this reward system in the classroom too, so the whole concept will be reinforced by them as well. I'm hoping Karalyn will catch on soon. I'm looking forward to her putting lots of stones in her Goody Jar.

Hey Karalyn, did you read the fortune before you put the cookie in your mouth? Whoops. Guess not.

6 Random Things About Me

2008-09-05T04:07:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Allibrew to share six random things about myself.

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post these six rules on your blog.
3. Write 6 random things about yourself.
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is posted.

Six random things about Tabitha:
1. I've attempted to play musical instruments 3 times in my life (Violin, Clarinet, & Piano)
2. Mosquitos loooooove me, in fact, I got over 10+ bites to prove it while standing in the park near dusk with Erik & Chhimi (FYI, they got NONE!)
3. I am a junk food addict, love the salty chips & fry foods
4. I was a Colorguard (aka flag spinner) in high school
5. I love to travel and already trying to plan out the next trip (probably back home to Bhutan...we'll see though)
6. I can't wait until I finish my Master's program (semester just started...SIGH!)

I tag (participation optional):
Shelby
AdventureDad
Brenda
Oliver
Kristy
Anyone else who still visits this site :o) hee hee

Over The Top Birthdays?

2008-07-28T02:31:00.001-07:00

Have toddler birthday's just gone over the top these days?! I just saw a Craigslist ad that somebody is wanting to hire one or two "Polynesian" dancers for a Toddler Party?! The dancers will teach the toddlers how to dance.

Toddlers by definition are ages 1 - 4 year olds. Even if the toddlers are at the cusp of the older range...do they really need to hire specifically polynesian dancers?! What happened to popping in a DVD and telling the kids to "move about"?! HAHA!

Alright, which one of you are throwing an Hawaiian theme toddler party?! Let's get this luau started!

Wallypogs

2008-07-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to share the info on a swim/survival float school for kids. This is "local" (as in Loomis...just a quick jaunt down Auburn Folsom Blvd. for you Folsom-ites!).

http://www.wallypogs.com/

We haven't started swim lessons with Jackson yet, so he isn't the master swimmer that Erik is! We'd like to do it soon though....ah yes, getting back into a bathing suit after having a new baby...yeah, maybe not REAL soon!

Children Learn What They Live

2008-06-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

Found this little poem online and thought it was worth sharing.

Children Learn What They Live
Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph. D.

If children live with hostility,
they learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule,
they learn to be shy.

If children live with tolerance,
they learn to be patient.

If children live with encouragement,
they learn confidence.

If children live with praise,
they learn to appreciate.

If children live with fairness,
they learn justice.

If children live with security,
they learn faith.

If children live with approval,
they learn to like themselves.

If children live with acceptance, and friendship,
they learn to find love in the world.

Donate

2008-05-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

Please donate to the Chinese Red Cross

Child Abuse or Leave Them Alone?

2008-05-14T01:13:00.001-07:00

Recently I was at a midtown grocery store and the below scene unfolded before my eyes in the afternoon.

A mom & her son standing in line at the check out stand. The mom is relatively young, she looked to be in her mid-20's. Her son, maybe between 2 and 3 years old. Her son was crying and crying hard & loud. Mom was carrying her son on her hip trying to pay for their items. Mom was in a tank top, shorts, and flip-flops, body tattoos were visible.

A woman stood behind them witnessing the crying scenario. The woman was a stranger. A bit older , probably in her early 50's. She was dressed in a full length solid-color cotton-like short-sleeve dress with comfortable walking shoes. She was alone and also waiting to pay for her items.

The woman voiced her concerns to the mom for the child's stress (crying) during the line, some words were exchanged, and the mom took offense and created a scene by shouting "the boy bumped his head on the door knob, call the police!" and stormed out to get the store's security guard & manager.

The mom & son, who stopped crying now, spoke loudly to the security guard and manager (for all to hear), that she was basically being harrassed by the woman. That she [the mom] was accused of child abuse and was threatened to have Child Services called because her child was crying! Obviously the mom was angry!

The woman then came up to the mom and said "I am right here and can hear you" turns to the guard and manager and voiced the following in a calm quiet demeanor "I am concerned about the child because he was in distress and crying non-stop. I had been witnessing the child's crying throughout the store the entire time. It was continuous and did not stop."

The mom rubuted immediately that "he was crying because he wanted ice cream ma'am and I am not going to give him ice cream; what child wouldn't cry when he can't have ice cream?"

However without hearing the reasoning or excuse, the woman continued with the manager and pleaded for "...somebody to step in and help that child..."

So question(s) of the day:
Do you feel that that woman had the right to step in as an advocate for the child? OR Do you feel the mom had the right to discipline her child by letting him "cry it out" in public?

Weekend Meme: 5 Places You Want To Travel To With Your Child(ren)

2008-05-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

Instructions:

Those tagged will share 5 Places You Want To Travel To With Your Child(ren) before they turn 18!

Those tagged will tag 5 additional people.

Those tagged will leave their meme in the comments section (or a link) so everyone can keep track of what's being posted.

I was recently inspired by my co-worker who took her oldest son on a 1:1 trip to Japan! Her husband took the 2 younger children (2 years old and 10 month old) on a 1:2 trip to Hawaii during the same time and they met up afterwards in Hawaii!

5 Places I Want To Travel To With My Child(ren) Before They Turn 18

Bhutan during Chinese New Year - where Daddy's big extended and loving family is!
Paris, France in Christmas - so we can experience a different sort of Xmas celebration
China (Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Beijing) - it will be a first for all of us to learn our heritage and culture first hand.
Bangkok, Thailand - this is the 'easiest' common stop for our international family gatherings
Australia & New Zealand - absolutely looks gorgeous on the Travel channel

I tag the usual suspects:
Allison
Lynette
Kristy
Lin
Miriam

Grease babies

2008-05-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

This is slightly disturbing but cute at the same time. Too bad we can't edit it to put our kids' actual faces in there... 'cause we've got all kinds of free time for things like that, right?

http://members.shaw.ca/anabw/grease.htm

Girls Night Out!

2008-04-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

A Much Deserved Girls' Night Out was held this past Saturday! YAY! What more can we say?! We love hanging out each other and getting to know each other better! Six of us moms decided to go and do something out of the ordinary. The original plan was opened to all the other moms in the gigantic playgroup; however, because of the special promotion deal going on, only 6 of us moms got it. SIGH! Next time!

However, the six of us "wild" moms left our own child behind with his/her daddy. We like to think of it as 'fostering some 1:1 time with Daddy'. Thanks to our better-halves for being indulgent and supportive on a much needed break away from the parenting routine. The boys had to options of doing their own thing with their own child OR head over to our good friends, Sherry & Oliver, for a "Daddy & Me Playgroup and Pizza Night". How nice is our playgroup?! That there is ALWAYS something going on for the kids no matter what!

So what did us girls do?

Day Spa
We met up at the local day spa for a fun "Margarita Night"! WhooHoo! Of course, we had TWO daddy's complaining "why were we NOT invited for spa, we could really use a facial?" (eh, you know you are: Oliver & Chhimi!) We started in the "Cat Lounge" for some simple gabbing and catch up as we await for our party to get started. Then we were led to our private 'Cabana Lounge' where the 6 of us got to sit in a tropical setting, served chips & salsa, non-alcoholic margaritas, and a lovely 30 minute foot soak while we gabbed some more!

For me being such a NON-girly girl, at first, I had NO idea about the foot soak and why even do it. It only seemed like a 'luke-warm' water and eh...not doing much. However, I must say, AFTER the soaking, my feet were just soooo soft and silky, I was like..."Aaah, okay, I get it now and I like it!"

Then one by one, our masseuse/facial therapist came in to begin our individual service. A couple of us got massages and the rest got facials! My experience was HEAVENLY...however, next time, I am definitely going for the 60 minute massage instead of the 30 minute teaser ;o). Totally LOVED IT and Relaxed!

Dinner & Game
Okay, found out one thing about a couple of our moms. TWO of them (Lynette & Kristy) are really into sports! Go Girls!! The Final Four for NCAA was going on...and Lynette had to...I mean really, HAD TO, watch the game no matter what, because her team is playing the "Heels", UNC-Chapel Hill vs Kansas. Kristy also had to watch it because well, UNC was part of her NCAA pool. LOL!

So off to a local "American Cooking" restaurant where they only had ONE TV in the place and it was at the bar. So the 6 roudy moms decided to disrupt the entire bar service and started pulling all 6 bar stools from every which corner so we can sit together! LOL!

We got to chat about lots of different topics including Sex, Money, Drugs...eh wait, that's an episode from "Real Housewives" NYC or Orange County ;o) HAHA! Let's just say we just talked and talked for the rest of the dinner, besides keeping scores of the NCAA game. We thoroughly enjoyed the company, the food, the atmosphere, and just being plain out and about with our girlfriends!

The night was really great. The only lowlight was the lost of UNC-Chapel Hill that totally bummed 2 of the moms! HUGS! They will do it NEXT YEAR!!!

Hopefully we'll get to do some more Girls Night Out in the future as well! Wanna join next time?!

Little Support Systems

2008-03-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Just a little reflection. It is so interesting to see that even at this young age, our toddlers, have built their own support system or found support buddies in their day-to-day environment. Our children are basically growing up with each other and as one (or two) moves on to the older classrooms or different classrooms, they have to find their environment again but it became crucial to have a friend to lean on. Not much different compared to the grown-up world where even as adults, we seek the familiarity to guide us in uncharted territory.

For Erik, he has not yet transferred to the older classroom if 2 and 3 year olds. However, as his older friends leave like Kelly, Jackson, and Gabriel, he regularly peeks over to the big kids' yard longing to be with them. At the same time, Erik also leans on his other buddies more, such as Karalyn, who became the classroom "mommie" after the steps of Miss Kelly.

Mondays are always a little hard for Erik and he can get clingy but not crying or whiny, just wanting extra hugs and kisses from Mommy or Daddy. Who wouldn't want those affections from their own mommy or daddy!?!. Usually we drop him off outside but this morning, it was inside since Mommy was a little early. Erik was a bit apprehensive in going into his classroom so a big squeeze and hug outside and into the room we go. He immediately looked around and got clingy, until Mommy pointed out, "Look there's Karalyn playing" and really, it was like a "sigh! of relief - good, my friends are here!" and he happily trotted over and got a Duck Puppet to play with. Then he saw Audrey in the next room, always grinning away, and Erik definitely got a lot more comfortable and even sat down by himself on the table with Luke.

Daddy Chhimi has also introduced a new 'pick-up routine' for Erik. He gets to go to the big kids yard at the end of the day and there Miss Kelly is one of his big support buddy and vice versa. Kelly would wait for Erik to cross the big wooden gate and give a big HUG for a friendly greeting. And OFF they go...to the xylophones, to the big sand pit, to the bikes, etc. These two even pretend to have 'picnics' together with the wood chips! One day when Kelly was picked up early, Erik literally searched high and low for his "Bid Kid" buddy. Jackson is another that loves to come and greet Erik as well. Last Friday, Jackson led prego Mommy Allison all the way across the yard just to play xylophone with Erik and those two shared so nicely and played quite a harmonious tune!

I am so glad that Erik is already building his network of support and hopefully also giving support to others as well! It's an added bonus when the parents actually like each other and want to hang out on the weekends too with the kids! It really gives them a lot more interaction opportunities with each other.

Who wouldn't want to befriend this little guy?

I'm already dreading the Kindergarten age when most of us will go our 'separate ways' via public school or private school! ARGH!

Labels!

2008-02-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

Having our kids in daycare means that their names need to be on everything. The extra clothes, the clothes they're wearing, socks, cups, plates...you get the idea. We have found a company that is greate at creating labels for all of these places. They don't come off in the dishwasher, washer, microwave, or anywhere else. They don't fade or tear or otherwise disappear. Check them out!

Mabel's Labels

Hands Up!

2008-02-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

The weekend was beautiful and we tried to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Karalyn loves to "help" her Daddy in the backyard - she has her own rake and broom to sweep up the acorns and leaves off the patios. She also decided to humor her mother and pose in her newly knitted sweater. This is our game, "Hands Up" where she runs around with her hands in the air while we chase after her. The point is for us to catch and tickle her in the armpits. She thinks it's great fun.

Who Knew That Snow Can Be Fun?!

2008-02-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

Continuing on my rant of "Nature Deficit Disorder". Okay first of all, there really is no such thing as a disorder but it was just coined by an author, to sell his book, as you may think.

Anyhow, I decided to "Just Do It" as in the 90's Nike Ads and take Erik up and play with the snow a little bit. What a wonderful experience!!! We absolutely enjoyed ourselves and can't wait to get the right gears and have another go at it! YAY! I had to wonder, what the heck is it so scary in the first place?!

So a great big Thank You for Lynette and family for encouraging us to go to the snow in the first place and lending us their fantastic sled (hope the 3 of us didn't break it!)

I'm now "less scared" of the snow. Next time we meet, ask me about my first camping experience for a good laugh :o)

Nature Deficit Disorder

2008-02-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

Do you as parents believe there is such a thing as "Nature Deficit Disorder" and are our kids in danger of it today even more so than compared to our generation or our parents' generation?

I was listening to National Public Radio (NPR) this afternoon to the dentist appointment and heard about this "Nature Deficit Disorder", coined by author Richard Louv, where children's experiences from nature are withdrawn showing symptoms of stress, trouble paying attention, feelings of not being rooted in the world.

I have to thank back when I was growing up, I definitely have Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD) Before knowing Chhimi, I had NO interest in doing anything remotely nature-like including a simple outdoor hike. Seriously, grassy or woodsy area scares me. I need my concrete jungle! I still do. If I have a sidewalk versus a grass to walk on, I'd choose the sidewalk. However, Chhimi definitely did NOT have (NDD) since growing up in Bhutan, the forest was his playground! He's completely opposite of me and craves the nature!

So in our family, I'm glad we have Chhimi to introduce nature to Erik (and me) or else poor Erik would probably be scared of a tree!

How about you guys? Do you think your children or the next generation is lacking in experiences of nature? Such as hiking? National Parks? or even the cul-de-sac area full of trees where the kids can just enjoy watching the leaves fall? (FYI, a soccer field and neighborhood parks may not not count as nature). What are you guys to introduce nature to your little toddlers? Share! Share!

No Will!

2008-01-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

Every morning it's the same routine at daycare drop-off: Karalyn sees Mr. Will at school and before he even takes a step towards her she says, "No Will!" She doesn't share the doll babies and instead holds them close.

The teachers say all the kids are going through a phase where they say "no" to the little guy but it makes me cringe that Karalyn says it while Will's parents are there.

Why Will? Why the no? I feel bad. It reminds me that kids can be cruel, even when they don't mean it. It reminds me of days long ago when I sat on the school jungle gyms by myself because I was told "no." And here's my own daughter doing it!

Having a kid sometimes makes me relive my own childhood and it can be painful. I guess teaching Karalyn to be a nice kid is my way of soothing all the little hurts that I encountered growing up.

Weekend Meme: 3 Books Your Toddler Enjoys Reading

2008-01-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

This one is created on Tabitha's own thought since Erik is really into reading. I know a few of the toddlers are also so let's share some of the favorite titles.

Rules:
1. Share 3 book titles that your toddler enjoys (and WHY)
2. Tag others
3. Leave a link or your actual book titles in the comment section

3 Books that Erik Enjoys Reading

1. Tumble Bumble - we borrowed this from the local library and it is indeed one of Erik's most sought after book in the evenings. SPOILER ALERT: He loves the part where all the animals get together in the kitchen eating away. Erik pretends to chow down as well!

2. Little Bo Peep Can't Get To Sleep - this is again borrowed from the local library. Erik loves this book because it rhymes as well as he can count the sheep and he loves saying "Cow jump over the moon" or "Dish ran away with the spoon"

3. Jungle Babies - This one we actually purchased from Borders Books, HAHA! Erik loves this because it has tiny "stuffed" animals for counting. It rhymes and it has an elephant! Our boy is really into elephants (and other animals, as well)

Okay, NOW your turn! Share away!

Inspire Your Children

2008-01-25T13:36:00.000-08:00

From a blog that I follow closely, AdventureDad recently posted a Readers' Digest article he read. It was on "How To Inspire Your Children".

Small Excerpt:

1. What you say: "You're the best!"
What they hear: "Your job in life is to make me happy."
A better way to say it: "You should be proud of how hard you worked."

2. What you say: "Watch your language!"
What they hear: "I've tuned out what you're really trying to say."
A better way to say it: "I'm so glad you came to talk to me, but I have one request for the future. I find that word offensive, so please don't use it."

4. What you say: "Don't worry -- it'll be okay."
What they hear: "You're such a drama queen!"
A better way to say it: "I totally understand what you must have gone through. Tell me about it."

I am definitely guilty of item #4 whenever Erik wails. However, I also "sportcast" and tell my toddler that he's feeling sad, frustrated, angry, upset and it's okay that he wants to cry or need Mummy or Daddy to hold for a little bit until he's okay again. So maybe I'll just stop saying the "Don't Worry, you're okay" to Erik?!

Read more on the article and see if you agree or disagree. Comment either way.

My favorite picture. Ever.

2008-01-21T15:18:00.001-08:00

Thank you all for helping us celebrate Jackson's second birthday on Saturday! A special thank you to Chhimi for taking such great photos! There are some great ones and this one of Jackson's grandma (aka "Namma") is no exception!

Strep Throat Galore

2008-01-21T13:27:00.000-08:00

Attention To all parents who may been in contact with any of our toddlers and/or infants.

Strep throat is among us. It was exposed about 2 weeks ago in the Toddler Room when one little friend got swabbed at a recent doctor's office and came back positive. No symptoms were displayed. Now, we noticed over the weekend, two additional little friends also strep throat (1 in the toddler room and 1 in the 2-year-old room.)

This time, there are still NO obvious symptoms displayed. So many parents would not be able to tell if the child doesn't have any illness. When in doubt, get a quick swab at the Dr. Office. If the test result shows strep throat, the person should stay home from work, school, or day care until 24 hours after taking an antibiotic.

More on strep throat:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strep-throat/DS00260
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/strep_throat.html
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/groupastreptococcal_g.htm

Weekend Meme: 5 Things You Want Your Kids To Know (Before They Grow Up)

2008-01-19T00:26:00.000-08:00

Instructions:

Those tagged will share 5 Things You Want Your Kids To Know "Before They Grow Up"

Those tagged will tag 5 people.

Those tagged will leave their meme in the comments section (or a link) so everyone can keep track of what's being posted.

PS: you DON'T have to have kids to do this...

5 Things I Want My Kids To Know (Before They Grow Up)

We Love You and Each Other Very Much, more than anything in this world

Enjoy Your Childhood Fully, don't be so eager to grow up so fast!

We Are Your Support System, you can come to us and tell us anything, we are here to listen

You Can Achieve Whatever You Want, as long as you want it badly enough

Money Doesn't Buy Happiness, but it does buy a lot of things

My 5 Tagees (aka the Poo Poo Masters plus 1):
Chhimi
Lynette
Allison
Brewer
Anonymous Brighton Dad

Got Poo Poos?

2008-01-18T14:26:00.000-08:00

This is not a joke. I ask Karalyn this question every evening when we arrive home from daycare. She looks at me with wide brown eyes. Then she vehemently shakes her head, "No!" and turns on her heel to run away as fast as her chubby little legs can take her. Hmmm, I think, she runs just like her Dad.

And she has poo poos. Come back here, little bugger!

*************************************************************************
Thank goodness I have a place to write about and share the little joys of toddlerhood and parenthood. Because otherwise I would go stark raving mad.

This blog is for the parents of CCLC (and former CCLC) kids who want to talk toddler, vent about potty training and other parental challenges, share recipes or tips, warn each other about the latest germs and in general just want to laugh about - er, with - our kids.

No flaming please, unless it's about Chhimi. Pictures would be nice. Any daycare reports would be very welcome, it's fun to hear about what the kids are up to when you happen to be there. And don't forget to leave a comment!