Rules to Follow...

....if you wish. I am not a perfect parent. Those of you that know me in real life (IRL), know this to be true. And, I had a pretty good childhood really. It wasn't perfect but nothing that makes me say "I'm not going to do things like my parents did". My parents did a pretty decent job really.

But, there are a few things that I make a point to do, concerning my kids. A few things that I would recommend to any new (or seasoned) parent. Take 'em or leave 'em.

1) I try to greet my children joyfully every time we've been apart for any length of time. Even if I'm not that joyful to see them. For example: my kids take naps every day. It's a part of the day I look forward to because it means I get about an hour of "quiet" for myself. Unfortunately, sometimes they don't all go to sleep at the same time, even though they're put to bed simultaneously. By the time Jarrett goes to sleep, Jeven wakes up. So that means no "quiet" time for me. And I am disappointed but that's not Jeven's fault. So, I greet him with a smile and a hug like I am so excited to see him. What child would want to be greeted with "URG! Why are you awake!"? When I've been out alone for awhile and the kids have been home w/ dad, when I step through the front door, I am usually greeted immediately with demands and excitement and I feel like I've never been gone but they missed me and need to feel like I missed them so hugs and kisses all around! Plus, I have pretty good kids and maybe I did miss them. A little.

2) "Mom!! Watch this!" is usually followed by either some spastic dance move or a daredevil climb up the swing set. But, I do try to stop what I'm doing and watch. In the case of the daredevil move, it's a good thing! In the case of the spastic dance, it gives me a good laugh.

3) When giving an order or directions, my kids have to make eye contact with me. I am always saying "look at my eyeballs!". With eye contact, I know they heard me and understood me so when they disobey, I can feel confident that they deserve a punishment. They know they can't say "I didn't hear you" or " I didn't know". At least it makes it unbelieveable when they say it! After all, they are kids. They'll try to get away with things.

These are common sense "rules" and I hope they don't come off too "preachy". I am still learning as I go, this parenting stuff. I don't claim to have it all down, so to speak.

Please share some of your "rules" that you follow on a day to day basis.