So, in keeping with the recent theme of keeping things in perspective, today I'm sharing some funny facts about raising boys...
A mother of four sings her version of
"When You Say Nothing At All."
http://www.godvine.com/The-Hilarious-Mommy-Version-of-Nothing-At-All-Try-Not-to-Smile-to-This-One-4028.html
If you have boys and/or more than one child, I'm guessing you can relate to her lyrics :)
Also, today I found an iVillage article titled
"Wish We'd Known: 20 Things No One Told Us About Raising a Boy"
http://www.ivillage.com/raising-boy-parenting-tips-we-wish-wed-known/6-b-440087#440086
I'm writing this while my 4 1/2 year old is climbing and jumping on me. He stopped long enough to see the picture of a little boy peeing on a tree, and he said with excitement "Hey that's me!"
One more comment about what I've recently been reading, and then I need to tickle my little mister and head to the library...
This month (November 2013) Real Simple magazine has an excellent article about sibling rivalry. This article, titled
"team of rivals," is on page 131 under "the guide: family" section. It really helped me to read the following: "In one study, Kramer observed the interactions of siblings between the ages of three and seven and found that they
engaged in back-and-forth conflict (like one snatching a toy and another snatching it back)
3.5 times an hour." No wonder I feel like I'm refereeing so often!
The article talked about how children this age focus on fairness and how they still have a hard time sharing what they see as theirs. Yes, I've definitely seen my share of grabbing and heard some yelling, including name calling like "dumbhead" and the recent favorite line "If you don't... then I'm never playing with you ever again!" Actually, Jennifer Lindley directly refers to these to comments in her article! She also talks about challenges in sibling relationships as they grow older and makes sure to share "The Silver Lining" and "How To Make Peace" for each age range. Yes, I know my boys are still learning impulse control and empathy, and I'm glad they can learn together how to better communicate feelings and desires, how to stand up for themselves, how to consider others' perspectives, and how to problem solve.
When my husband asks if the kids are getting along, I often respond "Yes, they get along great... until they don't." In the end, they know they love each other and brother will always be there.
On that note, I have to say I'm so very thankful for my sister. I know I wasn't always as nice as I should have been to her when we were kids. Guess I thought, being 5 years older than her, that I was such a "big kid" ;) She really is one of my best friends, and I'm so thankful that we have each other!
Hope you have time today to savor each moment, laugh when you can, and find your joy.