Socializing Your Child~priddymomma

Every parent has to make decisions eventually about socializing their children.  Play dates, slumber parties, volunteering, birthday parties, schooling, church, holidays, hobbies, and sports can all play a role in socializing.  My children are home schooled, so I get a lot of questions about socializing my children.  The truth is that I don’t do anything out of the ordinary.  Here are some tips to bring out your social butterfly.  Keep in mind that all kids follow their own rates of development, and some kids are naturally introverted.  There’s nothing wrong with that.  They will have friends, just like the next kid.  They likely just enjoy one-on-one play over group play.

• Talk to your child.  Having conversations with your kids (and talking at them before they can talk) teaches them how to have conversations with other people.
• Read to your child.  Reading increases vocabulary and having them read aloud allows them to practice pronunciation.
• Set up play dates for your child with kids around the same age.  They don’t have to be elaborate, catered events.  Just get together with a mom you know (and like) who has a kid roundabout the same age as yours.  Call it quits after an hour.  The kids will be worn out by then, and they’ll be eager to have another play date soon.
• Go to the park.  There are usually other children and moms at the playground.  Your kids will have a good time, and you might just make a friend while you’re at it.
• Take advantage of playgroups.  Many churches and libraries offer playgroups, usually arranged by age.  Many offer learning activities.  There are also classes available at other locale for a fee.  Taking these classes for fun and socialization is a great idea. 
• Sign up for sports.  Obviously, I’m talking at least four years old.  If your kid is interested in a sport, signing up will keep them active, introduce them to other kids their age, and keep them out of your hair for a bit.  Whoop!  Don’t force sports on your kid if he or she isn’t interested, however.
• Role play with your child.  Use dolls or stuffed animals to teach your kid how to interact with other people in different scenarios.
• Teach manners.  This is important, so I’m going to say it again.  TEACH MANNERS!  There are so many rude people out there.  Your child need not grow up to become one.  My 17 month old daughter occasionally says “Thank you” or “You’re Welcome” unprompted.  It’s never too early.  Teaching kids manners means that they are better prepared to work with other people and to settle any differences diplomatically.  Manners also start a nice discussion about empathy.
• Let your child be a part of your every day life.  Sounds simple enough.  Let your child participate in a conversation with the cashier, mail carrier, or relative on the telephone. 

All in all, I wouldn’t get too hung up on socializing unless your child is clearly struggling with it.  You’re likely doing a fantastic job, momma!  Keep it up.  :)

April Goals - Leslie

I apologize in advance for the more short and to the point post.  A is running a fever today and is very clingy, so I am writing one-handed with a whiny toddler on my lap.  My April goals are pretty typical for this time of year, what with the start of spring and all.  My strategy to accomplish these goals is to take out a big chunk this week since school (and work) is out on spring break.  That way I won't have to worry about getting the time consuming things done on weekends or try to fit them in on work days.  Now... we'll just see if that's what actually happens.

Goal #1 - Spring Cleaning
This place is a mess.  There is stuff EVERYWHERE.  It's time to go through and purge, clean, and organize.  That will be the project for the majority of my spring break.  I just can't stand all the clutter anymore.  Here is a rough schedule of things I'd like to accomplish:

Sunday 3/31 - Bathroom, kitchen, and laundry.
Monday 4/1 - Living Room and dining room.
Tuesday 4/2 - Bedroom and laundry.
Wednesday 4/3 - Deep clean and organize front of apt.
Thursday 4/4 - Deep clean and organize back of apt.
Friday 4/5 - Haul stuff to Goodwill.

Goal #2 - Health
I want to start eating better, as I'm sure most people do.  However, I'm really trying to give it a good shot and not just give up entirely if I mess up once.  My goal for April is to be mindful of what I'm putting inside my body.  I also want to start exercising.  I don't do anything more than just my day to day activity and I know that has to change.  I will take advantage of the sunshine and just walk or take A to the playground and run around with her.  I want to do something more than what I am without trying to push myself too far too fast.

Goal #3 - Family Time/Personal Time
Hopefully by getting the major cleaning tasks done this week, I can free up some much needed family time for the rest of the month.  I'm hoping that all I will have to worry about with cleaning is just maintaining, rather than starting from a super mess.  I would love to be able to sit down and read a book more often, or play with Addie, or go outside and not have to worry about the dishes that need to be washed or the mountain of laundry waiting for me. 

Goal #4 - A Activities
I want to find more things to do with A.  It's getting warmer and thus I think there will be more available to choose from.  I would love to find something we can afford to get her involved with as well, whether it's dance, an art class, a music class, a sport, or just a playgroup.  I want her to be more involved with other kids her age starting now since we are planning to homeschool.  I want her to be able to form those bonds of friendship with others.  We go to the local library toddler time every week, but she is shy and slowly starting to be more comfortable there.  I would like for her to do something else as well, if we could.

Goal #5 - Save Money
A major goal for me, and not just in April.  We've had some difficulty getting adjusted lately, but I want to start putting away some green to use in emergencies or for vacations.  S'yeah.

Those are my goals for April and hopefully I can check at least some, if not all, off the list.  Wish me luck!

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