Breastfeeding is Coming to an End After 2 Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think I am almost officially done breastfeeding. My daughter turned 2 in December, and I’ve been skipping days. The longest I’ve gone is 2 full days without nursing her. I think we are both done. I am glad that I was able to nurse her for this long. I haven’t decided when my official last day will be nursing her because it seems to happen spontaneously now. Although it was a rocky road at the beginning! I remember getting like 2-3 hours of sleep because all she wanted to do is stay attached to me during the night. Although I enjoyed breastfeeding, I honestly don’t miss those days with her attached to me 24 hours a day. Not that I didn’t treasure those moments, I just don’t remember much because I was so sleep deprived!

My son did not breastfeed very long because of low milk supply. I know there is some debate about whether nursing moms really have low milk supply. Well according to the lactation specialists, he was not drinking enough milk so I had to supplement with formula. He was also born early and had a weak suck. I remember pumping barely a 1/2 ounce. My schedule was rigorous…around the clock trying to stimulate milk production. It didn’t work unfortunately.  I stopped nursing him at around 6 weeks. So 2 years with my daughter is an accomplishment!

I think whatever someone decides to do when it comes to breastfeeding or formula feeding is their choice. I am in the weird camp that actually liked preparing a bottle. I also enjoyed nursing my daughter. I just love doing those mom things like picking out baby supplies, Boppy pillows and other feeding supplies. Didn’t you know Babies R Us is one of my favorite stores?  I think a person has to make the choice that suits the mom and baby. When a mom is so sleep deprived, it can be hard to function. The most important thing is to feed your baby!

What is Appropriate Discipline for a Toddler or Preschooler?

 

This is a touchy subject, and I don’t plan to tell you how to discipline your child. There are so many parenting books out there that will teach what way is the best way, etc. As a mom to two children, I still don’t know the *best* way to discipline. In my opinion, I don’t think there is a best way to discipline, nor, is there a one size fits all solution. You must discipline based on what works for YOUR child.

I have a 2 year old and 4 year old. Each of them are both very high strong and somewhat stubborn. Because of their age differences, I can’t discipline them the same. I expect “more” of my son because he should and does understand more of what I ask of him. I have used time outs, discussions, discipline charts, taking toys away from him, and more.

I haven’t found a “perfect” solution yet. He is going through a stage where he talks back to me and is a bit sassy. The most important advice I can give to someone disciplining a toddler is consistency. If your child hits his sibling, you must continuously discipline each time he hits his sibling.

When it comes to disciplining my daughter, she is is too little to understand much; however, don’t underestimate the little ones. They know what they are doing to a degree! Oh yes, a 2 year old can most definitely be manipulative!

I found some information on Babycenter about disciplining toddlers that is useful for parents wanting more information.

Counselor Mom and Mommy Talk Show Conversations Part 2

 

Today I’m going to respond to Joyce’s questions that she has for me! If you missed our earlier conversation, you can see my initial post introducing Joyce from Mommy Talk Show here. You can find her response to my questions and the questions she has for me here. I wish I was video savvy like Joyce is, but for today, I’m going to respond via blog post. Here are the questions she has for me and my answers:

Joyce: How did you decide to have Baby #2? How do you and your husband still find time together?

I’m not sure what we were thinking! LOL, just kidding. Baby number 2 was a surprise in a way. I mean, I know how these things happen, but we were surprised. I always wanted my children somewhat close in age so they could grow up together with similar age appropriate interests. Another reason I wanted them close in age is because of childcare. If I would have waited several years to have another child (by choice that is), then I would have been presented with the dilemma to either quit a job, cut back hours, or put my child in daycare (assuming I had a job at that point). My children are 2 years and 7 months apart.

My husband and I do not have as much quality time together (Although we probably could work on that a little more by making sure the kids are bed on time, etc). We definitely have to MAKE time for ourselves. Our 4 year old constantly talks and interrupts my husband and I when we are talking during the day/car/dinner/night/ALL the time, which is an issue we are working on. My husband and I took my son and daughter to a play area last week, and we were shocked that we could actually TALK to each other because my 4 year old was not getting in the middle of our conversations. I get that he is 4 and is going to do that, but seriously, he doesn’t stop! LOL.

The good thing is my husband does have a good work schedule; however, when the children are awake it is difficult to spend quality time together because of all the things that have to be taken care of, whether it be cleaning up, cooking, etc. We do try to go on date nights every couple of weeks. However, we are looking forward to going away for a night alone sans children one of these days.

Joyce: Do moms ask you questions about work life balance or your experience being a school counselor?

I find more friends online that discuss these things with me than in real life, LOL. I have had people ask me questions on my blog through the “Ask Counselor Mom” tab at the top of the page. I have had people ask me developmental questions and some people just express their thoughts about staying at home. I do think my experience as a school counselor and the tools I learned in grad school has helped me with parenting in a way. I try to share some of my parenting knowledge on my blogs, although I need to step up my writing a bit and focus!

Joyce: If you could go back to working as a school counselor today with your ideal hours and salary, would you?

Probably. In my dream world, I would go back part time so I can experience my job and being a part time stay at home mom. I would like to work outside of the home part time to give me the opportunity to get out of the house and communicate with other adults. However, in this economy, it seems difficult time get a job period.

Well, Joyce, here are my questions to you!

• What were the pros and the cons to being a television news anchor?
• What was the most significant story that you remember reporting on that really touched your heart?
• Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? Personally, career wise, and family wise?

Why Is It Ok To Make Fun of Overweight People?

 

One thing that irritates me about people is when someone makes fun of another person’s appearance. I don’t understand it. I won’t go into all the details but a local restaurant basically posted a picture of a customer on their Facebook page and called her out for not tipping. She actually DID tip, but you can read more about the story here. In the process of calling her out, the manager of the restaurant and several people made “fat jokes” and called her names on the Facebook page for the restaurant.

I don’t understand why in this country it is still okay to bash overweight people. Yes, it is something that generally can be fixed overtime with diet and exercise, but usually it is much more than just someone eating too many calories. When someone is overweight, there are usually more factors going on underneath. I know for a fact that going through a very stressful time can lead someone to gain weight. I have been there before. I know several people who have lost close family members and gained weight due to the stress and depression.

Let’s say Jane lost her sister to cancer. Jane gains a lot of weight due to the depression. Jane decides to eat out at a restaurant and orders a chocolate dessert with her husband for his birthday. People in the next table make fun of her thinking she doesn’t need to eat that. Other people make judgements about her in public. What if Jane would have been that woman in the article above? I mean, how mean can people be to make fun of someone’s weight? This poor woman has been through enough than to have mean people criticizing her.

Like I have written about before, I’ve had people make fun of me when I was a child. In fact, I ‘ve had “friends” say mean things to me in high school to my face. I don’t understand why people think it is okay to make fun of others. I will never understand it. I think people who criticize others for their appearance or are overly judgmental are clearly insecure with themselves. There is no NEED to be mean to others. Period.

If you are a parent, I strongly encourage you to not allow your children grow up to be bullies. I encourage you to correct your children when they choose to make fun of another child. Even for their weight. People commit suicide all the time for being bullied. Don’t let your child participate in such obscene, rude behavior.

House Cleaning Schedule Template

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a basic house cleaning schedule template I created for general cleaning in all rooms.

Here is a bathroom cleaning schedule printable.

Here is the kitchen cleaning schedule printable.

***ATTENTION: If you like these schedules, you might be interested in my Blissful Homemaking website. Please check it out at BlissfulHomemaking.com or like the Blissful Homemaking Facebook page. I realized that “cleaning schedules” probably don’t fit Counselor Mom that much, so I made a website about the home.

 

Scrapbooking Your Children’s Milestones

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year to all of you! I have a very specific New Years Resolution that I plan to finish by the end of the month. My first child was born in 2007, and ever since then I have been keeping tons of momentos. The pile of momentos is overflowing, so I have decided by the end of the month, his scrapbook from birth to now will be done. I have kept things from the hospital, to doctor visits, art from daycare/preschool, and more. I love creating scrapbooks. I’ve also recommended scrapbooking when dealing with tragedies, death, and emotions.

Ironically, I found the scrapbook I purchased at Michaels years ago on Amazon: KandCompany Little House Boxed Baby Boy 12-Inch by 12-Inch Scrapbook Kit. I purchased more clear inserts for my scrapbook this weekend because I have run out of room. When he was born, I began a baby/memory book. However, I like scrapbooks better. There are tons of useless pages in the memory book that I will never use (i.e., like the price of a gallon of milk in 2007, 4 pages devoted to baby showers, etc).

My daughter just turned 2 so I need to make sure I start on hers also before I forget things. As a mom, we are so busy that it seems like if we don’t keep on top of things at the moment, we could forget specific dates and memories. This is where Facebook comes in handy for me. Like most beaming moms, every now and then I will post milestones on Facebook. Now with Facebook’s new timeline feature, I can go back and find out what date my children did something and now record it in the scrapbook.

Do you scrapbook?

Free: Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Responding to Bullying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are a parent, it is almost inevitable that one day you might have to deal with another child possibly bullying your own. Right now on Amazon, you can download the Parent’s Guide to Preventing & Responding to Bullying for free.

Published by the School Bullying Council, this informative book tell parents how they can work to prevent and respond to bullying situations at school. Parents will learn who to contact, their legal rights, and how they can help make their child’s educational experience the best it can be – without bullies!  You do not need a Kindle to download this. When you click to download, it will ask you how to download.

Thanks, Common Sense with Money for finding this deal.

Appreciating and Giving on Christmas

 

My children were definitely spoiled this Christmas. They received gifts from both sides of the family and from us of course. Our house definitely has become overrun by toys. We are very appreciative and grateful. Does this sound a lot like your house? If it does, I believe it is important to teach our children about how fortunate they are.

My children are very young, only 4 and 2. Although my 2 year old is too young to understand, it is not too early to teach my 4 year old about how thankful he should be. I’ve explained to him how many children do not receive as many nice gifts as he did and how some children do not get any gifts at all. That of course started a very long conversation with my son who asked a lot of questions about why some children do not receive any gifts.

This week I have made my son choose toys he does not want anymore so we can donate them. As we searched for toys, I would explain to him how other children would be so appreciative to receive some of these toys that we are giving away since some do not have as many toys like he does. This is just one example, but there are many other ways to teach your children about money.

For example, your child can select a present off an angel tree. If your child is older, maybe have him donate some money from his allowance to purchase a gift for another child. Do you have any ideas on how to show your child to appreciate what they have and it is important to give to others?

Stay at Home Mom: A Day In The Life

 

Dear Parents,

Today on Facebook I saw this posted. I thought this was so funny. *Disclaimer- I don’t recommend leaving your children unsupervised outside.*

A man came home from work and found his 3 children outside, still in their pyjamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn around garden. The door of his wife’s car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Walking in the door, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over and the throw rug wa…s wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was on loudly with the cartoon channel and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.

He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pyjamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, “What happened here today?” She again smiled and answered, “You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world do I do all day?” ”Yes,” was his incredulous reply. She answered, “Well, today I didn’t do it…”

-Author Unknown

The Elf on the Shelf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today we are starting The Elf on the Shelf tradition at our house. If you are unaware of this tradition, it is basically a great addition to Santa Claus each year. If you aren’t into Santa, then you might just want to skip this post.

You can purchase The Elf on the Shelf at Barnes and Noble, Target, and Amazon (the product comes with the Elf and a book). There might be other bookstores that sell this product. The story is that Santa has helpers that watch the children to see who is naughty or nice before Christmas. The Elf magically changes locations in the house each day (or hour) to spy on the children. The children are not suppose to touch the elf, and Santa has instructed the elf not to speak.

Children are also supposed to name their Elf. My son has named our Elf “Elfie”. My son is 4 years old and has been talking back a little bit and having an attitude problem, which I heard is normal for this age (for some kids I guess). I am hoping to use Elfie as a way to help my son’s behavior this month.

Today Elfie was hanging around our kitchen.

You can see The Elf on the Shelf at Amazon here.

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