Message
I like Justice too. You can shorten to Justin, too.
I found a bunch of mini slinkies at Target. I gave one each and kiddie post its with mini markers. They were all in the $1 bins.
I think slinkies are fun...and pen and paper is always a hit. Kids love to draw.
I think slinkies are fun...and pen and paper is always a hit. Kids love to draw.
oh and I will add that her husband is also a chef and gives healthy cooking classes.
The only personal trainer I know around here (Arlington) is Coco Low. I hear good things about her. www.cocofitness.com
OP, I don't think you are whining. I think you are just realizing things about your childhood as parenthood opens up those memories. It doesn't sound like you had awful parents, but perhaps you craved a stronger emotional bond with them. There's nothing with wanting that. I think all you can do at this point is to keep building a strong emotional bond with your kids, and just be the involved, closely-knit family that you always wanted.
Ok, I like your idea of letting the child stay. I never said it had to come to a stop. And I can see how the "speak your mind" bit might have come across as a bit brash...but it's my way of saying talk it out. Perhaps you are right, PP, maybe a talk won't do any good. And I think it is compassionate of you to want the child to stay in the house. Asking you to enlighten us was not meant to be an insult. I was just curious what your advice was. If I have insulted you, that is certainly not my intention no matter how much of a big mean monster you think I am. ~ZM
I know I don't run this board. Jeff does.
ok. going to enjoy the sun while its out. peace.
I know I don't run this board. Jeff does.
ok. going to enjoy the sun while its out. peace.
Anonymous wrote:zumbamama wrote:And I commended OP for being there for the girl, because I have been in the same situation. I wasn't judging her or saying I was better than her. That is never my intent.
No you're not judging the OP. You are judging the other mother's parenting skills and suggesting that OP tell this woman all the things she's doing wrong as a parent. Do you actually think someone who obviously has issues wants to hear how her neighbor thinks she is a bad parent and how to improve? This approach would perhaps make OP feel better; but as I suggested before and will again, the effect of this "talk" would most likely make this situation much worse for this child. Do you need me to spell out what some of these repercussions could be?
And by the way, you were hurt and angry--dare I say outraged-for me to call you out on what I believe to be a self-righteous response to this issue. See how you yelled back and looked to your friends to back you up and tell you, it's ok, you're right--she's wrong, a troll! I am not a troll. (It's so amusing how everyone on this listserv rushes to label people "trolls".) Yes, the mother's response would be exactly the same, except fueled by divorce, depression, anger and alcohol.
I am not judging anyone. I never said anything about yelling or being mean to the other parent. There is always a nice way to communicate, without being bitter and insulting. If someone left their child at your house and never bothered to communicate with you, what would you do? Say nothing? So what if I asked the mother of the girl who was staying at my house if she knew where her daughter was that night? That isn't an unreasonable question.
I don't see anywhere in my post where I am YELLING LIKE THIS, in fact I believe I used the word clarify (which you perceive as outrage?). That is your own misinterpretation of what I wrote. I don't come here to insult or judge anyone, not even you.
PS. I never called you a troll. I have no desire to insult you. Can we disagree without being insulting to each other? Do you have anything constructive to say to the OP? If so, enlighten us.
thank you. And let me clarify that when I say firmly, and speak your mind, that doesn't mean she can't be nice and diplomatic about it. She can address the problem with her neighbor in a nice way as to not create any additional tension.
And I commended OP for being there for the girl, because I have been in the same situation. I wasn't judging her or saying I was better than her. That is never my intent.
I do not think I'm holier than anyone. I'm just saying I wouldn't stand by and NOT say anything. Why is talking about the problem bad? Why is communication annoying? Why is speaking up for yourself lacking insight? Maybe it won't change a thing if she speaks up, but at least the neighbor will know where OP stands on the matter. What is your advice PP? Just let things ride?
My DSD had a couple friends like that. They would come over after school, stay for dinner, and when I try to contact the parents, they are nowhere to be found. I let them stay the night because I didn't want them out on the street. The parents came the next day and didn't even say a word about the matter! I'm like, "did you even know where your daughter/son was last night?" They don't know or care! So, so sad.
If I were you, I'd lay down the ground rules firmly. It is nice that you are there for her, but it is your house. I wouldn't hold back my thoughts from the mother either. Speak your mind! Maybe they could use the wake up call.
If I were you, I'd lay down the ground rules firmly. It is nice that you are there for her, but it is your house. I wouldn't hold back my thoughts from the mother either. Speak your mind! Maybe they could use the wake up call.
Anonymous wrote:zumbamama wrote:Stretching and walking sounds like a good way to start. If you feel you are overdoing it, then maybe shorten your workouts or decrease the intensity for now. Make sure you are well hydrated before and after. You could try 2x a week this month. 3x a week next month. Work your way up. Your endurance, strength, cardio capacity will build over time.
Getting regular massages also helps me stay limber. I don't think I could stay so active without them.
Do you have a tip on more affordable massages? I definitely think they are worth the investment but the high price makes it hard for me to justify much more than 1-2x a year (unless of course my mom treats me and pays for it which she does every once in a while!).
You can try massage schools. My MIL has one of those machine pads that you drape on a seat and the "thumbs" go up and down your back. It's heaven. I so need to get one of those.
Anonymous wrote:My mom who was as unfit as a wet noodle decided to get into shape when she turned 50. First she started walking around the local high school track, and could only do a little. One day she saw a man alternating walking and running and decided to try jogging a bit. She jogged then walked, jogged then walked. One day she decided to to make it around the track...
Today she is 70 and goes to the gym almost every day, can run for miles, lift weights and does yoga. She says she is in better shape now than she was at 30. So there you go!
I love stories like that!
Don't feel bad OP. I got a computer print-out card and some roses. My kids gave me some rocks they found on the beach.
OP, May I ask what he got you last year?