A new year is around the corner and new challenges await. This is my last post for this blog. Believe me when I write that it's been an amazing adventure. Parenting is by far my most challenging endeavor. While it's obviously full of joy, there are definitely times of uncertainty. Sharing the good, the bad, and everything in between has been a privilege. But this isn't the end. There are many more pictures, projects and fun facts to share. Be sure to follow National Geographic Kids on Facebook and Twitter.
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Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Is it just me or did this year go by too quickly? I hardly knew you, 2011! Oh well, on to the next. I'm not much for resolutions, but I do have some goals for the coming year to share with you.
1. Plan more trips - By this I don't mean an elaborate travel schedule, although we do have a trip to Italy in the works. It does mean getting out in my own state (or even in our neighborhood) and discovering new places as a family.
2. Try new foods - I love finding new places to eat, especially if they offer new tastes and fit a modest budget. It's great for kids to experience foods of the world and it's especially fun when it can be something new for the whole family.
3. Less time in front of a computer - I waste too much time in front of a small screen. Not only do I loose track of time, but I feel guilty about it. Next year, I will have more discipline and less guilt. Setting an alarm is key.
4. Out with the old - Becoming minimalists has been a long-term goal of ours. We have been trying to whittle down all the stuff that we own so we do more with less. Now the project starts in earnest in 2012.
5. Enjoy each day - I hope this doesn't sound too "out there," but I'm trying to end each day appreciating something about the past 24 hours. It's so easy to let each day pass without any thought to what's transpired. I want to make more of an effort to feel grateful for at least one thing every day.
Do you have any goals for the next year?
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Wednesday, December 21, 2011
We are listening to a lot of music lately, and it's not just Christmas tunes. I just put a Raffi album on my iPhone and Kellan has requested it over and over.
I'm actually a bit dubious when it comes to kids' music. Sure, your kids like to listen but do you? My answer is often "no," but now that I've listened to Raffi on heavy rotation I've discovered it is music even the most resistant parent can enjoy.
Raffi has been around since I was a kid, so I wonder why it took so long for me to appreciate his music. His songs are not only catchy, but the lyrics are witty and memorable. I also appreciate his commitment to children's and environmental issues. Kellan started singing along the day after I bought the songs. It reminds me how quickly children learn through music. Too bad you can't put algebraic equations to music!
Does your preschooler have a favorite song or album?
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Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Kellan has reached a new phase recently. He loves to tell long, elaborate stories while he plays. It's hilarious to listen to. Sometimes he sits and babbles nonstop. Other times he acts out stories doing different voices and making sound effects.
Pretend play is nothing new at our house, but it seems as though Kellan's imagination has really taken off this school year. Whether it's a real scenario or an imagined world, he really commits and works hard not to "break character."
Pretend play is vital for a child's creative growth. It also helps improve social and language skills, and other developmental skills. So go ahead and play along at the next tea party or castle siege. You child isn't just playing, he's learning.
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Friday, December 16, 2011
Despite my best efforts to avoid it, I am fighting a cold this week. It feels more like an annoyance than an illness at this point. Still, I want it to go away! There are some simple steps I can take to feel better faster.
Saltwater gargles can offer relief for sore throats. My sore throat seems worse when I get out of bed in the morning so I should prepare a gargle when starting my day. Warm liquids also soothe sore throats, so I really should switch out my morning coffee for decaffeinated tea so I can have an extra cup if I need it.
Sleep is vital to feeling better. I've had a couple of late nights and it's taken a toll. Not only do I have a cold, I've been low on energy the past couple of days. Getting adequate sleep has a big impact on staying healthy. I should be more disciplined about getting to bed early.
Even though there is no evidence that vitamin C prevents or shortens the duration of colds, it also doesn't hurt. It's better to get your daily dose of vitamin C through foods like oranges, tomatoes, and dark leafy greens since you get other benefits, like fiber. Citrus fruits are not only loaded with vitamin C, but the scent of citrus is energizing. Many varieties of oranges and tangerines are in markets right now so it's another reason to indulge.
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