Routine is important to children. My kids, for the most part, thrive on routine, although routine weekly schedules involving their activities somehow escape their need for regularity. It's important for them to have movie nights on Fridays with a take out meal chosen by one of the kids (also done with routine - one kid gets to choose every 3 weeks); treats of chips or some other salty snack accompanying said movie; pancakes and bacon on the weekends; xbox time on the weekends. But ask the kids to be ready for tae kwon do or hockey or dance with all of the needed equipment and water bottles, and we get met with blank stares.
Quinn is no different when it comes to routine. Whenever there's a change in the schedule, it takes a few tantrums before he falls in line with the new regime. Like encouraging him to pee in the morning on the potty. Or using a new toothpaste. But some habits are cute and endearing. Like his morning routine. When he wakes up and decides it's time to head downstairs, he must have his blanket, pillow, soother and lambie. He hands them over to me to hold, while naming each object and then jumps into my arms for the trip down the stairs. Every car ride must also include blankie, pillow, lambie and soother. If one or all are missing, it's a recipe for disaster.
Quinn's evening routines are also well established. There's the brushing of his teeth and then arranging his blankie, pillow, lambie and soother. Then there are the gazillion stories to be read. This child is NOT interested in or two bedtime stories. There is often an entire library. The fact that he loves books is one to be encouraged. He's also interested in a wide variety of characters or subjects. Some nights, all the stories are about super heros. Some nights, it's hockey night in bed. Sometimes, Thomas rules the evening. Or a mish mash of characters. It would be easier to negotiate peace in the Middle East than to convince Quinn to settle for one bedtime story.
Last night, I was exhausted and feeling the need to curl up in bed early. I was hoping the monkeys would be entranced by the weekend movie selection and leave me alone. Quinn was having none of that. He climbed into bed and demanded his stories. I tried to explain that Mommy was tired and perhaps, could Daddy read to him?
No, that would not do for Quinn.
Mommy tried to reason with him, "Quinny, Mommy isn't feeling very well. How about just one story? And then we'll cuddle and sleep?"
Immediately, there was a look of concern on his tiny face. "Mommy, you sick? You need garbage bag to throw up?"
However, once satisfied I wasn't that kind of sick, he brought over three books and demanded his nightly entertainment.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Family meals not worth it?!?!
I can't believe the latest article in the Globe and Mail's Life section that panned family sit down meals. Despite the plethora of research that links family meal times with a protective shell against obesity in children, depression and risky behaviours in teens, this article focussed on the stress of making meals to suggest the benefits are not worth the effort? Really? The article's author interviewed some lame, pansy "urban daddy" who whined about his kids' picky palates as the source of stress. Since one kid was a vegetarian and one only ate carbs, meal times meant being short order cooks. First of all, why are they catering to their kids in this fashion? And secondly, their "catering" was a monster they created. It's not like their children had serious food allergies that are indeed a source of legitimate stress to real parents who have to figure out creative and nutritious meals that all family members can eat.
Urban Daddy also whined that at least one child was unhappy with the meal that was served and this caused distress to his wife, a career woman who spent hours coming up with meals. WHATEVER! Tough Sh--!! When you read this kind of drivel, it's no wonder there is a generation of young people who have a sense of entitlement to EVERYTHING, and don't understand how minor disappointments in life build character.
In my household, we try to sit down for a family meal several times a week. It doesn't always happen because of extra-curricular activities and our long commutes. Yes, I stress over meal plans to come up with 15 minutes meals that are not pre-packaged and contain all four food groups. On weekends, I will cook that traditional dinner that takes hours to prepare, and fills the kitchen with heavenly scents, only to have one or two kids turn their noses up at it. It is a shot to the cook's ego to have roasted lemon chicken refused, but Kraft dinner eagerly accepted. But that's kids, and I love mac and cheese, so I get it. I also know that eventually, their taste buds will learn to accept green peppers and celery and condiments on their burgers.
We try to make family sit down meals as a time to chat about the day. But some meals are rushed as we've got hockey or gymnastics or Tae Kwon Do. Sometimes the kids want to watch a tv show and we relent, since they're only allowed screen time on the weekends. This gives Mommy and Daddy a chance to linger over a glass of wine and catch out breaths from the hectic week.
I've re-read that silly article from the Sop and Pail, and I'm still trying to figure out the message. Are family meals not worth the effort because kids are picky? Well, then that's the parents' own fault. There was nothing in the article about the dangers of leaving the kids to fend for themselves when it comes to ditching family meals. And if it's about the stress of cooking meals, then perhaps there could have been more said about ideas for quick meals or ordering in nutritious meals. Or some suggestions on how to create a meal to deal with picky eaters. Or behavioural techniques to deal with such pickiness.
For example, earlier in the week, I drove home at 130km/h in rush hour GTA traffic, to cook a nutritious hot meal before the kids headed off to their activities. In less than 15 minutes, there was teriyaki salmon, udon noodles tossed in sesame oil, steamed beans and a tossed salad on the dinner table. (ok, I cheated. The salad was from a bad.) One kid raved about the meal, another only ate the salmon and some salad, one cried and stated she would puke if she had to eat and the fourth licked the salmon. Instead of giving in to the whining and providing them with an alternate meal, we just send them to bed without, because eventually, they'll learn to eat what is put before them, and that we don't live in a restaurant. And one night of going without won't kill them.
And that's my rant for the week, as my kids are chirping in the background about the injustice of not getting pancakes on the weekend. Tough! Eat your toast and bacon. There are children who aren't lucky enough to even get cold cereal.
Urban Daddy also whined that at least one child was unhappy with the meal that was served and this caused distress to his wife, a career woman who spent hours coming up with meals. WHATEVER! Tough Sh--!! When you read this kind of drivel, it's no wonder there is a generation of young people who have a sense of entitlement to EVERYTHING, and don't understand how minor disappointments in life build character.
In my household, we try to sit down for a family meal several times a week. It doesn't always happen because of extra-curricular activities and our long commutes. Yes, I stress over meal plans to come up with 15 minutes meals that are not pre-packaged and contain all four food groups. On weekends, I will cook that traditional dinner that takes hours to prepare, and fills the kitchen with heavenly scents, only to have one or two kids turn their noses up at it. It is a shot to the cook's ego to have roasted lemon chicken refused, but Kraft dinner eagerly accepted. But that's kids, and I love mac and cheese, so I get it. I also know that eventually, their taste buds will learn to accept green peppers and celery and condiments on their burgers.
We try to make family sit down meals as a time to chat about the day. But some meals are rushed as we've got hockey or gymnastics or Tae Kwon Do. Sometimes the kids want to watch a tv show and we relent, since they're only allowed screen time on the weekends. This gives Mommy and Daddy a chance to linger over a glass of wine and catch out breaths from the hectic week.
I've re-read that silly article from the Sop and Pail, and I'm still trying to figure out the message. Are family meals not worth the effort because kids are picky? Well, then that's the parents' own fault. There was nothing in the article about the dangers of leaving the kids to fend for themselves when it comes to ditching family meals. And if it's about the stress of cooking meals, then perhaps there could have been more said about ideas for quick meals or ordering in nutritious meals. Or some suggestions on how to create a meal to deal with picky eaters. Or behavioural techniques to deal with such pickiness.
For example, earlier in the week, I drove home at 130km/h in rush hour GTA traffic, to cook a nutritious hot meal before the kids headed off to their activities. In less than 15 minutes, there was teriyaki salmon, udon noodles tossed in sesame oil, steamed beans and a tossed salad on the dinner table. (ok, I cheated. The salad was from a bad.) One kid raved about the meal, another only ate the salmon and some salad, one cried and stated she would puke if she had to eat and the fourth licked the salmon. Instead of giving in to the whining and providing them with an alternate meal, we just send them to bed without, because eventually, they'll learn to eat what is put before them, and that we don't live in a restaurant. And one night of going without won't kill them.
And that's my rant for the week, as my kids are chirping in the background about the injustice of not getting pancakes on the weekend. Tough! Eat your toast and bacon. There are children who aren't lucky enough to even get cold cereal.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
The most wonderful time of the year
Yep, it's that time of the year - when the school bells ring, the children are out the door, eager to see their classmates and meet their new teachers, and parents are celebrating the return of routine and normalcy. It's also a time for bewilderment, as in, where did the summer go? How could it fly by so quickly? And of course, really? You need new shoes already? You grew how much over the summer?
Okay, the last two lines don't really affect me. At their annual medical checkups, we learned that while Ceilidh grew by 5 cm and gained 4 kilograms, Devlin only gained 3cm in height and 1 kilogram in weight. It's sad because Ceilidh now outweighs him by nearly 6 kilograms and is taller by 7cm. However, Devlin's feet are the larger ones. We're hopeful he'll grow into those feet soon.
Aisling was full of nervous energy on the first day of school, dreading grade one as she'd been told that "playtime" was thing of the past. But she was pleasantly surprised to meet up with several of her kindergarten buddies in her class.
The weather this week seems to be summer's last attempts at holding on, finally providing us with the heat and humidity that's normally observed in July. Despite the cooler weather, I think we still managed to cram in some summer fun this year. We opted not to do the CNE this year, and spent the day at the African Lion Safari instead. The monkeys still climb the cars but now there's an awesome water park and a train ride to enjoy. Not to mention the most delicious funnel cakes.
We also took the kids to Niagara Falls for a couple of days at the Fallsview water park. We did the obligatory trek down to the falls, the slow climb up Clifton Hill to gawk at the gaudy tourist attractions and purchase outrageously priced souvenirs for the kids. Here's one thing I love about water parks- no matter how unsure I am feeling about baring my post 4 kids baby in a bathing suit, there a gazillion other women in much worse shape than me, baring it - lumps, jiggly bits, cellulite and all.
There were also glorious days at the cottage. The waves were rough, the wind was refreshing, and of course, the time spent with family and close friends unbeatable. I could have done without the bug bites. My legs look like I've been attacked by chicken pox.
And then suddenly, it's September, and kids are in school, and I'm still trying to recover from summer. I'm enjoying my last few days of vacation at home. In between potty training Quinn, and staying on top of the back to school needs, reorganizing clothes and ensuring everyone has shoes and rain jackets for the fall, registering the monkeys for a slew of extra-curricular activities and mapping out the family schedule, I am trying to find some time to pamper me. So far, it's been in those few minutes after I've read Quinn some stories and we cuddle while he falls asleep for his afternoon nap. Those are precious moments I am trying to memorize. Next year, Quinn will be starting school and naps will be forever gone. At least, regular naptimes surrounded by fluffy pillows and cozy blankets.
Picking up the kids from school, trying to hear their excited news and tidbits about their day, coralling them for snacks, supervising homework and piano practice while trying to prepare supper, all the while, despairing at coming up with suitable quick meals for when I return to work and the kids are into hockey/dance/tae kwon do/cubs/brownies/piano/etc full swing....I'm ready to tear my hair out, or reach for the bottle of wine.
But I know, that this craziness will pass much too quickly. One day, I'll be staring at the phone, waiting for the kids to call from university or whereever they are, and wondering why I ever complained the house was too noisy.
So, I bid you good night, so I can go snuggle up to a sweaty, slumbering child and fall into the exhausted dreamless sleep of all moms.
Okay, the last two lines don't really affect me. At their annual medical checkups, we learned that while Ceilidh grew by 5 cm and gained 4 kilograms, Devlin only gained 3cm in height and 1 kilogram in weight. It's sad because Ceilidh now outweighs him by nearly 6 kilograms and is taller by 7cm. However, Devlin's feet are the larger ones. We're hopeful he'll grow into those feet soon.
Aisling was full of nervous energy on the first day of school, dreading grade one as she'd been told that "playtime" was thing of the past. But she was pleasantly surprised to meet up with several of her kindergarten buddies in her class.
The weather this week seems to be summer's last attempts at holding on, finally providing us with the heat and humidity that's normally observed in July. Despite the cooler weather, I think we still managed to cram in some summer fun this year. We opted not to do the CNE this year, and spent the day at the African Lion Safari instead. The monkeys still climb the cars but now there's an awesome water park and a train ride to enjoy. Not to mention the most delicious funnel cakes.
We also took the kids to Niagara Falls for a couple of days at the Fallsview water park. We did the obligatory trek down to the falls, the slow climb up Clifton Hill to gawk at the gaudy tourist attractions and purchase outrageously priced souvenirs for the kids. Here's one thing I love about water parks- no matter how unsure I am feeling about baring my post 4 kids baby in a bathing suit, there a gazillion other women in much worse shape than me, baring it - lumps, jiggly bits, cellulite and all.
There were also glorious days at the cottage. The waves were rough, the wind was refreshing, and of course, the time spent with family and close friends unbeatable. I could have done without the bug bites. My legs look like I've been attacked by chicken pox.
And then suddenly, it's September, and kids are in school, and I'm still trying to recover from summer. I'm enjoying my last few days of vacation at home. In between potty training Quinn, and staying on top of the back to school needs, reorganizing clothes and ensuring everyone has shoes and rain jackets for the fall, registering the monkeys for a slew of extra-curricular activities and mapping out the family schedule, I am trying to find some time to pamper me. So far, it's been in those few minutes after I've read Quinn some stories and we cuddle while he falls asleep for his afternoon nap. Those are precious moments I am trying to memorize. Next year, Quinn will be starting school and naps will be forever gone. At least, regular naptimes surrounded by fluffy pillows and cozy blankets.
Picking up the kids from school, trying to hear their excited news and tidbits about their day, coralling them for snacks, supervising homework and piano practice while trying to prepare supper, all the while, despairing at coming up with suitable quick meals for when I return to work and the kids are into hockey/dance/tae kwon do/cubs/brownies/piano/etc full swing....I'm ready to tear my hair out, or reach for the bottle of wine.
But I know, that this craziness will pass much too quickly. One day, I'll be staring at the phone, waiting for the kids to call from university or whereever they are, and wondering why I ever complained the house was too noisy.
So, I bid you good night, so I can go snuggle up to a sweaty, slumbering child and fall into the exhausted dreamless sleep of all moms.
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