We all have them, Parenting Strengths and Weaknesses, whether we admit them or not. There just happens to be some things we are inherently good at when it comes to parenting and some things, well, that we must have been absent for the day they passed out parenting skills at school. Oh wait, they don’t teach those types of things at school, do they? Well at least not in an official predetermined class or anything, but I believe we’ve been reading between the lines almost our entire lives soaking up our maternal/paternal instincts and defining our unique parenting styles.

The true challenge for us as parents, is to come to terms with the areas we’re weakest in and devote some time and effort into improving them. For me, this particular time, my weakness is on the playground. It seems, somehow, I failed to teach my children to swing. I can’t tell you the exact moment when I missed my window or even why this has become an issue for us at all, but it has. You see, neither my 2 or my 4 year old have a desire to swing. Occasionally, I manage to get them on the swings – I gently push them – ever so slightly – and with one or two pushes they quickly blurt, “I’m all done Mom, I’m all done”. And that’s it. Our swing experience is over and they’re off – onto something else.

I’m working on myself a lot this year – being a better Mother included and I’ve decided, 2010 will be the year my children learn to love to swing. I watch from a distance admiring the relationships of other parents and their children as they move back and forth in a rhythm that exudes a personal connection – a secret they both share – about the joy of swinging.

Before

I’ve started already – choosing to experiment with my middle child [age 2] first. We make our way to the swings as the afternoon sun is still high enough to warm our faces. I place her in the harness, start singing a favorite song of hers and follow her with my body as I push. To my surprise, this time she’s feeling it too. She allows me to push her like this for some time before declaring, “I’m all done Mom, I’m all done.

Small Victory

Day 2: Today, I suggest we try the swings again – my daughter is a little more cuddly after nap time and enjoys being close to me a little longer than usual [love this time of day]. So she agrees and we bebop on over to the swings. Again, I start off by pushing her following with my body, but today I substitute the words of her favorite song with her name and a few catchy jingles related to swinging. Success! She loves it. It turns out she’s also more confident with swinging if she can hold my hand while we do it. We spend at least 10 minutes continuing in this manner, singing, swinging and holding hands [we're cute, I know]. I’m happy, feeling as if I am finally beginning to understand the swing connection between a parent and a child.

Day 3: This morning, we stopped by a local park to let her burn off some energy. They have several swings there but very rarely do my children even notice them – and if they do, they prefer to use them for flying [lying on the swing instead of sitting, arms flailing, feet dangling]. We play on every play structure, every slide and check out everything else but eventually, she suggests, “Mom, can we swing?” [rejoicing on the inside] I plop her in the swing, this time … she begins to sing, we continue on like this for a very long time.

Currently

I see a light at the end of the tunnel, I’m feeling confident I can conquer this parenting weakness, until a father and son sit on a swing next to us and begin to swing. Higher and higher they go, the boy laughing all they way. Turns out, I still have a long way to go before my children learn all there is to enjoy about swinging, but the important thing is we’re on our way And we’re ALL feeling better already.

He’s still not sure, but I’m hopeful

Do you feel like a failure when it comes to a common part of parenting? Getting kids to bed, choosing healthy snacks, finding alternatives to TV … if there’s something you feel like you could be doing 10x better, rest assured, you’re not alone. You’re just normal

~ Stacy

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Photo from katphoto on Flickr

The greatest gift you can give a child {aside from your time, love and attention} is the gift of literacy. We all want what’s best for our children and, really, what could be better than opening the door that quite literally puts the whole world at their fingertips? KSW has come up with a list of 10 handy moments to help you get your kids ready for reading.

1. On your way to school – If you’re at all like me, you probably have a hard time letting go of your little ones in the morning. Something about that state of half-consciousness when they allow all the cuddles and kisses you can dish out just melts my heart. Cherish these sweet moments while also inserting a little educational mommy & me time by reading a book on the couch before or after putting on their shoes … OR … if your children have a bit of a separation issue, ease them out the {car} door by reading one of their favorite stories. You’ll both be more relaxed and at ease with what’s ahead of you, what a great way to start your day.

2. At Nap Time – Nap Time can be a difficult time in any household but I’ve found the right book can make the whole situation a whole lot easier on everyone. Lately, I’ve been using The Napping House to get my kids ready. We whisper most of the story and ad-lib a bit {we do this with every story} and then I stop the book just before the flea wakes everyone up and tell the kids we’ll finish the rest of the book AFTER nap time – there’s no need to get them all wound up and excited just before bed.

3. In the Car – Purchase some engaging board books or picture books for your children to keep in the car. Allowing your children access to reading materials on road trips instead of television or video games can benefit your children in more ways than you’d imagine. Besides the obvious educational benefits, you’re also promoting a healthy imagination and an independent sense of play. Your child will be more capable of keeping themselves entertained in almost any situation.

4. Before Meal Time – Mealtime can be the CRAZIEST time of day for many of us. There are 100 things going on and all of them vying for your attention, meanwhile your toddler is doing laps around the kitchen table, full of some new found energy you’re not quite sure where they’ve found. There’s screaming … and scrambling … and you’re doing your best to get something healthy onto the table, Pronto. Want to know how? Pull out the big guns, your secret weapon … Daddy. Toddlers are desperately craving some attention from their fathers during this time of day and wouldn’t it be better for everyone to turn this potential disaster period into a positive {ahem, learning experience} that also provides you with just the right amount of quiet time to whip up something wonderful.

5. At the Doctor’s office – We’ve all been there … a crowded waiting room full of cranky, contagious toddlers, all of whom are on the brink of a meltdown at ANY moment. It’s a stressful situation for all of us, but how do we cope? Turn this situation in your favor and occupy your toddler {and others if you’re willing} with a captive narration of your favorite children’s tale. Board books that fit in your purse are a MUST for moms on the go – Mr. Brown Can Moo Can You has saved me from quite a few embarrassing moments in public.

6. At the grocery store – Kids + Grocery Shopping notoriously = DISASTER. Make this situation easier for yourself and your child by bringing along some engaging board books (with clips for the shopping carts if possible) Your kids will be entertained and you’ll have a bit of time to do some shopping instead of mindless grabbing.

7. At the end of the day – Instead of curling up to watch TV this evening, try cozying on the couch and reading as a family. Short stories might work best for little ones, but as your children get older and more interested in reading try switching to a story or series you can read a little bit each night.

8. At Bath Time – Turn bath time into an educational opportunity by introducing books made especially for the water or letting your kids play with foam numbers and letters in the tub.

Photo from Flickr

9. At Bed Time – Preparing toddlers for bedtime can be a real chore, especially if you don’t have your routine down pat. Help ease your little ones into a calmer state by reading … counting … and reciting the alphabet before turning out the lights. Letting youngsters choose their bedtime stories even gives them a sense of control in an otherwise seemingly hostile situation.

10. Anytime! – There really is no wrong time to pull out a book or practice the alphabet. Keep books in the bathroom, flashcards in your purse, and magnetic letter on your fridge. Your children will Thank You for the all the effort you put in now, when they get older.

Try introducing reading to your toddlers, at any of these opportune times in your day and your kids will be well on their way to reading in no time! The more we expose our children to reading and the more joyful of an experience we make it for them … the more likely they’ll grow up with a love for reading, a playful imagination, some wonderful memories and a strong sense of family values. Not to mention, a desire for learning that’s going to make us all VERY proud.

This post added to the Carnival of Reading and Book Play.

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If you’ve noticed a decrease in posts over the last few weeks, you can directly relate my absence to what’s been going on in my home life. In the last month, I’ve had one child have surgery, one with burst ear drums, and most importantly … well, we’ve welcomed a third bundle of joy into our lives. To commemorate this wonderful time in my life, I’ve asked an expert photographer and dear friend of mine – Katherine Marie for some tips on photographing newborns.

Her advice is nothing short of spectacular, just like her photographs. Here’s a few of the tips I’ll be practicing this week:

Tip #1: Put them IN/ON things – All those adorable baby photos that you see and love have baby perfectly poised on interesting props. I’ll be scouring my home for items I can use interesting ways.

Tip #2: Stock up on colors & textures – Bundling baby in textures such as silk, lumpy/bumpy yarns, velvet, and even cotton will make for interesting shots. Also, Katherine suggests mixing colored blankets in black, white, pink, blue, or mint for a dramatic effect.

Tip #4: Use Natural Light!! If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a 1000 times, the pros say turn OFF that flash.

Tip #5: Be silly & play Dress Up – I can’t wait to have fun with this one and maybe get my toddlers involved as well.

Tip #6: Try it in Black & White – Take your photo from Ho-Hum to How’d She Do That? with a quick color change. Pro Tip: Black & White photography will also help camouflage baby acne and blotchy skin. Thanks, Katherine!

Tip #12: Get CLOSE! Some of the most memorable shots don’t include all of baby. I’ll be focusing on toes and bums and little noses without having to worry so much about the fact that we’re just lying together on the unmade bed.

These are just a few of the great tips that Katherine suggests, be sure to read her full article on Photographing Newborns and check out all of the adorable photos she’s included too.

Katherine also suggests reading Nick Kelsh’s “How to Photograph Your Baby” , I don’t know about you, but I’ll be asking for this one for Mother’s Day. I hope you enjoy her article as much as I did, be sure to let me know which tips you’re willing to try and if you’re up to it email your photos to kidsstuffworld@gmail.com I’d love to see your little cutie.

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