Raising Good Kids

I've been reading a book for work called "Building Moral Intelligence".  This book guides the reader to teach children the seven virtues necessary to raise well rounded kids.  It is targeted to children from 3-15 years old but according to the author raising empathic children starts from toddler age.  What I like about this book is that it gives the reader practical ideas that one can easily implement.  One idea suggested was to teach emotional vocabulary to children by writing a word (happy)/ and correlating picture (smiley person).

Raising good kids seems like such a monumental task, but I know that parents are kids first teachers and if we don't do it, my babies will miss out on this learning experience.

Mixed babies and Tolerance

At work yesterday, we had a presentation about teaching tolerance to our students.  The speaker is half/asian and half white.  Just like my Wes and Ari.  She struggled with identity and belonging issues throughout elementary grades.  It was not until 6th grade when she had a teacher taught her about embracing her culture.  This really made me think about Ari and Wes and the challenges they might face in the future.  Right now, mom and dad can teach you about the golden rule.  Also, through questioning, "What is different about you and Timba?" or by my own response to what you say about others.  "That lady is fat... yes, she is a big person" instead of No, no don't say that...makes them think fat is a bad word.

Vocabulary Wizard

Dear Wes,

Today you learned ice while we were playing out in the backyard. You said "mom, shoe, ice" I think that was your way of putting a sentence together.  Yesterday, you said apple and rice.  Mom and dad are loving your language development.    Love you son.

Transitions

Days like these are hard.  Wes is so antsy from staying home all day, but its raining and cold outside.  What to do?  If I see the movie Croods for the 20th time, I will scream!  Now he is playing in the garage.  Transitions....

New Favorite things

Wes' can say catch, as in catch the ball and door. 

Ari is giggling and love watching Bryce and I play一角两角三角形 Love her giggles and laughs.

Whateva

I went to post office to mail a letter for Bryce and left Wes in the car for a minute.  Came out and open the car door, when Wes yell "Mama!" you think he was being abused.  Anyhoo, a middle age lady, was being all judgy and kept saying OMG like I had left WES in the car for two hours! What the freak...how dare you judge. Only God can do that.

Life is hectic

We're now in the fourth month with Ari.  Life consist of feeding (both of them), changing diapers (both of them) and cleaning after both of them.  Bryce and I don't really have time to ourselves until both are in bed, usually after 8:30pm.

Gong gong and Ama are pretty good about letting us come visit once each week so we can relax and run errands while they take turns babysitting the little ones.  My brother Marty, will stock Ama's house with treats that he thinks Wes would like (fruit roll up and chocolate).   I could not do this without the support of my awesome family!!

Time to time I think about my future role as a stat at home mom....mixed feelings of course. First of all, we have little friends in this area, I will have to make new mommy friends.  Second, I'm uncertain about staying home all day with two kids under 3 years of age, what to do??! Lastly, I feel like I can contribute to dual immersion programs but I can't serve like I want to.

I've worked as a educator for nearly ten years now (Dec.2004, Academy Park intern) for me to take a break is quite challenging because its been a part of me for almost a decade.  I know it may not be the best for my career but it would be best for our children. Love is splendid!