Teeter Totter ~ Finding a Balance Between Me-Hood and Motherhood

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Teeter Totter
Finding a Balance Between
"Me-Hood" and "Motherhood"

In this blog I'll be covering as wide a variety of subjects as the duties of a real mom in today's culture.


From raising special needs children, family vacations, marriage, relationships, sex, cooking, local to-do, school (both for you and the children), working, hiring a daycare provider, arts and crafts, decorating, holidays, to well... EVERYTHING!

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What I’ve Learned from Preschoolers

Every day I learn something new from the little kids I work with. I took the job hoping they would learn from me, but was surprised to find that the learning goes both ways. Enjoy my list.

 

~ A compliment goes a long way.

A little boy in my class told me this morning “WOW! Your dress is really pretty!” I was so shocked by this compliment that I just gushed over him (and yes, he went up a few notches in my book). A little unexpected compliment can really make someone’s day.

 

~ What’s mine is yours.

This may not be the first thing you think of when you think “preschooler,” but for the most part they do really have good intentions. They mostly share really well and genuinely care for each other… which takes me to my third lesson.

 

~ If you see someone hurt, show concern.

This may seem like common sense, but how many of us really stop to ask another person if they’re ok? Not enough I think. I adore it when I see genuine concern coming from them for each other, no matter what the situation.

 

~ Anything can be funny.

Oh yeah, anything. When you see a little kid cracking up at something you normally wouldn’t find hilarious, you can’t help it… you’ll laugh too.

 

~ Anything can be a toy.

Your nose, toes, eyes, socks. ANYTHING can be entertaining and interesting. When does this self-entertainment go away and we suddenly need iPhones? I’m not sure, but I like it this way better.

 

~ Be your own band.

I love making crazy music with the kids out of anything and think it’s great what natural rhythm they all have. Who needs iTunes? Be your own band!

 

~ Art is a physical activity.

When was the last time you watched a small child do something artistic? I assure you, they don’t just use their hands. They may smell the tools, smear, smudge, pound, rip, tear… I never knew art was so physical before I started working with little ones. I think they have it right!

 

~ Naps are our friends.

Why do we stop napping?

 

~ It’s more fun with a friend

Now I hate to work in groups, but most kids naturally are inclined to work together. They learn for each other, help each other and just have fun together (well, most of the time). I don’t know when it happens that we tend to isolate ourselves, but I like their way of getting things done much better.

8 comments from 6 users

1

posted by hmoeckli on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Very sweet! Kids are great. Justin came home today with a nasty headache, and Em totally patted him on the back. It was precious.

And here, here on the naps! I took one on Saturday and felt so much better. Didn't have one yesterday and had a stinky night sleep last night. Naps can cure anything!
posted by AmandaS on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:15 PM
I agree with naps. I am so much happier having recently re-introduced them into my life. My husband thinks it makes me lazy. I don't care. ;-)

I also love the "anything can be a toy" observation. When Ava was about 2 she would create a whole family and play out entire scenes. With rocks. She had a daddy rock, a mommy rock, etc., etc. It was hilarious.
posted by creatress on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:13 PM

hmoeckli , That is SOO cute about the headache. I love that. When they comfort each other at school I think it's just adorable. So sweet.

AmandaS , I used to nap a lot, now it's really rare, I for sure know what you're saying though. That's sad that your husband things it makes you lazy. You are the LEAST lazy person I've ever met. That's so cute about Ava and the pretend family. I love it. :)

posted by wifemotherdaughtersister on Sep 9, 2008 at 06:47 AM
oh that is so cute! i love it when little things like those restore your love of something you thought you had grown out of.  for me its coloring.  i've found that i really like to color.  and what a sweet little boy to compliment you on your dress!  awwww.
posted by creatress on Sep 9, 2008 at 08:01 AM
I love to color too! There's something still thrilling to me about a fresh box of crayons and a new coloring book. I can smell them now!
posted by Rinkus68 on Sep 9, 2008 at 04:35 PM
The ONLY reason I go to Chili's is to color with my daughter!!  (and the margaritas of course! :}  )  Love the story!  Isn't it great to see life through their eyes?  If we could all just eat crayons and get along.....  oh - and nap...
posted by creatress on Sep 9, 2008 at 05:27 PM

Totally! There's a resteraunt in Davis with butcher paper on the table and crayons. We ate there Sunday night and my son and I filled the whole table. Such fun! I can't keep my hands off it. The waitress was surprised and impressed by our zeal for drawing.

Good for you for staying young at heart!

posted by kellimwheeler on Sep 9, 2008 at 07:44 PM

Great list!

I also love seeing the genuine concern little kids automatically show for each other. My kids still run to get each other's blankies for comfort when the other gets hurt -- physically or emotionally.

We have also recently discovered that mud and a cardboard box can still provide hours of fun way beyond the preschool years. Santa should stock up on those.

But naps...right up there with chocolate and peanut butter or Junior Mints. Why would anyone ever give it up?

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