my friend says that i am over-compensating for something cuz I am always taking them to the beach, water park (we have annual passes), boating, movies, over to a friend's house, etc. I think it's a pain to just stay at home cuz they fight over their toys and over what color the paint on the walls is! So, am I spoiling them or just simply making life easier and more enjoyable?
2006-07-24 04:57:32 · 35 answers · asked by Stephanie P 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I, too, am a teacher, and a single mom on top of it. During the school year, I sometimes work 50 hours a week. (I begin highschool time and end elementary school time.) I made a list of all of the "field trips" my son and I would be going on this summer, in between master's classes. During the school year there is not a lot of time to "run around." So while the lights are out at the ol' schoolhouse, it's time to play. There are, however, limits. We do not get "souveniers" at each place, nor do we eat out at each place. This kind of bonding time is necessary for my sanity and his security. Your friend, does he/she have any sort of formal education that makes him/her qualified for such a statement? Perhaps you are compensating. We squeeze in 12 months of work in only 9. The other three months, those are ours to spend. Sometimes we work those months too. Its all about choices...your choices, not your friend's.
Kids do need "downtime" though, you know that. And they must also learn to get along with one another, just as you must learn to deal with their squabbles. Structured time at home is just as valuable as field trips. It is also just as memorable. Do you ever get to play with the Matchbox cars? They'd love it if you did. What about forts, complete with Rice Krispy treats? Or maybe the sprinkler in the afternoon and then barbeque? You can even roast marshmallows.
Enjoy your kids, life is short, and the round little cheeks and toothless grins are fleeting...
2006-07-24 05:21:53 · answer #1 · answered by onelittlebelle 1 · 8⤊ 0⤋
I think I would qualify as a "busy teen", however my GPA isn't perfect and I haven't taken the SAT yet. Don't get me wrong, my GPA is pretty good (4.1). I take all honors and AP classes in school and play a varsity sport, play on a traveling team which practices all year round, am a member of Key Club, Freshman Mentors, Student Council, and am a CCD teacher at my parish. A lot of what you are talking about is time management but some of it is that your friend was just extremely focused and driven. I have to admit that there have been nights when I have procrastinated or have just gone to bed instead of staying up a few extra hours to study. I don't think there is anything wrong with this though as long as it doesn't happen often. Here are a couple of key tips. You need to figure out what your time wasters are. Perhaps they are websites like facebook, YA, and twitter. Once you have these identified, try to limit the amount of time you spend on them. I finish all my homework and then go on these sites. You will find that you will be able to get through stuff much quicker than before. As for the activities, it can be rough trying to fit everything in with a load of schoolwork. My advice is to keep a planner and to try to write everything you have to do down including activities and homework. This will help you figure out how much time you have to get everything done. Another thing that helps me is to be flexible with my homework schedule. For instance, in the fall, I know that I have practice every night from 7:00-:9:00, so I try to finish most of my homework before practice. I also know that I have club meetings after school for a half an hour or so. What I am trying to say here is, you need to plan ahead when you are going to do your homework so you feel less stressed. Lastly, I am going to say that you should make use of the down time in school. Perhaps you could keep one or two assignments with you all the time so you will have them if a teacher gives you a few minutes at the end of class. You will be surprised at how much you can finish in this short time. Sorry this is so long, but I hope it helps a bit!
2016-03-27 05:06:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this part of activity will only be temporary for both parents and kids since they are growing up and normally at these age are the times they are longing for their interests. These are also the times they need our advise from what is right and what is wrong whenever they do things. We should be able to be there whenever they needed us otherwise their foundation would not be that strong.
On the otherhand, it's a bit costly if you drive them somewhere rather than staying at home :-)
Good thing if you have outdoor activity is they tend to adapt to the environment/society which is normal.
2006-07-24 05:28:45 · answer #3 · answered by chucky 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you and your friend are both right.I can understand you want to spend time with your boys.But you can also spend time at home once in a while.Pluse it's cheaper in the price.You could go on line and check out some interesting activities out.But if they fight over something just tell thm "If you can't share then you all won't be able to play with the toy."Show them a little tough love.
2006-07-24 05:08:04 · answer #4 · answered by Lil'A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can never love on your kids too much! However giving them things to do isn't always the best way to show love because you do'nt wanna spoil them.. if you feel like you're spoiling them by giving them more activities than they need maybe you could just hang out at home and teach them things like how to cook or how to build things, use a video camera and make funny home videos, and let them be creative. Sometimes when kids hang out at home together they will eventually LEARN how to get along, how to get creative and entertain themselves rather than depending on your for everything like stopping fights and entertaining them. Then when you need a break, take them out. Make those outtings special... if you do it way to much it will just be normal, not special.
2006-07-24 05:07:19 · answer #5 · answered by shelsi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are a TERRIFIC MOM ! One rainy day have some t shirts ready and some fabric paints & go to town ! That day will last as long as the shirts will ! You'll be amazed how much fun everyone will have. The best part is when they create their own artwork & wear it with pride ! My daughter once made a shirt that read " I LOVE MY DADDY " , I still have it 15 years later ( in a keepsake box ) ....what a thrill that was !
2006-07-24 05:40:19 · answer #6 · answered by Jo Jo Gunn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's great that you're always doing things with them... it's good for them, it's good for you and it makes great memories for all of you... one day, when they are older, they will say "hey mom, remember when we did this?" or "remember when we went there?" when they are older and you are all sitting around remembering and talking about things you've done together you won' t have a single regrett about it.. and if it all spoils them a little, so be it, they are only little for a very short time..before you know it they will be driving and going off to college... enjoy them being little while you can..
2006-07-24 05:26:21 · answer #7 · answered by lady T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heck no...you are definitely not over-compensating! You are having quality times with your kids and that is great. Wish my parents had done the same. Better to get the kids out of the house and let them have fun with you. You go gal!
2006-07-24 05:02:03 · answer #8 · answered by Shar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as they dont expect it done for them, and DONT have an additude when you want to take a day off. Then I think its better than planting them in front of the tv for the summer. Also if its easier on you to be out of the house then !!!Go for it!!!
2006-07-24 05:01:23 · answer #9 · answered by mommyto6 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are so lucky to have the summer off to spend with your children. Who ever is saying you are spoiling them is jealous!!!!! I don't think you're making life easier. Easier would be to shurt your bedroom door and yelling at them to shut up while you watch your soaps!! You're making likfe enjoyable for both them and you.
2006-07-24 05:06:14 · answer #10 · answered by chis_sl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋