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    I Feel Horrible

    Aw, thats a shame! I know he'll forgive you though. I bet he already has, and I hope his foot is okay too. I do think we all have these moments though. Its hard to be a mommy sometimes. A lot of times, actually! Maybe take this as a sign to get yourself some relief. Maybe a few hours...
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    children and hitting

    How does spanking teach that hitting is no solution? I think it teaches the opposite. Our kids learn a lot more about how to handle problems by watching to see how we handle problems. If they see that we handle problems by hitting until we've gained obedience, then will they not...
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    children and hitting

    No, I don't think it says that exactly, actually.
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    children and hitting

    So they learn that the strongest person is the correct person, and that whoever can use intimidation and pain the most effectively is the person who should be obeyed. And that maybe when they are big, they can use intimidation and pain to control others too! How fun.
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    children and hitting

    That is what worked for us too. And the consequence for hitting is that the victim gets a lot of attention, and the aggressor is required to separate himself from family or friends for a couple of minutes until he can "pull it together" and come back ready to be nice. For a verbal child, this...
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    A two year old and temper tantrums

    I agree with pmcleanj that your baby is probably not trying to manipulate you. In fact, I've found that it is always a good rule of thumb to deal with behavior, but to assume the best about my child's intentions. He is whining because he does not know how to do any better -- not because he has...
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    church activities

    The key to getting my son involved and cooperative during the service was educating him about the literagy, and answering all his questions. He understands a great deal more now that he can read and follow along, and grasps some of the concepts that we've disscussed at home. And if he can't...
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    school

    The school started in the 1970s as a shoot off from the local university education program, though completely independent. The kids range in age from 1st - 8th grade. They are divided into 4 groups, each of which spans aproximately 2 grades, and has about 20 kids in each group with 2 lead...
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    church activities

    My youngest child attends sunday school and will attend VBS for the first time this summer. (Assuming he will allow me to detach his little clutches from leg when we arrive for drop-off!) My oldest refuses to go to Sunday school any longer. He's a trip. Insists that 2nd grade sunday school...
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    school

    Our oldest goes to a very small secular private school with an "alternative" aproach to learning. We've been overwhelmingly happy with it, an our youngest will go there as well in 2 years.
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    angry with my In-laws

    I would not have let them stay either! An overnight visit is a very *big* deal for my kids, and I go out of my way to make sure that I am aware of the circumstances and the plan, and that my children are prepared for whatever is going to be happening as well. If I were to go to drop my...
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    advice wanted for terrible twos

    A temper tantrum is an expression of anger. The goal should be to coach our children to express anger in appropriate and constructive ways. The goal should be to help them replace the tantrum with words. That way they still have a way to express the anger they feel. I have problems with...
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    6 year old with an attitude

    I do quite a bit of role playing with my kids. When they phrase something rudely, I stop them and make suggestion for how they might rephrase their question or comment. I am unwilling to continue the conversation until they speak appropriately. I practise with the 3 yo, and have him repeat...
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    swimming lessoms

    Yes, my children both started at age 3. My oldest is 7.5 and quite and accomplished swimmer. My primary reason was to give them the opportunity to spend time with a "class" and learn to take instruction from a teacher. Also, I think it boosts their self-confidence to learn a skill and find...
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    Should Parents Spank Their Children?

    I wasn't able to link to that study, however I would expect that because they have generalized the definition of "child abuse" to include hitting of any sort.
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    Sleeping in MY bed?

    I could never let a baby cry alone in a crib. I just couldn't do it. We rocked/nursed our babies to sleep and laid them down, and when they woke during the night we brought them into our bed. That way, we had a few hours without baby. Then when baby came to bed, DH moved into a twin bed that...
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    TEETH BRUSHING

    This thread is reminding me to include toothbrushes in the easter baskets!!!
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    advice wanted for terrible twos

    That is a profound and *true* sentiment. I remember having such HIGH expectations of my first child, probably connected to so many anxieties about how he would turn out. But then with my 2nd child, I had a better concept of the fact that the difficult phases *do* pass. I've been able to be...
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    Should Parents Spank Their Children?

    I am guessing that the general attitude toward children in Sweden is much gentler and more respectful. It must be great to be a kid in Sweden, and to grow up with a healthy understanding of the integrity of your own body, and the boundries that others are required to respect regarding your own...
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    advice wanted for terrible twos

    I try to perceive all 2 yo. temper tantrums as an expression of frustration, anger, dissapointment, or sadness. Its never been helpful for me to view it as advisarial in nature. I try to remind myself that it is not about ME, it is about his strong feelings, and the fact that he hasn't learned...