The Mediocre Mom's Guide to Greatness

Saturday May 29th, 2010

Today’s Activity:

While out and about running errands today turn off the DVD player, music and cell phone and ask your children about their day and really listen to what they have to say.

Note:

The best part about chatting while in the care is that they are buckled and can’t get away so they HAVE to talk to you.

Evaluate:

This was enjoyable as well as random. Max talked all about the snow and that in the mountains the snow is as deep as one daddy standing on top of another.

Tags: car, driving, visit
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Friday May 21st, 2010

Today’s Activity:

Spend some one on one time with each of your children.

Note:

This can be for as little as one minute or as much as one hour depending on your schedule.

Evaluate:

Elese wasn’t feeling well today so she and I spent most the day just sitting together on the couch singing songs and telling stories.  She’s been having a hard time adjusting to the move and I think this really helped her to have some extra attention.  Later, after her motrin kicked in, Max came over and sat by my too.  He talked all about how he has lost each of his teeth and that he was hungry enough to eat half of the world.  Things have been so busy that it was nice to finally have a chance to sit  and just visit

Tags: one-on-one time, rest, visit
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Monday March 29th, 2010

Today’s Activity:

Take the time to ask your children about their day.

Note:

Ask them what their favorite part of the day was.

Evaluate:

Max’s favorite part of the day was playing with his cars on the trampoline…that must have been after I fell asleep on the couch while watching Finding Nemo.  Elese’s favorite part of the day was our family walk around the block.  It just goes to show that it doesn’t take a lot to keep them happy.

Tags: day, favorite, visit
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Thursday January 7th, 2010

Today’s Activity:

Set aside some time today to spend alone with each child.  Plan for at least three minutes in a quiet room with each child to talk about their day or just read them their favorite story.

Note:

If time is an issue set a timer.  A timer will also help the child (or children) who are waiting for their turn to know that they will also get time with mommy as soon as the timer beeps.

Evaluate:

This was a pretty quick yet enjoyable activity.  I learned that librarian at Max’s school is replacing Coke with water for her New Years Resolution.  During my one on one time with Elese she told me that she wants to be a doctor when she grows up.  Did you learn anything new about your kids?  Here are a few ideas of things you can ask them:

Tags: alone time, children, getting to know, indoor, timer, visit
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Saturday November 7th, 2009

Click here to vote for our costume contest.

Today’s Activity:

Take yourself out of the picture today.  Visit a friend or family member in need.  Take them some of your leftover cookies (if there are any left) or just stop by and say hi.

Note:

While your there don’t be afraid to ask if they need anything or if you see something that needs to be done like shoveled walks or raked up leaves then take it upon yourself to do a little service.

Evaluate:

I didn’t really dare take my kids out visiting because they’ve had a cold for almost a week now and I thought it would be best to not share it with those that are in need.  So instead we raked my mom’s leaves.  It sounds great but we actually live with her so in a sense we raked our leaves but either way it was a service to her (and to me).  The kids had fun jumping in the leaves and I practiced patience by trying not to yell at them (emphasis on the “try”) when they would jump in just as I was filling a bag with leaves.

Tags: family, friend, leaves, service, visit
Posted in Average Length Activities | No Comments »