Kids test parents’ patience all the time. They whine, bargain, cry, mope and dawdle. They yell and scream and make themselves the centre of attention. Sometimes they dig their heels in and simply refuse to budge. While we may wish our kids would be compliant, cooperative and sunny in temperament, the reality is that they are doing exactly what they’re supposed to be doing. They are learning how to manage their emotions, whether it’s sadness, anger or fear. Kids do this by expressing themselves in the moment. Unlike adults, most young children don’t hold in what they are feeling. They release pent-up emotions right when they feel them, if we let them, and then they move on!
Does a stay-at-home or single dad have a tougher job than a mom? Many people treat them that way. My husband was the one to care for our daughter after school while I worked. His duties included taking her to Wednesday evening gymnastics classes while I taught at the local community college.
Most everyone has experienced being the new person in a community, school or other environment. Every family needs a support system and when you’re new in town, time is of the essence. Once your family has settled on the neighborhood you will live in, your next step is to get out there and meet people in the community.
In addition to being a short-order cook, housekeeper and 24/7 chauffeur, I’m also my kids’ No. 1 fear-fighter. I check under their beds for bad guys and stick my own arm in the toy bin “to make sure the crab isn’t real.” Almost every day my kids ask for help with scary situations.
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