Browsing Archive: May, 2009

Must-Win Monster

Posted by Patty Osborn on Friday, May 29, 2009, In : Parenting 
I attended my grandson's little league game this week and I was listening to the parents interact with their boys.

I believe you can cheer on your child without creating a monster. Emphasize that competition is about self-measurement and strive for excellence and not showing off. Be realistic about your child's abilities. A simple 'good job' rather than over-the-top adulation conveys that it's the effort that counts. Kids need to hear that a parent's affection doesn't hinge on their success.

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Like Freebies?

Posted by Patty Osborn on Saturday, May 23, 2009, In : Shopping 

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Be Cool!

Posted by Patty Osborn on Friday, May 22, 2009, In : Parenting 
It's important to react calmly and consistently to your child's bad behavior, even if you are beyond irritated. Set rules and stand firm; otherwise, kids will continue to act up.

Our #1 family rule is RESPECT. This means no fighting, hitting, name calling, swearing or back talking allowed. Adults included!

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Learning to Share

Posted by Patty Osborn on Monday, May 18, 2009, In : Parenting 
To alleviate your child's anxiety over sharing, have him put away his favorite toys before his friends arrive to play. This shows your children that you respect their special things, but that sharing is part of playing. I also like to let them know that their toys won't be going home with their friends. If your child and his pal start battling over a toy, calmly tell them. "We take turns in this house." Then set the kitchen timer to ensure each child gets equal playtime with the treasured toy...
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Momism

Posted by Patty Osborn on Friday, May 15, 2009, In : Quote of the Day 
Those who sleep like a baby
Don't have one


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Kodak Memories

Posted by Patty Osborn on Thursday, May 14, 2009, In : Parenting 
May is when I start planning our summer vacation. I start by sending away for maps and tourist guides to places that I think we might like to go. One summer our vacation was on the history of our state. We started by checking out books at the library on our state and reading up on its history. For our vacation, we toured a lumber museum, spent a day at a Fort, visited a Bear Farm, saw a laser-light show, found the state stone on a beach, went to a maritime museum, and other state points of in...
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United We Stand

Posted by Patty Osborn on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, In : Parenting 
Parents disagreeing over how to discipline their kids can be one of the biggest family challanges. When talking with your spouse about discipline, show some flexibility. If one idea doesn't work, then try another one. Be open to listening and trying other options. Approach discussions with your spouse as a win-win deal. Proceed as a united front.
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You know you're a real mom when...

Posted by Patty Osborn on Saturday, May 9, 2009, In : Quote of the Day 
Your alarm clock is the sound of your little baby laughing and playing in her crib.
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Growing A Better World

Posted by Patty Osborn on Saturday, May 9, 2009, In : Hobby 
I grew up on a farm in Michigan. We had a horse, cows, goats and chickens. My dad had a full-time job in a factory, but he considered himself a farmer. April/May were busy months getting the fields ready for the crops. My grandma and mom kept a garden. Actually several. There was the vegetable garden, the strawberry patch and of course the flower gardens scattered across the lawn. My sister and I helped them in the garden. My grandma and mom used this time to share stories of the family and ...
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Motherhood is not...

Posted by Patty Osborn on Thursday, May 7, 2009, In : Quote of the Day 

Motherhood is not for the fainthearted. Frogs, skinned knees, and the insults of teenage girls are not meant for the wimpy.

Danielle Steel, from The Gift of Motherhood


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Loving a child...

Posted by Patty Osborn on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, In : Quote of the Day 

Loving a child doesn't mean giving in to all his whims; to love him is to bring out the best in him, to teach him to love what is difficult.

Nadia Boulanger, music teacher


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The perfect gift for mom.

Posted by Patty Osborn on Monday, May 4, 2009, In : Shopping 
With Mother's Day in less than a week, have you found the perfect gift for mom yet? You can go traditional with flowers or a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant.

I’m giving my daughter-in-law and son a night away from the grandkids. I love having the two little ones spend the night; and they love being at Nana’s and Poppy’s.

I did get my mom a Detroit Tiger’s Coffee Cup. (She is such a huge fan!) I have to finish buying the other items in the basket. I thought Starbucks coffee...

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Volunteering: a family tradition

Posted by Patty Osborn on Sunday, May 3, 2009, In : Volunteer 

Volunteering has been an important part of my life. My mom and dad did volunteer work at church and at school, plus they were 4-H Leaders. By working bake sales and banquets along side my parents, I learned valuable people skills and how to count money. Through 4-H, I learned how to cook, sew, fix a lamp, grow plants, and (when I got older) how to take minutes, track finances and run a meeting.

With my own family, my husband and I chose Scouts and the March of Dimes as our charities to suppor...


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Patty Osborn


I dedicate this blog to the women in my life for sharing their words of wisdom and supporting me on my life's journey.

 

 

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