Modern Day Parenting

I have searched all over the internet to find healthy food and fun games to play with my pre-k son and baby, only to be amazed at what people consider "healthy." People go to their doctor for insignificant reasons, and get their children prescription medication, when there are perfectly healthy and helpful at home remedies. The information just isn't available because there is no funding. Being a good parent has fallen by the wayside as our society is more consumed with superficial mumbo jumbo. Being a parent is hard work with very little appreciation, but it can be very fulfilling and with time an patience be the most rewarding accomplishment in your life.

There are a lot of extreme parenting beliefs that could probably stifle your child so much that they behave out of fear, lack of love or guidance. Eventually it will turn into resentment and you will lose any chance of having a good relationship. Kids will misbehave when they are testing out their boundaries and not getting enough attention. A lot of my children's "bad behavior" is easily solved with a good healthy meal. I always have both kids in the kitchen with me as I prepare snacks or meals. I teach them proper safety and fully anticipate that the meal will not come out as quick or aesthetically pleasing as it would if I was cooking solo. My son is getting ready to start kindergarten and could probably cook as well as most bachelors, not considering his height. My daughter is not quite a year, but she still gets to help carry ingredients, be a taster or just bang a whisk and rubber spatula.

When she was diagnosed as "colic," we started looking up exactly what colic is. The definitions are vague to say the least and offer very little relief to the parents or child. It seems that rocking or walking her around when she is upset overstimulates her and makes it near impossible to console her. What most doctors won't tell you is that cutting out carbohydrates and lactose, whether through your diet if your nursing or finding the right formula, may make the world of difference. Then you can slowly reintroduce one questionable item at a time and see what causes the problem. If you're trying anything with gluten, you need to wait at least five days after you try it as the results could be delayed. Gluten sensitivity causes the stomach to cramp and the intestines will not digest properly. My daughter has celiac disease (sensitivity to gluten) along with being sensitive to lactose and corn. I have tweaked our recipes so she doesn't feel left out and so I can eat a variety of food and still give her all the healthy benefits of nursing. I buy only organic food if I can help it. Target is a great place to find deals on organic food; Cost-Co also has a pretty good organic selection. Some chain grocery stores are good too, but the price seems to be pretty high. Whole foods makes it easy, because everything is labeled and they are very use to finding allergy sensitive food.

Another important thing you can do for your children is keep them busy! We play games, make crafts, explore outside and make a fools of ourselves. The latter is very important: if you expect perfection from yourself, your child will never be able to feel like you don't expect perfection from them. Admit to your mistakes. This will help your children learn to forgive and understand that their mistakes are okay. Everybody wants to feel excepted for who they are. Indulge their fantasies, they will soon grow out of them. Right now is simple, enjoy it and make the most of each and every day. Remember kids are kids, not adults. Becoming an adult is a long learning process, and kids cannot be expected to suddenly grow up and act responsibly. Your goal is a long way away, so support good behavior, stick to what works and love, love, love.!

I want to make this a place of healthy recipes, fun crafts and games and home remedies to make healthier, happier kids. I will work on this in the hopes that it will help all parents out there.