Whenever I hear parents at the start and end of school term worried about how tired and grouchy their children are, I think I’m relieved and pleased that so far N doesn’t show these traits. I’ve certainly lucked out with him, especially now he’s no longer waking at 5am every day, and mostly stays in his own bed. I just want to show that kids don’t always follow the usual expectations that we always hear, and that if your child… Continue Reading “Child development myths – my child is different”
Parenting advice seems to say to avoid negotiating with kids. I’m not sure I agree. We have a lot of negotiations in our house. Ever since N has grasped the fact that he might be able to get something following a discussion, there’s not much he asks for where he doesn’t back it up. He doesn’t always get his own way, but teaching children to negotiate and argue their cause is a pretty valuable skill for them to learn. I… Continue Reading “Negotiating with kids – for sheep”
This year’s holiday firsts were never going to beat last years when N went on a plane for the first time. But 3 weeks in to this summer and he’s already had some pretty fun firsts. As children grow up you forget the milestones and the firsts they’ve done, so sometimes it’s nice to remember and celebrate them. Last year N did a scrapbook for the summer, and I’d like to get him to do another one this year. Although… Continue Reading “Enjoying summer holiday firsts”
As with N’s reception year, Year 1 has whizzed by. It’s been a good year for him, and after spending the majority of reception playing, this year he’s got to where he should be for his year group. It just goes to prove that things have to click for them. And eventually it will for pretty much all children. Class structure adjustment N’s year was a little strange in some ways. In his school, Year 1 children are the only… Continue Reading “The end of Year 1 / hopes for Year 2”
Considering I didn’t ever really think I’d want to have children, I think we’ve had a pretty easy ride of it so far. Making the decision to try for a baby was a good one and it’s worked out well. Easy pregnancy, easy ‘labour’ (most calm unplanned c section ever), easy baby and so far, not too much trouble since then. While N has been a pretty easy going child so far, he does have selective hearing, never does the… Continue Reading “Teacher’s pet or super keen kids”
When you have a baby or toddler, the development leaps and the amount they learn is huge each month. Then once they’re older, at school, those milestones slow down. Or rather, they don’t slow down, but they’re more gradual, and there’s fewer large obvious milestones for them to complete. Learning to ride a bike – tick, age 4 Starting school – tick, age 4 ¾ Losing the first tooth – tick, age 5 (tooth 8 now wobbly a year later!)… Continue Reading “Child development leaps and bounds”
I’ve said many times that I’ve despaired over N’s swimming. He’s been having lessons since he was 3 months old, so nearly 6 years later he should really be able to swim reasonable well by now. But he still can’t swim on his back without a float aid, and even on his front it’s hard going. With a float belt (at the minimal level) he’s great. He’s fast with a float, his legs are strong, and he does everything he… Continue Reading “How long does it take to learn to swim”
Boys are a law unto themselves. N definitely knows his own mind and he’s gone through life so far, being easy going. So easy going about everything including friends. I find watching him develop and his friendships change really interesting. I so should have been an anthropologist watching people! He’s always got on well with people. Probably because he’s pretty even tempered, adapts pretty well and is usually happy to be led. I despaired in the past, because I worried… Continue Reading “Friends – the rules for a 6 year old boy”
After having nearly 6 years of a lovely little boy, N is going through a nasty phase. I don’t think he realises he’s doing it, and from talking to people it sounds like lots of children go through it. But it’s really sad to be on the receiving end of some of the things he says. It’s strange having his personality transplant moving from nice child to nasty child. We’ve had it lucky so far with him. He’s generally been… Continue Reading “When a nice child becomes a nasty child”
There’s been a lot of dying on N’s mind at the moment. From discussions about the war in Syria (anyone got any tips on how to talk to 5 year olds about it, feel free to let me know), to closer to home and animals on the farm. The first was when I arrived home from my 40th weekend away, to see N upset and cuddling Granny at the farmhouse. Their dog had had to be put down that morning,… Continue Reading “How to deal with a death of an animal with kids”
