The other day, my hubby and I took the kids swimming.
We splashed and laughed and soaked up the Texas sun.
But we didn't follow our most important rule while out with our kids.
And because of it, we paid the high price of a tantrum in public.
It was a humdinger.
My best parenting tip: Leave while you're having fun.
I heard someone say years ago they avoided tantrums, over-tired, and just all-around cranky kids, if they left WHILE they were having fun. If you wait (like we did) until the 2 year old starts rubbing her eyes, yawning and whining, you've waited too long.
It's so easy to get caught up in good family fun! But timing is everything, especially with kids under the age of 12.
Over Memorial Day weekend, we visited the Bass Pro Shop in a neighboring town and spied animals, tasted fried turkey, and watched fish in a huge aquarium. And this time, we followed our own advice! In the middle of having a fantastic time, we packed it up and headed home. Wise choice.
I love my kiddos. But I can tell you, too much of a good thing is, well, too much. Leaving while we're having fun works for us, every time.
*Please mark your calendars-NEXT WEDNESDAY-is the "Mom, I'm Bored" Edition. Please share a tip for keeping your kids busy in the summer!
{Thank you for joining me for WFMW! You can read the guidelines here.}
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51 comments:
Easy Money Management!
http://momedy.blogspot.com/2009/05/easy-peasy-money-management.html
Fun lunch idea!
http://www.herewegomoms.com/2009/05/wfmw-mickey-melts-work-for-me.html
http://smockityfrocks.blogspot.com/2009/05/family-game-night.html
Family Game Night
I don't see Mr. Linky.
Summer Survival Kit
http://hoosierhomemade.com/?p=1531
thanks for hosting!
~Liz
Protect your kids from choking http://thediaperdiaries.net/works-for-me-wednesday-choking-prevention-plate/
What a neat idea...I've done both and paid the price...
I don't see Mr. Linky...
I have a easy recipe this week with pictures...
http://ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com/2009/05/stuffed-jalapenos.html
Great suggestion! One I should have followed on many o' outings with my 3 kids! Here is the link to my post http://itfeelslikechaos.blogspot.com/2009/05/works-for-me-wednesday-just-stop.html
Stick puppetshttp://sunnydaytodaymama.blogspot.com/2009/05/stick-puppets.html
LOL Toooo much truth to this one. We stay 5 minutes too long every time!
System to Memorize Scripture
http://insidethewhitepicketfence.blogspot.com/2009/05/verse-box.html
This is so true...great tip!
Yeah! Mr. Linky has returned!
So glad to see him!
~Liz
Excellent Tip. That also us true for devotions. You only have so much time 'til an eruption. Teach (and have fun) prior to the eruption.
I agree...All of ours would get so bummed out when the party was over. They wanted it to go and on. They take after me in that way.
But too much fun isn't fun anymore!
YEP! Another big supporter of leaving before the fur flies! Thanks!
Ooo- great tip. My problem is tearing MYSELF away from a great time! We do the "okay kids, we're leaving in 5 minutes" (whether it will be 2 minutes or 20 - it sorta gets them mentally ready to wind things down).
I have a WFMW request for you - would you mind sharing how you got advertisers on your blog?
BTW - your "strict" pic cracks me up. Oooo - scary! I took the quiz - I'm strict too, evidently :-)
I never thought of doing that, particularly because our 9 year old gives us that tantrum you spoke of because he's having too much fun! lol
I forgot to put my title in with my name, and Mr Linky is acting up and won't let me edit and/or delete. Bah!
Mine's about cooking with kids ;)
http://www.crazyadventuresinparenting.com/2009/05/cooking-with-kids.html
That is a great tip! The tantrums usually do happen when kids are tired, hungry, over-stimulated, etc. Such good advice - it's like you're an expert! :)
Mental "noting" that tip - thank you!
What works for me? Living unbounded by feminist fear:
http://likeawarmcupofcoffee.blogspot.com/2009/05/living-unbounded-by-feminist-fear.html
:)
How true! When we went to Disneyworld a few times with our children (8 at the time) my husband said "we're leaving at 7pm - no later." BUT - what about the fireworks? What about the parade? No - we did that once before, and it was so difficult to herd 8 sleepy children in the slowly moving mass of people making the exit from the park. By leaving early, we walked at a fast pace, got right on the ferry, didn't have to wait for the parking lot ride, and were out of there before the log jam. I agree - leave early and don't give in to the pleas - everyone will be happier in the long run and there will be lots more pleasant memories.
Oh, that rule is so true, SO true!
What a helpful tip.
Don't miss those moments!
sandy toe
p.s. when they get older they just sulk...but it's quiet :)
Yes! Great tip! Thanks for sharing and for hosting Works for Me Wednesday!
This is so true! Our oldest is 2-1/2, and we've been learning this after much trial and error! I now know that I often have to discipline myself to leave while I'm still having fun, if I want to avoid the toddler meltdown.
We've also found that giving LOTS of "we're leaving in x minutes" warnings helps. We'll give a 30 minute, 15, 10, 5, 3, etc. Doesn't matter if it is accurate b/c 2 year olds can't tell time :) But they can tell the numbers are getting smaller and smaller and then the actual leaving isn't such a surprise.
Yes! That does work for most kids.
I love my son Corey because he's pretty good at 'being done' with things. He'll go crabbing with me for like 2 hours, then he's ready to go. I love it because I don't have to sit around going "Come on, I'm ready to go.."
My friend's kids throws a fit if you leave before he's ready, and if there's no crabs to catch that day you're in trouble.. cuz he'll never want to leave. We had a whole big thing where I had to physically make him get his bike, etc. Oy.
Great tip. I have a two year-old and tantrums are common here in our neck of the woods. I'll keep this in mind. =)
Happy Wednesday!
So true! It is always better to leave on a high note. Learned that one the hard way - over and over again.
I never knew... cleaning can be fun and easy. I'm kidding right? Do I have a fever?http://beverlydru.blogspot.com/2009/05/ingenious-invention-it-works-for-me.html
I really am so with you on leave while you are still having fun... In our house it is referred to as the "Window of Opportunity" and then suddenly the "Window is Closed"... !!!
I really am so with you on leave while you are still having fun... In our house it is referred to as the "Window of Opportunity" and then suddenly the "Window is Closed"... !!!
Not joining in this week but yes, you are absolutely right about that. It's tough to leave when they are having fun, but most children have a time limit when it comes to fun because all too often it also comes with a does of 'over stimulation'.
Cheers
That is some very wise advice. How did I raise 3 kids and not figure that one out?
I just now took a close look at the silhouettes on your header. Hilarious!!
~Heather
Great tip! Seems like we have spent the last 19 months leaving in a frantic rush, because our kiddo has STOPPED HAVING FUN!
Sounds like an idea to me.
Ginger
My son is autistic, but verbal. Our community pool has an ADULT SWIM and he does not understand! It is horrible!
Finally, last year, we bought a big pool.....much, much easier.
Always great advice. I'm offering inspiration from my friend Cindy LaFerle today-- a book giveaway: Writing Home.
I agree. Leave before the nonsense starts.
I wrote on organizing today.
http://organizedeveryday.blogspot.com/2009/05/principles-of-organizing-space.html
It's sort of about parenting.
That's such an important rule to remember! The problem is that my dh just doesn't get it so a lot of times we end up lagging until that meltdown is just about to hit.
Thanks for your tip. My son always finds it hard to leave, but we do normally try to leave while it's still fun. :) Unfortunately, it's usually not fun while leaving...
Wow, such a simple idea... I hope it will work for us!
Great tip! I find it can be hard to do with the slightly older ones because then you get the, "oh, but I don't wanna go home yet..." comments, but you are right...leaving on a positive note is much better than dragging your child behind you while the scream and point at the cotton candy stand.
Not that I would have a personal experience with that, ahem.
I absolutely abide by that parenting rule. I, like you, have suffered the consequences of not.
I'm new to WFMW. And I did need the reminder of leaving before it's too late! :) Jenny @ greaterhand.blogspot.com
great advice... just had us happen to us!
so like you, i have learned the hard way! haha
I'm sorry...I tried to delete my duplicate posting. I'm new at the whole Mr. Linky thing!
Absolutely true nothing like a public meltdown to change tour ways!
Ah, and what a gift it is to find that golden moment "just before melting point ..."
Thanks for hosting WFMW!
Can't WAIT for next weeks WFMW! I have a few tricks up my sleeve, but know I'll get all sorts of great ideas from my bloggy community!
Yay!
I'm about to post my first WFMW. I meant to do it early, but life happens. =) I'll definitely come back next week and be on time.
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