my 5 year old
Julie Dutt
I'm struggling with how to deal with my 5yo son right now and am hoping
for some advice. He's been making these messes that make no sense and
I'm trying to see it in his perspective, like, "Oh, I wonder what will
happen if I fill my ski boots with water" or "Hey, how cool would it be
if I dumped this entire bucket of fireplace ashes on the porch floor"
or "Gee, how much paint is really in this HUGE bottle of paint? Ooh,
that's a lot, let's spread it all over the dining room". These are
just a few things he's done lately that boggle my mind. When I ask him
why he did it, he either says he doesn't no or his standard "my brain
wasn't thinking".
I'm thinking he's bored or just very curious or probably both. I try
not to react with anger but I'm often so frustrated with him and the
huge mess I need to clean up. My friends are all suggesting I put him
in kindergarten next year as maybe he needs more structure and simply
more to do than I can give him. I'm starting to think it's the only
thing that'll save my sanity. I spend tons of time with him but it
never seems to be enough. I have three kids and this year, I'm on my
own, as my dh is in Iraq...which could also be another reason he is
acting out...daddy's gone.
I'm just so unsure of how to deal with this. Any suggestions? I
hugely, greatly appreciate any advice. Every time I read responses to
other peoples' issues, they always make so much sense to me but I know
I never would have seen it that way...hmmm.
~ julie
for some advice. He's been making these messes that make no sense and
I'm trying to see it in his perspective, like, "Oh, I wonder what will
happen if I fill my ski boots with water" or "Hey, how cool would it be
if I dumped this entire bucket of fireplace ashes on the porch floor"
or "Gee, how much paint is really in this HUGE bottle of paint? Ooh,
that's a lot, let's spread it all over the dining room". These are
just a few things he's done lately that boggle my mind. When I ask him
why he did it, he either says he doesn't no or his standard "my brain
wasn't thinking".
I'm thinking he's bored or just very curious or probably both. I try
not to react with anger but I'm often so frustrated with him and the
huge mess I need to clean up. My friends are all suggesting I put him
in kindergarten next year as maybe he needs more structure and simply
more to do than I can give him. I'm starting to think it's the only
thing that'll save my sanity. I spend tons of time with him but it
never seems to be enough. I have three kids and this year, I'm on my
own, as my dh is in Iraq...which could also be another reason he is
acting out...daddy's gone.
I'm just so unsure of how to deal with this. Any suggestions? I
hugely, greatly appreciate any advice. Every time I read responses to
other peoples' issues, they always make so much sense to me but I know
I never would have seen it that way...hmmm.
~ julie
k
How old are your other kids... younger or older?
Labeling a child's behavior as nonsensical is part of the reason it's hard
to deal with. Can you think of anything fun you like to do for "no
reason?" Maybe it just looked like fun.
How often are you able to be with him and explore things together? Here are
some ideas:
*Have large pieces of paper handy for painting on or a wall devoted to it
could help cut down some on the extra cleaning.
*Find a place to help him dump the ashes because eventually you're going to
do that anyway right? If he has seen you do it already, he might simply be
mimicking you. Kids are supposed to imitate their parents so they can learn
how the world works and what part they have in it.
*Can the ski boots dry out or is water in them permanently damaging? If he
has rainboots, he could probably safely fill those and you could laugh
together about filling silly rainboots with water. Spending lots of time
together can fill *you* with how wonderful and inventive what he's doing
is.
With dad away or not, every age kid needs lots of time with you. Just being
bodily in the same house is not enough. I'm thinking that if a child has
time to spread paint all over the dining room, he probably needs more time
with you. Are you off cleaning or doing some other task while this is
happening? Make sure he has something he's really into doing if you need a
second to do something. But first spend time with him more, have fun and
make connections together.
~Katherine
Labeling a child's behavior as nonsensical is part of the reason it's hard
to deal with. Can you think of anything fun you like to do for "no
reason?" Maybe it just looked like fun.
How often are you able to be with him and explore things together? Here are
some ideas:
*Have large pieces of paper handy for painting on or a wall devoted to it
could help cut down some on the extra cleaning.
*Find a place to help him dump the ashes because eventually you're going to
do that anyway right? If he has seen you do it already, he might simply be
mimicking you. Kids are supposed to imitate their parents so they can learn
how the world works and what part they have in it.
*Can the ski boots dry out or is water in them permanently damaging? If he
has rainboots, he could probably safely fill those and you could laugh
together about filling silly rainboots with water. Spending lots of time
together can fill *you* with how wonderful and inventive what he's doing
is.
With dad away or not, every age kid needs lots of time with you. Just being
bodily in the same house is not enough. I'm thinking that if a child has
time to spread paint all over the dining room, he probably needs more time
with you. Are you off cleaning or doing some other task while this is
happening? Make sure he has something he's really into doing if you need a
second to do something. But first spend time with him more, have fun and
make connections together.
~Katherine
On 6/29/08, Julie Dutt <jdutt@...> wrote:
>
> I'm struggling with how to deal with my 5yo son right now and am hoping
> for some advice. He's been making these messes that make no sense and
> I'm trying to see it in his perspective, like, "Oh, I wonder what will
> happen if I fill my ski boots with water" or "Hey, how cool would it be
> if I dumped this entire bucket of fireplace ashes on the porch floor"
> or "Gee, how much paint is really in this HUGE bottle of paint? Ooh,
> that's a lot, let's spread it all over the dining room". These are
> just a few things he's done lately that boggle my mind. When I ask him
> why he did it, he either says he doesn't no or his standard "my brain
> wasn't thinking".
>
> I'm thinking he's bored or just very curious or probably both. I try
> not to react with anger but I'm often so frustrated with him and the
> huge mess I need to clean up. My friends are all suggesting I put him
> in kindergarten next year as maybe he needs more structure and simply
> more to do than I can give him. I'm starting to think it's the only
> thing that'll save my sanity. I spend tons of time with him but it
> never seems to be enough. I have three kids and this year, I'm on my
> own, as my dh is in Iraq...which could also be another reason he is
> acting out...daddy's gone.
>
> I'm just so unsure of how to deal with this. Any suggestions? I
> hugely, greatly appreciate any advice. Every time I read responses to
> other peoples' issues, they always make so much sense to me but I know
> I never would have seen it that way...hmmm.
>
> ~ julie
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
marji
Julie,
Could it be that he does these things without discussing them with
you first because he believes you'll say no? (And, I'm not saying
that you would say "no"; I'm really asking.) What if he *knew* that
you wouldn't say no but instead would help him find a way to explore
the thing he wants to explore but in a what that was okay with
you. For example, instead of saying "no, you can't play with the
matches," saying, "yes, let's go outside and do some fire experiments
together!" or "yes, let's spread this paper out and dump the paint
and see what happens." He sounds wonderfully creative and
brilliant! It just sounds like he needs you to help him find the
answers to these questions in a more acceptable way. (You might want
to consider getting newsprint end rolls (the ends of rolls of
newsprint that are usually discarded) so you can have endless paper
available to him.)
I know it sounds like it could be hard to do, but if you can shift
your focus from the mess he's creating and the clean up to helping
him explore and know the amazing benefits from supporting his
explorations, you'll feel less resistance and so will he. He'll also
be able to be more open with you about the things he wants to do. If
you're more fun to do them with, he'll be more liable to include you in them.
~Marji
At 09:17 6/29/2008, you wrote:
<http://joyfullyparenting.com/>JoyFully Parenting & Life Coaching
<http://gaiawolf.org/>GaiaWolf ~ Music for the Planet
<http://myspace.com/marjizintz>Marji's Myspace Page
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
----------
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 8.0.101 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1524 - Release Date: 6/28/2008 7:42 PM
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Could it be that he does these things without discussing them with
you first because he believes you'll say no? (And, I'm not saying
that you would say "no"; I'm really asking.) What if he *knew* that
you wouldn't say no but instead would help him find a way to explore
the thing he wants to explore but in a what that was okay with
you. For example, instead of saying "no, you can't play with the
matches," saying, "yes, let's go outside and do some fire experiments
together!" or "yes, let's spread this paper out and dump the paint
and see what happens." He sounds wonderfully creative and
brilliant! It just sounds like he needs you to help him find the
answers to these questions in a more acceptable way. (You might want
to consider getting newsprint end rolls (the ends of rolls of
newsprint that are usually discarded) so you can have endless paper
available to him.)
I know it sounds like it could be hard to do, but if you can shift
your focus from the mess he's creating and the clean up to helping
him explore and know the amazing benefits from supporting his
explorations, you'll feel less resistance and so will he. He'll also
be able to be more open with you about the things he wants to do. If
you're more fun to do them with, he'll be more liable to include you in them.
~Marji
At 09:17 6/29/2008, you wrote:
>I'm struggling with how to deal with my 5yo son right now and am hoping~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>for some advice. He's been making these messes that make no sense and
>I'm trying to see it in his perspective, like, "Oh, I wonder what will
>happen if I fill my ski boots with water" or "Hey, how cool would it be
>if I dumped this entire bucket of fireplace ashes on the porch floor"
>or "Gee, how much paint is really in this HUGE bottle of paint? Ooh,
>that's a lot, let's spread it all over the dining room". These are
>just a few things he's done lately that boggle my mind. When I ask him
>why he did it, he either says he doesn't no or his standard "my brain
>wasn't thinking".
<http://joyfullyparenting.com/>JoyFully Parenting & Life Coaching
<http://gaiawolf.org/>GaiaWolf ~ Music for the Planet
<http://myspace.com/marjizintz>Marji's Myspace Page
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
----------
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 8.0.101 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1524 - Release Date: 6/28/2008 7:42 PM
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
kellynrachel
Julie wrote:
dining room"...
Julie, Seems like he has a lot of time to explore on his own. Is he
the type of child who will sneak away to find things that interest him
or did he have enough free time without things to do that he created a
game?
At three, my son had too much time with grandma watching him one day
and he used the blue stamp pad as a body paint. He looked like a
smurf for a few days. Kids will do wacky things that you would never
anticipate if you give them the time and supplies.
"...I'm thinking he's bored or just very curious or probably both. I
try not to react with anger but I'm often so frustrated with him and
the huge mess I need to clean up..."
At 5 years old, I found that my kids wanted my interaction much more
than at 3 or 4 years old. But it was different. They needed me to
play their games, not play mine. Let him lead. Follow his direction.
Let him explore his games and use your foresight to redirect the game
to a less messy clean-up zone.
Does he have a place to make a mess? At 5, my son was making mud
patches in my backyard to bath in and covering himself from head to
toe. Grass can regrow, the memories are priceless. Take pictures of
the wacky moments. You'll laugh later.
"...I spend tons of time with him but it never seems to be enough..."
Playing your games or his??
Is he learning to explore by his rules or are you supplying him with
all the information? He will learn to be more thoughtful of his
surroundings and possessions if he's given the freedom to explore his
impulses (with guidance when necessary). Be present. Be observant.
Be excited to follow his lead.
"I have three kids and this year, I'm on my own, as my dh is in
Iraq...which could also be another reason he is acting out...daddy's
gone."
I am sorry to hear that you are parenting alone, but it happens all
over the world everyday. Military life was likely to result in your
needing to parent alone sometimes. That was the deal that you signed
up for. You can choose to wallow in it or you can choose to live
everyday to it's fullest and enjoy the moments you have. Enjoy those
beautiful kids.
Enjoy the quirkiness and wonderful unexpectedness that comes with
children.
Rachel
>bottle of paint? Ooh, that's a lot, let's spread it all over the
> I'm struggling with how to deal with my 5yo son right now and am hoping
> for some advice... "Gee, how much paint is really in this HUGE
dining room"...
Julie, Seems like he has a lot of time to explore on his own. Is he
the type of child who will sneak away to find things that interest him
or did he have enough free time without things to do that he created a
game?
At three, my son had too much time with grandma watching him one day
and he used the blue stamp pad as a body paint. He looked like a
smurf for a few days. Kids will do wacky things that you would never
anticipate if you give them the time and supplies.
"...I'm thinking he's bored or just very curious or probably both. I
try not to react with anger but I'm often so frustrated with him and
the huge mess I need to clean up..."
At 5 years old, I found that my kids wanted my interaction much more
than at 3 or 4 years old. But it was different. They needed me to
play their games, not play mine. Let him lead. Follow his direction.
Let him explore his games and use your foresight to redirect the game
to a less messy clean-up zone.
Does he have a place to make a mess? At 5, my son was making mud
patches in my backyard to bath in and covering himself from head to
toe. Grass can regrow, the memories are priceless. Take pictures of
the wacky moments. You'll laugh later.
"...I spend tons of time with him but it never seems to be enough..."
Playing your games or his??
Is he learning to explore by his rules or are you supplying him with
all the information? He will learn to be more thoughtful of his
surroundings and possessions if he's given the freedom to explore his
impulses (with guidance when necessary). Be present. Be observant.
Be excited to follow his lead.
"I have three kids and this year, I'm on my own, as my dh is in
Iraq...which could also be another reason he is acting out...daddy's
gone."
I am sorry to hear that you are parenting alone, but it happens all
over the world everyday. Military life was likely to result in your
needing to parent alone sometimes. That was the deal that you signed
up for. You can choose to wallow in it or you can choose to live
everyday to it's fullest and enjoy the moments you have. Enjoy those
beautiful kids.
Enjoy the quirkiness and wonderful unexpectedness that comes with
children.
Rachel
Therese Franklin
My 4.5 year old is just like this. These are sensory-seeking behaviors-
they are looking for that sensory experience.
I hate the label SPD (sensory processing disorder) and wont get her formally
tested or labeled, but it helped me to look at the check list and realize my
dd wasn't the only child who wanted to rub mud all over her body from head
to toe, or spill out the entire bottle of shampoo to rub it all over her
body and call herself a slimy slug, will play meticulously with playdoh for
an hour, screams and covers her ears at certain noises. etc etc. She is
just a sensitive girl, and some kids are more sensitive than others, so I
don't agree with the tone on this website- like there is something 'wrong'
with these children. I did learn some of the activities listed on the
website that helped me to find creative ways to let her have those sensory
experiences she craved;
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-check
list.html
Like I said, I think this is just all apart of who my dd is, there is
nothing wrong with it. My challenge is to make sure she has plenty of those
experiences for her to enjoy.
Therese
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
they are looking for that sensory experience.
I hate the label SPD (sensory processing disorder) and wont get her formally
tested or labeled, but it helped me to look at the check list and realize my
dd wasn't the only child who wanted to rub mud all over her body from head
to toe, or spill out the entire bottle of shampoo to rub it all over her
body and call herself a slimy slug, will play meticulously with playdoh for
an hour, screams and covers her ears at certain noises. etc etc. She is
just a sensitive girl, and some kids are more sensitive than others, so I
don't agree with the tone on this website- like there is something 'wrong'
with these children. I did learn some of the activities listed on the
website that helped me to find creative ways to let her have those sensory
experiences she craved;
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-check
list.html
Like I said, I think this is just all apart of who my dd is, there is
nothing wrong with it. My challenge is to make sure she has plenty of those
experiences for her to enjoy.
Therese
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
diana jenner
On Sun, Jun 29, 2008 at 6:17 AM, Julie Dutt <jdutt@...> wrote:
saving your sanity -- the first being rebuild the trust and bond between you
and your son. BE on his team, BE the mama a kid like him would *love* to
have. A big help in maintaining *my* sanity is the words on Sandra's
Parenting Peacefully talk -- it's available for free, here
http://sandradodd.com/parentingpeacefully at the bottom of the page (just
under my testimonial :::bg:::) I'd also recommend the downloads from
unschooling conferences like the liveandlearnshop.com When I need a nudge
(okay it's more like a full-blown a$$kicking) I listen to Jon Kream; other
speakers are softer and kinder, I like (need?) the no-nonsense style of both
Jon & Sandra :D
change this sentence to "Which would be another reason *I* am acting out...
daddy's gone"
When Mitch died, I spent a lot of time in overwhelm, telling myself "I can't
do this alone" "It sucks to do this alone" "I need him here to balance me"
and lots and lots of untruths... I *CAN* do this alone; I *CAN* do this
JOYFULLY; My *kids* need ME here, fully and without past/future distractions
-- all feel *so* much better and are a happier place from which to look at
my relationship with my babies and where we want to go *together.* When I
began speaking to mySelf in a more empowering way, I became a very empowered
mama. It's the old adage "When mama ain't happy, ain't no body happy" -- you
don't need to go anywhere to find your happiness and share it with your
family -- it's in abundant supply, you need only to tap into it to discover
it's all around you :)
--
~diana :)
xoxoxoxo
hannahbearski.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> I'm starting to think it's the only thing that'll save my sanity.**I'd recommend starting to think there are *lots* of other options to
>
saving your sanity -- the first being rebuild the trust and bond between you
and your son. BE on his team, BE the mama a kid like him would *love* to
have. A big help in maintaining *my* sanity is the words on Sandra's
Parenting Peacefully talk -- it's available for free, here
http://sandradodd.com/parentingpeacefully at the bottom of the page (just
under my testimonial :::bg:::) I'd also recommend the downloads from
unschooling conferences like the liveandlearnshop.com When I need a nudge
(okay it's more like a full-blown a$$kicking) I listen to Jon Kream; other
speakers are softer and kinder, I like (need?) the no-nonsense style of both
Jon & Sandra :D
> and this year, I'm on my own, as my dh is in Iraq...which could also beAs a single mama for the most of my parenting career, I can reasonably
> another reason he is acting out...daddy's gone.
>
>
>
change this sentence to "Which would be another reason *I* am acting out...
daddy's gone"
When Mitch died, I spent a lot of time in overwhelm, telling myself "I can't
do this alone" "It sucks to do this alone" "I need him here to balance me"
and lots and lots of untruths... I *CAN* do this alone; I *CAN* do this
JOYFULLY; My *kids* need ME here, fully and without past/future distractions
-- all feel *so* much better and are a happier place from which to look at
my relationship with my babies and where we want to go *together.* When I
began speaking to mySelf in a more empowering way, I became a very empowered
mama. It's the old adage "When mama ain't happy, ain't no body happy" -- you
don't need to go anywhere to find your happiness and share it with your
family -- it's in abundant supply, you need only to tap into it to discover
it's all around you :)
--
~diana :)
xoxoxoxo
hannahbearski.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
diana jenner
On Sun, Jun 29, 2008 at 6:17 AM, Julie Dutt <jdutt@...> wrote:
big project the makes your insides knot up, Breathe deep and proclaim, "WOW!
That looks like a fun project you got going on there! Tell me about it...."
Get so caught up in *his* moment of sharing that with you that you
*completely* put aside any niggling, nasty voices who complain about the
mess. Cleaning up an amazing science experiment or art project is much more
fun than cleaning up a mess that makes no sense.
When I hear "What were you thinking?!?!?!" That's a hallmark of someone I
really don't want to share my stories with...
--
~diana :)
xoxoxoxo
hannahbearski.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> I'm struggling with how to deal with my 5yo son right now and am hopingOn a more practical note :::bg::: in these moments, where you happen upon a
> for some advice. He's been making these messes that make no sense and
> I'm trying to see it in his perspective, like, "Oh, I wonder what will
> happen if I fill my ski boots with water" or "Hey, how cool would it be
> if I dumped this entire bucket of fireplace ashes on the porch floor"
> or "Gee, how much paint is really in this HUGE bottle of paint? Ooh,
> that's a lot, let's spread it all over the dining room". These are
> just a few things he's done lately that boggle my mind. When I ask him
> why he did it, he either says he doesn't no or his standard "my brain
> wasn't thinking".
>
>
>
big project the makes your insides knot up, Breathe deep and proclaim, "WOW!
That looks like a fun project you got going on there! Tell me about it...."
Get so caught up in *his* moment of sharing that with you that you
*completely* put aside any niggling, nasty voices who complain about the
mess. Cleaning up an amazing science experiment or art project is much more
fun than cleaning up a mess that makes no sense.
When I hear "What were you thinking?!?!?!" That's a hallmark of someone I
really don't want to share my stories with...
--
~diana :)
xoxoxoxo
hannahbearski.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Ren Allen
~~
will it help you bond with your child? How will it make messes not
happen? How does school lessen the daily stresses or make things
better? Just how does that happen?
I think if you really analyze it, you might find that school will
simply complicate your lives and add yet another stress.
People like to think time away from their children is some kind of
answer, when more time connecting helps things along a LOT better.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
> I'm starting to think it's the only thing that'll save my sanity.~~I'll ask you to list the ways in which school will help you all. How
will it help you bond with your child? How will it make messes not
happen? How does school lessen the daily stresses or make things
better? Just how does that happen?
I think if you really analyze it, you might find that school will
simply complicate your lives and add yet another stress.
People like to think time away from their children is some kind of
answer, when more time connecting helps things along a LOT better.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
swissarmy_wife
> > I'm starting to think it's the only thing that'll save my sanity.~~As someone who's experienced both. I think anyone would agree that
each lifestyle comes with its own unique set of struggles. But i
would not trade this for the world. The struggles we dealt with with
the school system are soooo not worth the time and energy. Yet, the
struggles we encounter now, are worth every bit of time and energy we
put into them. Make sense?
Debra Rossing
> Military life was likely to result in your needing to parent alonesometimes
And maybe you need to find someone to come over a couple days per week
to play while you do a once-over around the house or do a once over
around the house while you play. Even a 9 or 10 yr old neighbor is old
enough to hang out with a 5 yr old for a few hours while you're right
there (even though that might not be old enough to supervise a smaller
child on their own). I know there are support organizations for military
spouses to help provide resources for just such situations.
Deb
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Bekki Kirby
> I know there are support organizations for militaryAh, yes there are... but they are all focused on separating kids from
> spouses to help provide resources for just such situations.
>
> Deb
parents, not connecting them. They have plenty of resources for day
care, Mom's Night Out, stuff like that... if your child does ok with
day care and is up on ALL their shots. I literally was required to
bring my children's shot records to every single meeting where they'd
be present. As if they are lepers. My children are not vaccinated,
so that was a huge problem.
I felt completely alone and unwanted when my husband was deployed... I
couldn't participate in any of the numerous activities and "supports"
due to having attached, unschooled, unvaccinated children.
Unschooling doesn't jive with military life. (Big shock! LOL)
Bekki
--
"Do not ask what the world needs. Instead, ask what makes you come
alive. Because what the world needs is more people who have come
alive."
--Thurmond Whitman
Mother of three angels and two pirates
Kayla (9)
Hunter (b. 8/9/03, d. 8/22/03)
Jo (misc 1/15/04)
Jared (3)
Camelia (b. 12/16/07, d. 12/10/07)
Debra Rossing
That's just awful. I can understand in a group management type situation
the whole vaccination situation (don't agree but can see the point from
their view) but I'd think they would have resources available for
household assistance type things - someone to come help with the piles
of laundry so mom can care for the kids, that sort of thing. Mother's
helper type stuff. I was definitely not suggesting shipping the kids off
to a daycare but rather finding a friend to come over to play, a friend
who is old enough to assist and supervise the situation while mom cleans
the bathroom so that mom isn't having to try to do everything solo. Any
Girl Scout troops in the area - they're always looking for some kids to
care for to get their child care badges (or they already have them and
really like being with kids).
Deb
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
the whole vaccination situation (don't agree but can see the point from
their view) but I'd think they would have resources available for
household assistance type things - someone to come help with the piles
of laundry so mom can care for the kids, that sort of thing. Mother's
helper type stuff. I was definitely not suggesting shipping the kids off
to a daycare but rather finding a friend to come over to play, a friend
who is old enough to assist and supervise the situation while mom cleans
the bathroom so that mom isn't having to try to do everything solo. Any
Girl Scout troops in the area - they're always looking for some kids to
care for to get their child care badges (or they already have them and
really like being with kids).
Deb
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Robin Krest
Bekki-
I am an Air Force Brat (and that term I use with pride). I recommend you read a book called Military Brats: Legacies of Childhood Inside the Fortress by Mary Edwards Wertsch. It gives great insight into _how_ military brats are different from the general population, and may help with understanding your children's views (did you grow up in the military?).
Military life is hard on families. Remember to take care of yourself so you can provide what your children need.
Robin
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I am an Air Force Brat (and that term I use with pride). I recommend you read a book called Military Brats: Legacies of Childhood Inside the Fortress by Mary Edwards Wertsch. It gives great insight into _how_ military brats are different from the general population, and may help with understanding your children's views (did you grow up in the military?).
Military life is hard on families. Remember to take care of yourself so you can provide what your children need.
Robin
____________________________________________________________
Save on Cell Phones. Click Now!
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3nRN1oUeN3HjP6K2FJuyUTrVPX4z2KRm0bnhvVhS2XuOBKa7/