Quality Time with the Kids

This sounds like a cliche, right? My question really is; is there ever too much Quality time with the kids? Okay,I'll rephrase that: is there ever too much time with the kids?

As parents/ guardians in the 21st century we seem to be really crazy about spending time with our kids , and that's a good thing, but what i dare to question is that can it ever be too much? A situation wherein a parent/ guardian spends every moment with their kids in the bid to spend quality time with them can be unhealthy for both the parent(s)/ guardian and the kid(s).

Lets start from the downside for the parents, they easily and quickly become frustrated with their kids and spouses as a direct result of the fact that having to watch over the children all day does not give them adequate time to do things that relax them e.g exercise, sleep, watching a movie, getting a manicure, reading a favorite magazine or even learning how to be a better parent!. In the long run, these parents do not really spend quality time with their children because they are so immersed in the routine of their daily frustrations, they find it hard to find time to fix the situation.
The end result is that such people are usually tense and angry and who is worse off for it? THE KIDS!!!

On the other hand, children who are in direct contact with their parents all day become more dependent than other 'not so lucky' kids. Apart from being direct victims of their parents frustrations, they do not get the chance to do 'naughty things' they need to do in order to explore and learn.

Many years ago, when families were more closely knit, this problem wasn't so apparent, a typical family had two or more of the following, grandparents, aunties, uncles,cousins etc. People one could really trust one's kids with and it took the stress off parenting and it created more opportunity for parents to take stock of their duties towards their kids and resolve to spend true quality time with them.

The advantages of spending true, real quality time with one's kids cannot be over emphasized and that's why it may be a good idea to actually sit down and plan exactly what you want to achieve during each time you do allot to your kids and how you want to achieve those aims.

If you are thinking of spending time with them at home, at a park, at a beach or anywhere else for that matter, its good to have an idea what you want to achieve, it may not turn out exactly as you planned it.. it may just be even better! or maybe worse if you hadn't planned at all!

For some ideas of things to do during quality time, wait patiently for my next blog!

TAKE THAT CHILL PILL

Life sometimes gets so busy that we don't know what to do on those days when things are a little less hectic. i mean, we get used to the hustle and bustle (esp if u live in a busy city) so much that on days we decide to just take a chill pill we really dunno what to do. Some people in their desperation to not find themselves in such shoes will do anything to keep busy; even lie to themselves that they are indeed very busy till it becomes obvious that there really isnt more to do then what do they do next? they create situations or make them occur around them kinda like get themselves wrapped up in some form of event, drama or in extreme cases near disasters. I'm sure by now you realise you know one or two people with this syndrome funny enough i do too.! well the bottom line is don't be afraid to take a chill pill, enjoy your own company or that of those around you and if you try a little bit there always is something very funny, nice or interesting about those around you, you just got to change the way u look at them. Or do something fun you enjoy doing. Yep! my chill pill time is over gotta go!

The Story Of The African Child.

I will like to define Africa as a continent wherein the generality of children live under conditions which are neither comfortable nor sanitary and these children do not have access to their daily nutritional or dietary needs. I define Africa in this way because I believe a country/ continent or people are judged by their youth.
In Africa certain comforts that the developed world has taken for granted remain a luxury reserved only for the very rich.Let me skip the horrible story of the general inaccessibility to ante-natal care and high rates of maternal and infant mortality to the part of the story that focuses on those children who do make it to the world alive and healthy.
In recent times, a lot of focus has been on the need for the mothers to breastfeed as breast milk has been found to be better than formula milk. The average mother here in Africa cannot afford to effectively do this because she cannot afford to eat in order to meet up to the demands of lactation. So what does she do? She breastfeeds her child alright but subconsciously or otherwise reduces his eating times or the length of it. This is so she does not feel weak and faint beyond what she can bear. The baby in turn adapts to its mother's regime. But what does this mean for the baby? It does not receive as much of the essential nutrients it requires; this affects his growth, his immunity and he spends more time crying than he really should.
Due to the poor sanitary conditions, a lot of children become sick, and die prematurely due to non access and other times inability to afford medical attention.Being a tropical continent, Africa is blessed (?) with warm weather and sometimes it becomes really hot and uncomfortable. Remember there generally is epileptic supply of power (where there is), hence no air-conditioning. At times when it is really hot the young are worst hit. They break out with heat rashes and other attendant complications including chicken pox, cerebrospinal meningitis etc. Obviously such children sleep little, cry a lot, grow slowly and are in essence unhappy.
The story of the African child is a very long one. I can't tell it all. But try I will in the hope that someone somewhere is listening / reading and is able to change things so the story has a happy end.

In Bed!

Yep! the kids are in bed now having their afternoon siesta. I know i need this time more than they need to sleep(truly). At least some 45mins of sanity when i can be a non-mom (if ever there was such a word). As much as kids are fun, adorable and cute (mine are particularly so) , it gets to a point you get so tired of minding them , you just want to be on your own. For me, this is the only time of the day i really look forward to; to be able to do my own stuff. And when they wake up i am so delighted to see them again( believe me!). And the cycle starts again!

Preschoolers love Barney

I think its the richness the show has in sing alongs and the full participation of kids from all races in it. The show is one kids show that does not stereotype race or gender and thats why it appeals to young preschoolers. As for older children, i really can't be sure. I've met some who like it and others who don't. But in all i think its a really good show and i love the way it encourages my preschooler to come running to gimme a hug when the song says so. Gotta go now but remember, I LOVE YOU.

Kids

Kids will always be kids and as long as parents, guardians and teachers realise this, they'll have a healthier relationship with them. Never expect the same thing from all of them cos like adults, they too are individuals with their own peersonalities. Parents are often the most guilty expecting that since one child of theirs can do a thing then the others too must. Please respect their personalities!