Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The Mommy, Momma, Mommy Syndrome

Although my son is getting better, he definitely has the mommy, momma, mommy syndrome. A few months ago it seemed like I couldn't get anything done because he wanted to be able to have me in his eyesight. If I happened to go upstairs to get something done, or down to the bottom floor to throw in some laundry, his wails could be heard througout the house. It was also difficult when my husband would be watching him.....Zack would still want to be where I was (whether in my office doing some work, or up in the bathroom trying to take a shower) so he would be calling my name, crawling up the stairs to where I was, and banging on the door if I had closed it for a little privacy.

But he is better....although my husband can't see that. At first there was a little resentment because Zack was always calling my name. And whether Jeff sees it or not, he is now calling out Daddy much more often than in the past. Zack is also much more redirectable than before. If you can engage him, a few minutes after I walk out of the room he will stay and play with you. But it takes some effort, and again.......parents have to watch for changes in their children and give their kids credit that they are changing, and are moving past a certain phase. As with all things this is a phase and this too will change.

So instead of staying in the past of how Zack was acting a month ago, Jeff needs to make a little extra effort to engage him and redirect his attention away from me, so that I can get some things done, and Jeff can have that quality time with his son.

I personally prefer my son to be more independent and not feel like his world is going to fall apart if I am out of the room. I want him to go to his father, and others, and they enjoy one-on-one time together. But as with the many changes a toddler will go through -- the mommy, mommy, clinging to me phase will ease away and he will probably be all about daddy!!
Then the tables will turn, and I will probably miss him calling my name!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Life is Always Changing

For people living up north, Memorial Day is the unofficial kick off for the summer, and a celebration that the winter is over, with bright, sunny days ahead. (The change of seasons)
And this weekend was picture perfect with sunny skies, a light breeze and high 70's -- a spectacular few days to be outside, enjoying the beautiful weather. This weekend was also so much more fun with my son Zack, because he was able to really enjoy the playground with the swings and the slide, exploring the park for sticks and rocks, and running around with the kids in our neighborhood. I am an outdoors person and last summer he was just a baby and couldn't be out in the sun that much, so I was looking forward to him getting a little older.

But while he is constantly changing and growing into a little boy, I am having to change with him. This morning is a good example. For months he has gotten up, sat very contently in his high chair, had his banana, yogurt and possibly some milk. But now he is so busy wanting to play that he is not interested in sitting in his chair, and if he does agree to having some milk he wants it while sitting on the couch, in front of the television watching a cartoon (another change, only recently have we been putting on cartoons for him to watch).

So do I push him into his high chair (which by the way we also just changed to a booster seat, since he kept climbing out of the high chair), or go with the flow of what he wants? By him going off to play it actually gives me time to make my coffee, and take my vitamins without getting him all set with food first.

So changes are sometimes good, but we have to constantly watch to see if we are pushing our resistance to change on our children, or listening to what their needs are and going with the flow. I know for me, I am always checking myself to see if I am pushing my routine on him, or do I need to change the routine to fit his new pattern?

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Connecting With Moms

I have been working with kids and parents for over 15 years, providing direction, tools, empowerment and inspiration, through my practice. But as I have written a couple of books, revamped my newsletter, upgraded my website, and became a mother to a now very active 18 month old little boy, I realize that on a more personal level, how much moms are juggling. And how difficult their life can be trying to be the best mom, best wife, best friend, best employee or boss, and find time for themselves.

With my blog Motherhood 24/7, I wanted to share my day to day challenges as a mom, wife, business owner, coach, writer, friend, sister, and constantly evolving woman. Hopefully through my stories, observations, solutions to problems I encounter on a day to day basis, and positive outlooks, other moms can benefit from my journal.

I wish everyone a great holiday weekend and look forward to connecting with you on regular basis.