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Archives for June 2012
Tween Chronicles: Sweaty Pits, Chapped Lips, and Ashy Skin
Ok, if you must know my hygiene pet peeves as a mom….It would be all of the above! I realized when Mr. Tween was about 7 he was starting to perspire and it was not a friendly smell. When I talked to the pediatrician about it he said in some cases kids will start to perspire sooner than later. Well the next stop for us was the closet #Target for a deodorant or anti-perspirant. Intially I tried to stick with an all natural product to avoid exposes him to unnecessary chemicals too soon, errrrrrr brakes on! This did not work as his hormones were too strong for a mild deoderant so I quickly move him over to an deodorant and anti-perspirant. The tough part was getting him to make this a part of his daily routine, and oh is that still a task. One day Mr. Tween climbed into my car and I thought I was going to pass out from the apparent I’ve worked a little too hard at school today smell. He of course thought Iwas exaggerating but the limited oxygen was making me queasy. I have to give a daily and constant reminder to “put on your deodorant”.
I guess it’s all about being a rugged boy because having scaly and cracked lips is not an issue. However, it gets under my skin so I find myself constantly buying tube after tube of Chapstick. Most of the tubes are left in pockets and turn up in the weekly load of clothes and if I forget to check pockets it melts in the dryer and stains all the clothes. For all the other tubes are usually found buried deep in the back seat of the car. Another never ending battle……
The one staple that is a must have is petroleum jelly! Ashy skin especially knees is like nails on a chalkboard for me. Mr. Tween has the driest skin and I assume one day he will realize it’s not attractive for his skin to look gray skin.
I can see now that hygiene 101 will continue to be a constant struggle for My Tween and I….Stay Tuned!
CocoaMommy
Tween Chronicles: The Talk- Birds & the Bees
What are your thoughts? I desperately tried to put off this discussion for a few more years. What was I thinking? I’m not sure why but who ever expects to have this conversation with their child(ren). I never had “the talk” once I reached puberty. It was a quick menstrual cycle=pregnancy talk ****blank stare***** I knew as a parent I wanted to have the discussion because there is too much misinformation. If you the parent cannot talk to your children who will or is suppose to have the discussion. My tween hounded me(no exaggeration) for months on “when are we having the talk?”. In my mind I thought it was time when I felt like he was mature enough, huh? What was I thinking when the internet had already beat me to the punch. My tween child thought he covered all the bases and everything he heard at school was utterly ridiculous and WRONG!
I tried to gauge what he learned surfing the net and then I found a great website on PUBERTY that covered the male and female anatomy . The initial lesson was painless because he felt comfortable enough to ask questions and I wiped the beads of sweat from my brow and was very open and honest . I remember a male friend asking why did I have the talk with my son. If your child asks questions, are we not to answer? or pretend they are not ready for a discussion because the adult is not ready. I am a firm believer that it is far better to be armed with accurate information than to walk around in the dark or without the facts. I realized my tween was armed with the right information because he told me “everything my friends at school said was so wrong”. We covered anatomy, reproduction, hygiene, virginity, pregnancy, menstrual cycle, intercourse, STDs. I allowed him to guide the discussion so he felt a sense of comfort in asking questions so he understood the importance of the discussion and being informed. It is so difficult to censor everything kids are exposed. In order to shield them from the world we would have to keep them in a bubble. We know firsthand this is impossible and unrealistic! I feel in this day and time you have to b eopen and honest with children otherwise I fear my tween will get the wrong information. Is there a right time? In my case his curiousity was overwhelming there was no way for me to squirm out of the “talk”.
After our discussion I learned quickly, we had to set boundaries on how much he was allowed to delve into my adolescent life. There were no white lies however I gauged my answers. Ultimately, my hope is that my tween makes his decisions based on knowledge and the maturity to handle the consequences of his actions. The bottom line is the fact he knows we have an open door of communication and whatever he wants to know or needs to know he can ask me!
Tween Chronicles: My Tween and I
My Moment: Separation/Divorce-“Transition”
What My Transition Means?
It is possible to turn a transition into a POSITIVE. I was having a candid discussion yesterday with another female who is going through a separation/divorce. We both found it interesting whenever we tell people about our “transition” their first response is “I’m sorry”. It was such a mutual response for both of us and a little funny as well. Our personalities are such that neither one of us “feel sorry” and I question is that wrong? For me, I have to say NO, I feel more regret for my children having to experience such a transition at a young age.
It is easy to understand that people want to offer supportive comments when they hear the news that can be highly emotional. I have wrestled with how to respond but always respond graciously with “I’m not”. Everyone’s situation is different and I get that; however for me, it is a great transition. I have come to the resolve that happiness is priceless and living in an emotional taxing situation is not worth my precious sanity…so for me I am embracing what the next chapter has to offer me. One thing I will admit is the rush of fear that still looms in the background; I know this is an obstacle that I need to jump on each day. I feel confident that I am learning to embrace what the universe is offering me and look at it as the next chapter in the never-ending novel of life. In the past two years, the opportunities that I have uncovered overwhelm me each day. I feel these opportunities are putting me closer and closer to building a great life for me and the kids.
Everyone “transition” has lowlights and highlights but you learn to brush yourself off and keep it moving. The most important key is to surround yourself with a network of people who offer emotional support and delete those who do not. I would never say this “transition” is a cakewalk but for me, it’s a personal reflection on who I am and what I am capable of achieving. I say whenever I hear the response “I’m Sorry” I do respond with I’m not and this is without arrogance but the reality is life goes on and there is no time to reflect on what was but the beauty is knowing WHAT CAN BE!
Glass raised for the a new “TRANSITION” and wish ME WELL (no sorry allowed at the door).
CocoaMommy
Kidz Styles for Less: Marshalls
Summer Camp
photo source: microsoft.com/images
Whenever Memorial Day ends, I feel like we are a few steps closer to summer but it’s bittersweet. School will end in a few weeks and then summer camp begins. This year my 5yo DD graduated from her enrichment kindergarten class. Once summer camp begins I always feel like July 4th is here before we can take a deep breath.
I have learned over the past two years how important summer camp is every year. It gives my kids an opportunity to meet new friends, try something new (which is sometimes difficult) or simply stay busy over the summer with activities…. The YMCA offers a wide variety of half day and full day camps and for working parents the before and after care offered is a blessing in disguise. I am fortunate my kids were able to participate in a summer camp over the last two years. This year we are trying a new location so I am hoping they have a wonderful and fun filled summer camp experience.
I remember going to overnight camp for a week and that was quite an experience. It may be a consideration somewhere down the road. For right now I’m just fine with day camp! Wishing all my campers a summer filled with great memories.
CocoaMommy
Summer Vacation: Where should we go? Relax and Release!
photo source: microsoft.com/images
I have resolved to take at least one vacation each year with the kids and somewhere in there I need to squeeze a mommy only vacay (to come soon). Now with less than a month to plan a vacation I have absolutely no idea where we should go for a week. Last year was Kississme, FL where we enjoyed a day at Disney World, SeaWorld and the best part for me- sleeping in late every morning.
I have plenty of suggestions Rehoboth, Lewes, Bethany Beach all DE beaches, Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach, Ocean City, MD, Carribean(my preference here would be Aruba, Bermuda, Paradise Island, Bahamas or somewhere with a Beaches resort -requires passports for both kids not enough time), Martha’s Vineyard. For some reason the kids picked July as the vacation month, which is peak season. For my DS and DD, both wanted to travel to the West coast. While a great idea, traveling to the left coast is cost prohibitive. If we drive, I’m the lone driver so it needs to be somewhere close enough that I am not burned out from driving when we arrive or when we leave.
Any ideas???????? Time is running out for booking a place….
CocoaMommy
My Moment: Being a Kid- Sweet Memories
Photosource: microsoft.com/images
Two days ago I was on the phone with a friend and the evening sky was obviously preparing for a thunderstorm. It brought back so many memories. All jokes aside I said “let’s go run in the rain”. It reminded me of all the carefree days. Those were days filled with no worries. This time of year school was so fun as we all prepared for last day of school countdown and the start of summer. I remembered being younger and running up and down the street in the rain until a neighbor called one of our parents. When I hear my kids complain about being a kid, I remind them to enjoy this time! I remember the days of playing jacks on the kitchen floor, having snack parties with friends, eating Now & Laters until my tongue was purple, the sound of the double dutch rope hitting the street, playing tag and having real fun!
The funny part about these memories is the fact I was serious about running in the rain! Sometimes being an adult becomes a little too routine…..and you need a release or at least I do…..here’s to running in the rain during the next rain..
CocoaMommy
CocoaMommy
Cocktails: Vodka Punch Recipe……..
I was out a few Saturdays ago with @sweet&sassymom and @tomikabryant at the #ValleyTavern restaurant in Radisson hotel, King of Prussia, we enjoyed a delicious cocktail called “Vodka Punch”…..It was delish so I went in search of a cocktail recipe…..Sweet and not too strong = a perfect cocktail
If any great mixologist are out there, please forward the greatest and best recipe for this lovely libation….
CocoaMommy