About Beth Keklak

If you asked my kids what the best part of parenting is they’d be sure to tell you that it is doling out punishments and getting to do what you want.  While I have to admit that it is a whole lot nicer being on this side of the parent “law”, that isn’t a highlight for me.  My highlights are things that my kids can’t see yet and perhaps won’t discover until they are parents themselves.   It is a whole lot easier to focus on the negative side of parenting (and sometimes we get some really great blog posts about it) but it is great to stop and point out the finer points of this whole parenting gig. So thanks, Cristie, for giving us the nudge to stop and sing the praises of being a mom.  These are my Top 5.

1. Seeing through the eyes of a child.  Kids take their time to notice the things around them and are rarely in a rush.  They also see things with open eyes and fresh perspective.  Taking the time to slow down and letting your child take the lead can be the best thing you’ve done in a long, long time.  I love when I notice something I would’ve completely passed by all because my kids took the time to see it whether it be a squirrel scurrying up the tree, a new flower in bloom, or how it feels to soar through the sky when pumping high on a swing.
2. Being Smart.  I consider myself to be relatively intelligent.  However, to your child you are the center of their universe for a long time.  When you can answer their endless questions or offer a new suggestion they look at you like you are the smartest person in the world.  I love that they think I know everything.  I’m also glad I relished it while I could because the 11 year old has me figured out.  Now I’m asking him things. [Read more...]

When it comes to playing games, I don’t let my kids win.  I play them as I would any other competitor, and I’ve done this since they were toddlers.  Why?  Because life isn’t fair.  Everything doesn’t come easy.  The sooner we learn this lesson in life, the easier it is to cope with the disappointments thrown at us.  Where better to learn these lessons than in a loving home with parents that can teach them how to deal with the emotions accompanied by these tough life lessons?

Life lessons my children have learned from playing games: [Read more...]

I frequently hear from my friends who are parents that their kids don’t know how to entertain themselves.  To be honest, I’ve met plenty of adults who don’t know how to entertain themselves either.

I personally think it is a learned skill set and it is one that needs to be developed at an early age.  As a parent it is important for us to teach our kids to play on their own and entertain themselves.  The earlier you start this the better.  Not only does this foster the ability to entertain themselves but it also fosters their imaginations.

In order to do this you need to provide opportunity and access.  Tell your kids to go play in their room (or whatever room you have designated for them to play in!).  However, when they get there they need to find things age appropriate to utilize on their own.  I have found the following to be essentials for my kids: [Read more...]