Co-Sleeping, Yes or No?

Hey everyone, I am revisiting this post I did some time ago because I heard a disturbing story on the radio last week that touched on kids sleeping with their parent(s), specifically what age is too old for them to climb into bed with you.

I originally posted this back in 2013!
I ran into this article today and it peaked my interest with a topic I've thought about for a while.This article in the Stir about Co-Sleeping (click for the link) speaks on parents, especially mothers, sleeping with their babies. Ms. Velez gives us a breakdown of the pros of this arrangement. In reading this article, I was brought back to the following;

I was having a casual conversation the other day with some mommies and one of them bought up that her spouse was mad at her because their three year old climbed into bed a few nights before and she let her stay and that its been happening every night ever since.

illustration by get-your-baby-to-sleep.com

I listened carefully then asked her how helpful did she believe she was really being to her little girl’s bed time issues and to her connection with her spouse. She looked at me in surprise. I proceeded to suggest and explain that I see no good ever in children sleeping in their parent’s bed. Regardless of the issue, especially, at the age of three. If the child feels scared or is ill I suggest you go into their space and soothe them by expressing how things will be fine and so on. Your bedroom is your private space with your mate. It should never become a “family” room. There is a difference between let’s gather and watch a movie and let me sleep with my parents. Parents should set boundaries; it will benefit them in the long run.

illustration by pinterest

This is me today!

The story I heard a few days ago on the radio referenced to an eleven year old boy who's parents had recently divorced and apparently he was having issues sleeping. He would go into his mother's room and climb into bed with her and she was totally cool with it. Many listeners said absolutely no way, a few said perhaps she was missing her x and the son was filling the empty space and a few said it was ok until they both got use to their new lives. My perspective is, he is eleven. If he is feeling sad, lonely, anxious etc...have him come into your room that is ok but make it like a sleep over and put down some blankets etc so he can sleep on the floor or sleeping bag. 

Sure some of us watch television or talk and hang out with our older kids in our beds but to sleep with them after a certain age I think is way too much. I would even go as far as giving them my bed and I'll sleep on the blankets and/or sleeping bag if sense of security is what you need. 

What do you think? Is Co-Sleeping something you would do in your home? What is an appropriate age for your child(ren) to still sleep with you? Does your response change whether you are single or married? Please share your thoughts.

Always stress free xo,

Mari

What is Old can be New again.

I love the opportunity to revisit old Blog posts.
I think in the blogging sphere as you move forward so quickly and are constantly figuring what works best sometimes we don't go back enough to appreciate the growth or to see where someone got started.

The challenge Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com presented today #11 on September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge allows for just that.
Rejuvenation: a showcase of old posts we would like to have revisited and commented on.

I selected the following hope you give them a chance and take another peek:
1-No, when it comes to Competition...Everyone is Not a Winner
2-what-more-do-you-want
3-picky-eaters
4-step-parenting
5-pace-yourself

illustration by pndblogtypepad.com

Always stress free xo

Quick & Easy Pizza

Thursday Reveal....

So my reveal today is I love Pizza, yeah who doesn't? I love Pizza but I don't want to order it, pick it up or make it from scratch that is unless it is easy and stress free.

When a girlfriend of mine shared with me a way that I could make Pizza  at anytime for under 20 minutes I was hooked. She said she couldn't believe I had never tried it. I explained to her I had never thought of it actually. Can you believe that? Please do, its the truth I never thought of it or even heard of what I am about to share....

Here goes

1- Slices of bread, English muffins or bagels (depends on your liking and amount depends on family size).

2- Sauce, whatever flavor or brand you like. I use Ragu Traditional when I want to keep simple.

3- Mozzarella Cheese already shredded is best saves you time but if you want to cut your on slices go right ahead!

4- Toppings, this time I used Pepperoni for my added topping but as always I say use what works best for you.

Lay out the slices, spread the sauce, add toppings and cheese. Place on a tray toast till cheese is melting and bread is crisp....DONE!!!!!

I got home tonight at 6:15 and by 6:35 we were eating. 

This is my idea of quick and easy. Here are some pics!!

When pimples start to take over

I am writing about the dreaded topic of....Pimples

Had a really busy week last week as I mentioned before and had one of these mornings...

Have you ever gotten up in the morning to find you have a pimple right smack where Everyone will see it? You feel like no amount of cover up will help? You ask yourself, "should I even be getting pimples at my age?"
Now that you have that dreaded feeling in your tummy, I have sent you back into the world of your teens.
Certain things in puberty just have to run their course but we can certainly make the trip easier and happier.
To do this we must and I stress the must, start to teach our children to be mindful of their hygiene. This means washing our hands often and our faces before bedtime. The earlier we get them use to this routine the smoother it will be when breakouts start to appear.
When you have your own breakout show them how you take care of it, let them know that no one likes to get a pimple but it does and will happen.
• Wash face with mild soap or breakout product
• Use lukewarm water
• Don’t over exfoliate, you will only cause extra dryness
• Pat face dry. Never rub.
• Use medication in infected area only, not the whole face
• Some home remedies do work, like toothpaste. A little dot on pimple reduces swelling.
• If problem is severe, visit a dermatologist sooner than later. We all know how self-conscious we can be about our appearance; we don't want our kids to feel unnecessary discomfort
• Drink plenty of water and eat well. Fruits and veggies, good diet does help.
• Get a cover up stick as close to skin tone as possible to reduce appearance of pimple and help in dealing with the breakout. Boys can use it too, no big deal.

Last but certainly not least, teach your kids to just be patient. Be kind, understand that they are going through changes and this is part of many changes to come. Take things in stride.

I had to reel myself in this week and remember my own words. Thankfully I survived thanks to my glasses of water and Acne Free products :)

The adventures of entering High School

As a new school year is about to begin I thought I would comment on the following...

So here we are another milestone reached.
Our little ones are not so little anymore. No more mommy's driving him to school or daddy's picking her up from basketball practice. No more bag lunches or school field trips.

We are entering the world of the big kids.
It is now time to even further the practice of independence and trust.
It is now time for our kids to step up and show us they have been listening and are ready to show us all they have learned.
For US as parents, it is time to loosen the cord, sit back and watch what happens.
But before all this gets put into play let’s make sure we have our ducks in order. A few things to keep in mind and start to prep for are as follows:
• Let’s get our kids used to having their own alarm clock
• Let’s get them ready to commute alone. Whether by bus, car or train. Practice the route either to town or in case of those in the city to another Borough.
• Let’s sit and regroup. This is the time to freshen up on all those lessons we have been teaching throughout the years.
How to be a leader, how to respect others, to work hard, to try their best, to listen, to be helpful and to be true to themselves.
Most importantly, this is another opportunity to share your high school stories and memories.

Let’s go out and have fun. These four years will pass quickly before you know it.
They sure did for me :)

What are some of your H.S. stories? How are you preparing for your "babies" H.S. entry?