10 Ways To Guide Children – Without Discipline

10 Ways To Guide Children – Without Discipline thanks Corallissa for sending me this article. I think I'm on the right track. :)

How TWO Discipline?

Marley is 2 years, 3 months and 13days old! He is so funny, smart and just full of chat(a west Indian expression; meaning talkative, aware and full of life). He knows what he wants and when he wants it. Sometimes it's a wrestling match of disarming him with my breakables or Ahmed's sports equipment; it plays out like a scene out of an old gangster movie. I am left puzzled and impressed with his trickiness and dexterity. Leaving me bewildered "How the heck did little McGuiver get his hands on a sharp object such as nail files, bobby bins, scissors, etc? The scenario usually goes like this: "Marley, Put the {} down.......Please! Mommy says anxiously. Repeating myself again and slowly creeping up on him, "Marley, open your Hands and PUT THE {pin} DOWN! Then he gives me that serious stare and says "Mommy?" and smiles...then I bite my cheeks not to laugh and negate my whole "strict mom act!" I'm a fake. LOL

I strive every day to be the best Mom I can be, balancing Love and Discipline. I always grew up believing that young kids didn't know what's happening, they didn't understand what was being said in the faint backgrounds of adult conversations, that just "do as I say, because" was good enough of an explanation. But then I started to examine my child,children play groups and my own childhood and we as children remember and understand everything! Words are powerful, Respect is powerful and Rules and Consequences are necessary. I find the most important factor is for them (children) to UNDERSTAND what they did, why they can't , what happens when if they

do........ in the long run (this foundation) will transfer into their adulthood and they won't turn into FASCIST crazy Politicians!!!!! Sorry for the digression, but you understand what I'm saying?! :) Granted, when I tell Marley to Stop running and he doesn't and I yell at him for not doing so. I get frustrated! There is no time for explanations. This concept of holding hands with new legs is hard for them to grasp, but we will continue to struggle........he is two and he will get it. I just have to bear the crying until we cross the street and make it to the other side. Wow..... that was so open for a joke, but I not going to go there. In the words of my hubby Ahmed Best "Nah, that's too easy, I don't hit soft balls".

Oh' right, the purpose of this blog entry. The two's are not so terrible. It's challenging, and I learn everyday I have to parent differently, just as he grow and becomes smarter ....I have to as well. Giving him options that work for me either way he chooses........that has been my best trick ever. And everybody is happy.

Mother Son Dance

I often subject Marley to watch my guilty pleasure of Dance competition shows. I think he may have pick up a few moves, because last week we went to an Easter dinner at Tracy Thoms house and Marley heard a song he just had to move to. He yelled out "Mommy, Mommy......Lets dance." He grabbed my hands and actually led me from side to side. He was incredibly musical, on beat and was getting his little swagger on! Not only that .......he was serious! It was hilarious!!!! I love my boy.

Easter 2011

The day before Easter, Marley participated in his first Easter egg dying at his God Parents house. He along with Francine,Darrell, Kendall and Sydney dyed eggs and prepared baskets. They had a great time and even scribed Marley on one of his eggs. So Adorable.

Then Next Day: April 24, 2011

Marley and I celebrated his 2nd Easter at the Methodist Church in Shermon Oaks. We were a couple minutes late and snuck in the side door. I received pleasant welcomes and smiles and sat on the end of the aisle, just in case we had to leave early.We had on our casual Sunday Best and a backpack filled with snacks, sippy cups and a toy train just in case. Marley stood up in the pew, mesmerized by the pastors deep resonate voice and the lull of the organ. He wrapped his arm around my neck and hugged me close. He observed the church band, and the fact that one microphone was yellow and the other was black and the lady behind me was wearing a big pink flower. And I whispered "thank you Marley for pointing these thing out" as I chuckled. The Pastor shortly after asked us to bow our heads. So I did. Marley immediately asked "Mommy are you OK? I answered "Yes baby, I'm OK". Then he looked around and saw that every ones head was down. Could you imagine what he was thinking? He must have thought everyone fell a sleep at the same time, or the minister said some kind of hocus pocus magic words. He tapped me again. Mommy Mommy are you OK. I said " Marely, Mommy is Ok. I love you." and Marley said "Mommy, I love you too." It was a very moving and special spiritual time, I am not a super religious person but I do believe in the word (Message) of God. I don't take everything so literally but I do love Easter. Because in essence its about Unconditional love, miracles and being appreciative of sacrifices that God and all people make for all of mankind! I am so grateful for my son, my husband, my family and friends. For all those who sacrificed for my rights and the life that I have today. These are some of the teachings I will share with my son. But I want to be the example, so I thank Marley for making want to be a better person and I am so honored to have a family tradition. Thank you God. Happy Easter.

Spring BReak- LA Zoo

A Beautiful day at the L.A Zoo with Delvin, Tiffany, London and Marley.

The Americana

The Kids Club at the Americana at Brand in Glendale. My brother and his family came to visit last week and we had a world wind of child friendly activities. It's so nice to share our time as parents, sharing, learning and respecting each other on a totally different level. It still amazes me that we are grown up and are responsible for another little human being!!! Life Cracks me Up. But I'm reporting that the babies are smart, happy, alive and well!!! :)

We enjoyed the sounds of Rhythm child on the green. London tapped on the drums and Marley danced around in circles. The lead singer of Rhythm child had to stop singing wheels on the bus goes round and round because Marley wouldn't stop spinning! And once he announced "Hey, my man Marley is going to loose it if I don't stop" ! We all busted out laughing.

London Visits LA!!!

These are a few candid shots of Marley and London on her first day in Los Angeles and her last day in L.A. As you can see, from the first day they have a bond. Almost as if they see each other every week. Marley loves his cousin. He loves playing with her and making her laugh. London's laughter is so infectious that she has all of us laughing once she gets started. It warmed my heart to see the both of them playing and just feeling really comfortable together. I just wished we all lived in the same city. We'll see you soon London, London. Miss you already.