We CAN be Creative Parents!

A few years ago as an active teacher, I heard one of the parents say on a Friday afternoon, "Have a good weekend, Teachers!  You guys get to rest and we parents start our jobs with the kids until Sunday evening! Wish us luck!"  And with a long sigh she walked off with her three- and five-year old.  I could almost hear her heavy heart beat while she held each child's hand in hers.  I wasn't a parent then and couldn't believe that she considered her weekend with the children such a burden.  What was wrong with her, I thought to myself.  I was in utter disbelief.

And then I became a parent, twice over now in ten years and realized part of what she was saying.  Weekends in a country where nannies and house-help was a luxury can become tedious, especially when you spend ALL day doing errands.  Add to that, spending ALL day with two children who both need you in some way or other.  It can be nerve-wracking indeed.

But then I discovered how to become a "creative parent" without having to spend money or spend the entire day preparing for one activity with my children, "just to keep them busy."  Of course having experienced years of being in the classroom with screaming, rowdy and sweet preschoolers (a.k.a. a teacher) helped a lot.  Common sense also kicked in.

Here are some tried-and-tested fun activities I've done with my children (and sometimes with other people's children I had to baby sit often) which kept them busy and my sanity intact.  I also managed to slip out of the room to fold laundry, do the dishes and surf the net!!!

1.  Simple Water Play.  
On a warm day, I spread out an old shower curtain (indoors!!!) to shield the floor of a rented condo then). The other materials were as follows:
     Two (2) wide-mouth bins, filled one with water about two inches high and the    
     other left empty. 
     Old measuring cups (plastic), water bottles (also plastic), spoons, ice cream   
     scoopers and a plastic strainer (the ones we use for draining pasta)


I showed my daughter how to scoop water from the bin and pour it into the bottles.  Later on she was transferring water from one bin to the next.  for variety you can add dishwashing soap or a mild shampoo.  Bubbles are a sure winner.


She was at it for almost an hour.  She also found her way inside the bin later on, enjoying the tight "mini-pool"  she created.


A word of caution though, keep the water level LOW.  A younger child of one or two years of age may drown in as low as an inch of water.  They may be unable to raise their head out of the waterbin at that age.   


And teach the children NOT to drink the water. If they're busy pouring and scooping, they won'd drink.  And for safety measures, keep a pitcher or glass of water beside your child when she or he gets thirsty.


And as a creative parent, I learned not to get finicky about getting wet, dirty or sticky fingers.


2.  Clothespins (wooden or plastic) on a clothesline.


I tied a short cord from one closet to another (or a chair to a closet, whatever works) and attached ten (10) clothespins on the cord.  It was a home-made abacus and a great tool to exercise my daughter's fine-motor muscles--the small muscles in the fingers, used to control the pencil.  


3.  (More to come later...duty calls, time to pick up the children from school!)

5 Parenting Tips for the Weekend

1.  Start and end the day with "I love you."
Showing children our love sometimes may not be enough.  Saying these three simple words with a warm tight hug can make a huge difference in our children's lives.  Especially if we have teeners under our roof.  Remember though not to expect a response from them.  They may not be "in the mood" at the moment.  Nonetheless, saying "I love you" starts their day off properly.


2. Acknowledge "Negative Feelings." 
As the old adage says:  the first step to solving a problem is to acknowledge that there is one.  Feelings of fear, anger or disappointment are all normal, for adults and for children.  These are emotions we need to recognize when our child is going through them. 

"It seems like you are feeling scared about...  I know it can be difficult now.  Mommy/ Daddy is here to hold your hand / to help you / is here with you... we can do this together."  


They need to know that having feelings of fear is normal but can be overcome. Accepting your child's negative emotion helps him deal with it positively. 


3. Let your toddler and preschooler explore, as long as it is within safety limits.
Banging on pots with spoons or getting messy hands is something we parents try to shield our kids from. We worry too much about the inconveniences these actions will bring US.  We forget that they LEARN from it.  Let's go easy on the "Don'ts."  Except of course when he starts climbing the "wrong" side of the stair case!!!


4.  Coin a nickname.
Remember how you used to call your boyfriend or girlfriend by a distinctive name that only you can use?  The same holds true for your child!!!  Calling your child by a special monicker reflects your unique bond with your him.  Only you and your child have that special bond. Think of it as a "secret password" to his heart.


5.  Be courageous when you need to say you're "Sorry."
Admitting one's mistake is a bold act.  Doing so sends your child a loud message that if you are wrong, it is alright to apologize and make amends.


HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!