EXPOSING Satanic 2014 Grammy Awards and a STRONG WARNING from the Lord!

Children Get Older, Get Bolder

There are mothers in jail crying because they shortened the life of a spouse, children or even a loved one, because of a child's misdeeds.  These women lost it--went mad, became afraid and defended their selves, or went through some kind of dilemma that they felt gave them no choice but to hurt another human being permanently.

"Never say what you will never do and never be too sure that all those around you are mentally stable," I thought after being tested one day by one of my children.  If it wasn't for my faith, I can boldly say, I don't know where I would be today.

As children get older, they grow bolder in what they say and do.  You can only pray that God keeps his hand on your mouth and a hand on your shoulder.  From deep sighs to yelling, you recall those days you sacrificed much for your children and then the nerve of them...

I have listened to the stories of mothers who didn't take what their children did and said lightly especially when they acted in ways that were downright wrong!  They usually end their stories with something like, "Those kids are lucky I didn't kill them...They should be grateful I'm not in jail because of them..."

When one is tempted to lose it, you can do some things only if you are able to before things get too bad:

1.  Remove whatever you have in your hand.  Place it away from you and child.
2.  Walk out the door, get some fresh air, sit and talk with a trusted loved one or friend.
3.  Get out of the room that the violation took place.  The longer you stay, the more frustrated you will become.
4. Avoid discussing the issue with a spouse/partner/another child that is uncaring, moody, tired--especially when you are emotional.  Chances are you and that person will get into an argument about the one who has offended you.
5.  Put on headphones.  Shutting the problem out allows you time to think clearly before reacting.
6. Stop cooking--you don't want to cause a fire.
7. Pull the car over--you don't want to cause an accident.

Someone shared with me that a relative would clean when she was stressed, this way she didn't ponder too long about what her children did.  She said, "She would spank their behinds, then continue to clean.  There was no yelling...she just sang to herself."  The issue was done, over with--unfortunately far too many mothers run issues into the ground with long rants making it difficult for them and those involved to calm down.  The key is to say what you need to say, do what you need to do as quick as possible.  If your child should challenge you, remind the smart mouth there is a place for him/her and you called jail (juvenile detention center for children), then ask, "Would you like to go?" 

Worse case scenario, call a relative who might have better control over your children and/or the police before you do something that might cause much heartache--especially if you have violent, disrespectful children or an uncaring spouse/partner.   

Nicholl McGuire


   

On Raising Teens, Children

Back when I first started this blog, "When Mothers Cry," I was a parent of a baby, a toddler, a tween, and a soon-to-be teen.  Now that I have moved out of pre-school years into elementary school years with two boys, and am observing a middle school boy and a high school boy, I can't help but wonder sometimes, "Am I doing what is in the best interest of my children?"

There are many dynamics that play a part when it comes to raising teens from what you say and what you do to what others are doing and not doing.  Then of course in between we have teachers, peers, and anyone else with a covert or overt agenda.  I pray more nowadays and sincerely hope for the best, but my eyes don't deceive me, I see things for what they are and I sigh.  It seems at times, as parents, we have little influence as compared to the entertainers, video games, movies, and more that come into the lives of our teens.  I encourage myself, "Don't worry, you are doing the best you can...remember you were once their ages, you didn't turn out so bad."  True enough.

I think what bothers me the most about teen boys is their immaturity being encouraged by those who say things like, "Boys will be boys...take it easy...check out those girls...don't worry they will find their way."  I am personally not impressed with the lives of those who think that all a boy needs is a ball in his hand, a hot girlfriend, and some flattering words said by loved ones to build up his self-esteem and he will be okay.

As parents we have a lot of work to do when it comes to raising children and if we lack in some areas, it is up to us to seek out professional help--without excuse.  We must make the most of every moment teaching, sometimes preaching, and at times even crying--showing our children that we love them beyond what we say and do.  We must show love, embrace them, and give them guidance that will assist them in every area of their lives from education to spirituality.  There is more to life than what appeals to one's senses and we are responsible for those seeds we sow in both the short and long run.

Nicholl McGuire also maintains Parents, Babies and Children blog, click here. 

When Motherhood Feels Too Hard book by Kelly Crawford

7 Tips on Getting a Break from Children with Little or No Money

Does it seem that your children are dominating every part of your day?  If you feel overwhelmed with your children lately, here are some suggestions on how to get some free time throughout the day to catch your breath.

1.  Utilize a room in your residence that isn't dedicated to children.  If you don't have one, create a space.  This will be your time-out spot.  Explain to your children why this area is off-limits.  Reward them when they are not in that area and are keeping quiet.

2.  Busy your children with some toys/activities that they haven't done for awhile.  Electronics with headphones are a plus.  Also, most wanted new toys (without sound and have parts that stay intact) will keep their interest for awhile.  If you don't have money to buy new toys, take old ones out and rotate toys.  It will feel like Christmas all over again for them.  Take building blocks and dump them in the middle of their floor and let them create while you do what you need to do.

3.  When you can get away from your children (because someone is at home to watch them or you dropped them off elsewhere), visit with loved ones, go to a park, eat at a restaurant alone, or just sit in your car somewhere peaceful.  The needed break will rejuvenate you!

4.  Purchase popular movies (Thrift store, yard sale, online auction, bookstore) or borrow them from the local library, they will keep the children entertained for at least a couple of hours.

5.  Send children to bed early or encourage a nap or "Do Nothing" time.  This is so helpful when you need to get things done in the middle of the afternoon or late during the evening through the night.  Of course, they will put up a fuss but at least you gain your needed free time!

6.  Make plans to go to bed early then awake early (hopefully before the children get up).  This way you will be in the frame of mind to at least start what you need to do, rather than tending to their needs. 

7.  Take them to events where you are able to drop them off ie.) birthday parties, extracurricular activities, etc.)

When all else fails, always look for opportunities for help ie.) school counselors, community centers, welfare office, non-profit agencies, etc.

Nicholl McGuire