My Peer Model Program

December 28, 2009

Twice a month, I attend a mom’s group called MOPS. I love MOPS. Not only do I get to bask in the joy of a kid-free morning, I also get to talk to other moms about pretty much everything. I have learned a lot at MOPS. It is a place where moms can gather and “talk shop.” It has become one of my favorite things to do. Even earlier today Jeremiah called me a “Mommy nerd” because I can’t seem to stop myself from researching things related to parenting. I do it all of the time and I am always open to pointers from my peers, especially those with a little more experience than I. Here are a few things I have learned from my friends over the last few years from either reading blogs or chatting…..from house cleaning, to practical, to keeping the relationship with the hubs fresh. I have attributed these to the appropriate girls (and they thought I wasn’t listening)

- If you mop your floor with a little bit of water and peppermint essential oil, it will keep ants away. — Liz

- Date night with the hubs is the most important thing you can do for your kids and your marriage. — Daneen

- Saline in the nose will do miracles for a kid’s congestion. — Tracy

- If your child has a nose-picking problem (EWW I know!), then make him/her wash his/her hands every single time you see the finger approaching the nose. After washing the hands about 50 times, they will begin to think twice about sticking that finger in their nose. — My Mom

- Put all of the kids’ dishes in a low cabinet so they can get their own drinks and plates/bowls at meal time. — Claire

- As far as kids go….if they can do it, then they do it. If they can’t do it, then I do it. — Claire (she is a wise one, that girl)

- When putting your child in time out by sending them to their room/the corner/the stairs, don’t “potato sack” them and physically place them there. Make them walk there themselves. — DeDe

- Completely and totally ignore whining/tantrums/tattling (unless someone is bleeding). — I can attribute this to many girls and what awesome advice it is!

- If your kid is ignoring you because he/she is playing with a toy and doesn’t want to stop long enough to listen….take the toy away. You should have their attention immediately. — Jill

- I am not the only one out there with a very strong willed child and it is okay to cry about it on occasion. — All of the women from my MOPS table last year.

- If you are traveling a long distance with kids, give them Benadryl or Tylenol. — Again, too many women to count! (I go with the Tylenol but only on trips that are 5+ hours and I haven’t had a trip like that in years)

- Have a small goal you know you can meet each day, write it down and only worry about accomplishing that (as opposed to accomplishing everything in one day) — Stacy

- Don’t expect your kids to act like little adults. They are kids. — Liz

- Pray for your kids daily. — Again, don’t remember, but priceless advice.

- Twice a day, do a 10 minute pick-up with the kids to keep your house from looking like a tornado hit it. — I think this one was Daneen too.

Thanks for all of the awesome advice girls! So glad we have one another to bounce ideas off of.

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