Bedtime battles

Thankfully, we rarely have bedtime battles but here's a little Love & Logic reminder list for the times we do.....

• Abolish bedtime in favor of “bedroom time.”
  
  • While it's not within our control to make our kids fall asleep in their beds, we can control whether they stay in their rooms. Say, "You may do whatever you like as long as you stay in your room and you don't cause a problem."
• If they come out of their room, shut their door.
  • Some parents decide to keep putting their children back in the room. Others decide to hold the door shut. Some decide to latch the door shut until their child is willing to stay in their room.
• Ensure supervision and safety.
  • Make the room safe and stay right outside their door until they are calm.
• Expect them to throw a huge fit.
  • This is normal.
• Don't talk to them through the door.
  • Each word we say increases the duration of their fit.
• Open the door only when they fall asleep or are willing to stay in their room.
• Be as consistent as possible.
  • When parents stick to this plan, they usually see major improvement in less than a week’s time.
• Use these tips only with children who are at least one year of age.
  • With little babies, just love them and do whatever it takes to sooth them. The first year of life is all about meeting needs and establishing trust and love.

Cold beaches and Disney

We've returned from our chilly Florida vacation and we're back to the reality of school, work, laundry, etc. While away, Mr. PaperCourt and I were able to leave the boys with my mom and escape to the Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande to celebrate ten years of marriage. TEN YEARS...that seems so long yet has gone by so quickly.

The Gasparilla Inn is the quintessential old Florida preppy hotel. No jeans are allowed in the public spaces of the hotel after 6pm during the "social" season. Seriously, this place is amazing, even in the cold weather.

We also surprised the boys with a trip to Disney. It was crowded but fun. And dare I say, as a Florida native, that I prefer Disneyland. I like the smaller park and the proximity of the hotels. The people watching at Disney is priceless. I've had my fill and won't be back for a few years.

Now we're on to the celebration of my baby's 4th birthday. Party details coming soon....

Are you sick of your Halloween candy yet?

I'll be honest. If there is a bucket of candy sitting around, I'm going to eat it. I have no self control whatsoever. I heard somewhere about donating Halloween candy to our troops so googled it found Operation Gratitude. They are taking up a collection and will send it to the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan. So start collecting...and send it on to California and they'll distribute.

What a great way to teach the kids about giving! I'm even asking the parents at preschool to participate!