Showing posts with label Newbie Dads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newbie Dads. Show all posts
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Dodging a Nr 2 Nappy Change :D
What follows is my account of one of those unspoken (and probably unwritten) experiences that parents of babies have when it comes to changing nr 2 nappies, enjoy the comedy.We've somehow managed to potty-train our eldest boy a little while ago. Our youngest is still using nappies (about 20mths at the time of writing) which means that we probably have another year of nappy changing to go. Both my wife and I are quick to change a nr 1 nappy, no wet wipes required. However, a nr 2 is where the fun and games begin. The list of excuses we've both used are endless when it comes to NOT wanting to change a number 2. From having a headache, to a backpain, to claims of nausea, to running out of the room before the other is aware of the impending change.
We had a nr 2 experience last night. So, there we were watching TV together as a family when I became aware of a nr 2 odour in our midst. Within 2 minutes the odour had invaded the entire room. So, I asked the question which led both of us to instinctively haul excuses at each other as mentioned above. At some point I ran out of our bedroom and locked the door from the outside. My wife, suffocating, ran through the other door into the bathroom, leaving our youngest boy in the nr 2 cloud. About 15 seconds later I caved, and fetched our boy to take him to the changing station. The nr 2 changing process was regularly interrupted by sprints out of the room to take a few deep breaths and then back again into the war zone. I can't imagine changing someone elses child, with my boys I do it out of love for them and for no other reason.
Needless to say we found ourselves in a catch 22, i.e. either we opened the bedroom window and then introduce a mosquito problem or we could leave the window closed and deal with the odour in another way. We eventually lit an incense stick and within 5 minutes we were watching TV again :D
Monday, October 5, 2009
Being a dad, what it feels like ...
I am the proud parent of two young boys, one nearly 2 and the other nearly 4 years old. They have a brought kind of joy to my life that is beyond words. When I'm away from them I miss them all the time, not now and then, all THE time. To those of you who do not have any children, consider the following analogy to get a better sense of just how profound this experience is for me: Imagine life without the air that we breathe. I know, it sounds crazy and it's almost impossible to imagine such a thing, right? The idea of losing either of my boys is infinitely more inconceivable than the idea of no air. Just the thought stream generated from the previous sentence makes it difficult to breathe right now. Chances are that if you are fellow parent then you could be feeling the pang as well.On a MUCH lighter note, my boys are mommy's boys. I am at a loss for words when it comes to attempting to describe the intense emotion associated with the rejection I experience as a result of the intense loyalty our boys feel to their mother, the centre of their universe, I just don't compete in this arena. I know, its not a competition. That's not the point. My wife experienced a 5 minute dose of this rejection with our youngest son about a month ago. She has no idea what it feels like to live with this rejection every day.You see, I know what it's like to be a mommy's boy, after all, I'm a mommy's boy and, for most of my life, my father was the villain, the obstacle, the one who hurt my mom's feelings. Karmah is truly a beach and I say this with a smirk on my face.
Your thoughts?
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Before our children
At dinner parties we used to share stories of our cats with our friends. Now we share stories about our kids. I remember being quite annoyed with my friends who had kids (before we had our own). We could never have a decent conversation without at least one of the two parents running after a child that's either crying or up to mischief or both. This is my reality today, i.e. I'm one of those parents who keeps a watchful eye over his pride. Ask any parent what it's like to lose sight of their child for just 20 seconds in a crowded shopping centre. It's hell.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Making "me time"
As a young dad I cannot stress how challenging yet vitally important it is to build in some "me time" into your life. I know that it's difficult to achieve and then maintain a healthy balance. More of one thing means less of another. However, don't let me stop you! "Me time" to me is about rejuvenation. It's about doing whatever I choose to do. It's not about impressing another. It's about enjoyment. It's about absorption."Me time" for me is updating my blog, playing my PS3 after everyone's gone to bed, having a long hot shower, driving my car with no passengers while listening to whatever music suits my mood at that moment and it's also watching a good sci-fi movie. I'd also like to squeeze in a regular cardio-vascular exercise program but can't seem to find the time between my work, social and family commitments. More experienced parents have told me not to stress about it since it gets easier as your children get older. I'll keep you posted on whether this holds true for my situation.
They all say the same thing, i.e. enjoy the time with your children when they still want to be in your company all the time, when you are the centre of the universe to them. Make the most of the time together because, before you know it, it's come and gone.
Check-list for dressing your toddler
These are the basics I do with my boy while getting him ready for pre-school in the morning:1. Give him cereal before dressing him since there is a high probability that he will mess while eating his cereal (3.5 years old)
2. Wash his face
3. Brush his teeth
4. Brush his hair
5. Help him take off his pyjamas
6. Dress him (undies, socks, pants/shorts, shirt and jersey if cold outside)
7. Put on his shoes
8. Pack him a lunch (if there's time)
9. Give him a Gumi-Vite (a multi-vitamin for young children)
Obviously, if there's time, I allow him to explore doing the tasks above on his own. In fact, he usually insists on doing it himself. Usually, he likes to squeeze in a game or two, like running off with his socks and expecting me to chase him or jumping on the bed and asking me to join in. We also use a sticker system where he gets a sticker if he co-operates in the morning. When the sticker-count gets to 10 then there's a reward in it for him.
If you like me and your time in the morning is SUPA limited then it helps to take out his clothing the evening before.
PS: The sticker-system works equally well with helping him keep his room tidy and encouraging him to sleep in his own bed.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Grooming 101
If you fortunate enough to be married then it's really healthy for the relationship that you, as the daddy, ACTIVELY participate in your boy(s) grooming. And by grooming I mean the bathing, dressing, undressing, toilet training, nappy-changing, tooth-brushing, ear-cleaning, nail clipping (including the toes), hair brushing, etc. This is about you adding a daddy's touch. And, in my case, your wife will probably complain less and you'll probably get more booty as well :-)
Also, try to enjoy the experience, slow it down. Try not to think about work or anything else. Be present. Don't think. Just be. Just appreciate the fleeting moment presented to you.
A child's immune system is fully developed at 5 years of age. This means that children under the age of 5 are more susceptible to illness. This, in turn, means that, on cooler days, it's best to dress you kid slightly warmer, especially for the morning trip to school.
It's easy to overdress your kid, i.e. they can overheat and this makes for an uncomfortable experience for them, resulting in a grumpy kid. And you know what a grumpy kid is like. So, place your finger behind you child's neck in the space between the base of the head and the base of the neck, on the inside of the clothing item's collar. If it's hot then start undressing your child.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Disciplining our peeps
I grew up in a household where my dad used emotionally abusive language as a form of discipline. I couldn't wait to leave home, to feel safe. Today, as a parent, I discipline in a different way (jury still out as to whether our way is better though). We use time-out where we count out loud "time-out 1", "time-out 2" & "time-out 3". We use this when our boys are naughty but playful. When they get rude or abusive in another way we use "hiding 1", "hiding 2" & "hiding 3". After the 3rd count for time-out they get sent to a time-out corner for a few minutes to reflect on their actions. With hiding it's literally translates to a slap on the bum. Follow through is quite important or else they don't take you seriously. So be STRONG. It's equally important to take the time to explain to your child that what they've done was unacceptable.
What are your thoughts on good examples of discipline styles? What are your thoughts on good discipline?
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Nobody tells you that ...
- You tend to befriend your children's friends' parents. It started early when my eldest got home from pre-school oneday with a tiny request, i.e. daddy, can Mark come over to play, then it was Cammy, followed by Olivia, Tait, etc. More recently, its been Luke.
- You will still become annoyed with other people's children.
- You never regain the sleep you lost and continue to loose ;-)
- Younger children are SUPA destructive and that it may be best to temporarily place your more expensive items in storage.
- Children are expert manipulators who will test you on every corner
- Children a mirrors so watch what you say or do
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
For new dads ...
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