This was the topic of our MOPS speaker this morning. So much great info that blessed me today, here are some of my notes... Dr. Linda Karges-Bone has raised two daughters and has a very popular radio show. Her research and expertise is family and child rearing. Here are some of her suggestions to help us simplify our lives:
1. live on a budget (on one salary, if you have two). Learn to save.
2. drive an older car- the kids are just going to throw up and spill in it anyways..save money and intrest
3.Do away with cable tv..kids that watch tv spend less time reading which can prevent proper development.if a child hasn't got to grade level reading by third grade. They never will- brain function dies.
4. go for family walks together
5. encourage kids to play outside- need air/vitamin D for proper brain development.
6. Give up designer stuff-try thrift stores, yard sales etc. Don't let trends, friends, or old habits distract you- take charge of your life!
7. eat dinner together- families that did this 5x per week had healthier children, kids stay out of trouble, and families spend way to much money eating out.Have the whole family participate in prepartion and table setting.
8. Get kids into bed at good time. Kids need 6 hours of deep sleep cycle to put info into long term memory. Add/AdHD is caused by sleep apnea/lack of sleep.
9. Only allow 1 extracurricular activity per child. Young families with multiple kids do not have time/money to do more.Focus on what they want to do as their activity. Not what you went them to do.
10. Nurture your marriage- its the best thing you can do for your kids
11. ADD is not a disease but a ratre set of symptoms that need to be carefully evaluated. In BOYS, what many think is ADD can be helped by limiteing stimulizaation from media because the right side of their brain gets overstimulated and they cannot deconstruct to relax. Also, red, orange,and yelloow food dyes increase ADD symptoms.
12. Immerse your child in literature- all gifted children usually found to own at least 100 books!
Okay- I am done for now. This speaker really challenged me as a mother and wife. I am definatley reflecting on this and figuring out ways to simplify! Cable would be the hardest to let go..and the DVR..I think it must go...maybe I should go call Time Warner before I change my mind! Anyone else in?
Also- I know alot of you were really intrested in the natural beauty stuff I have been researching. Don't forget I am posting all that on my other blog (theres a link on this blog). I want to keep this blog for family stuff only- thanks!
8 comments:
That IS challenging! I have a rule that my tv is off from 10 am to 4pm or 5pm. That way I don't watch and get sucked in either...not just for the kids! I probably could do without cable. Most shows I watch are on the basic channels anyway...hmmm, wonder how Jason could do without his ESPN??
That IS awesome - I am fortunate that Ann doesn't watch TV so that 's my thing - I could get rid of cable but NOT the DVR ~ or football - I DO eat out too much
will have to work on that - the rest is good stuff too !!! I need a budget for sure!
thanks for the info!
Very interesting. I was just learning in class that the greatest predictor of IQ is the number of books in the home. You have to read them, though, of course!
Wasn't she great! I have worked with her in the past by allowing some of her students to teach in my classroom and I really really agree with a lot of what she has to say. However, I think she made a lot of 'absolute' comments. If kids aren't reading on grade level by 3rd grade, they can't ever achieve that? Hmmm...maybe we should research all the amazing success stories of adults that learned to read as adults??? I think she meant to say that the best time and easiest time for a child to learn to read is before 3rd grade and it becomes increasingly difficult as you grow and your brain becomes less able to learn.
I emailed Dr. Bone to ask about that statement because it bothered me and she wrote back to clarify. We should all feel a little better knowing that she does say that they can achieve...it is just REALLY hard to do. Thanks goodness!
Those are all great things...I am not very good at. Except the husband one, I'm good at that one. I hope.
Very good stuff! I love to read about how to simplify. I just need to put some of it into practice!!!
Not having cable is the BEST! We haven't had cable in our house since before the children were born - that's been almost 4 years and we've never regretted it!!
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