Comments for TweenBeat

Comment on Who’s your favorite? by Kristen Paulsen

Kristen Paulsen — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:16:24 +0000

Thank you Sarah for reading and your compliments too! You too are doing a great job!

Comment on Teacher Meet-n-Greets & Open House by Kristen Paulsen

Kristen Paulsen — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:14:40 +0000

Great reminder! All teachers need to feel appreciated by the parents, I don’t care what people say, being nice always pays off. Thanks for reading and your comments!!!

Comment on When is a Child Too Sick for School? by Kristen Paulsen

Kristen Paulsen — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:13:09 +0000

A general “rule” that even my husband uses as a doctor/father to decipher if a child is getting sick or is already sick…. offer them their favorite food or activity…if they accept, they usually are fine. If they decline, they truly have something going on and needs further evaluation. Children cannot “fake” illnesses, all of our bodies give signals to “slow” us down when fending off germs and illnesses.

Comment on The Mom Schedule by Kristen Paulsen

Kristen Paulsen — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:10:00 +0000

I love your phrase “the elusive magic of blanace.” I always appreciate and look forward from hearing from you Trinyan. You bring a very comforting perspective as a mother who has successfully lived through the “tween” years. Even when I feel overscheduled I always know what I want to do…read a book, sleep, or even go to the bathroom…by myself!

Comment on To dance or not to dance….. by Kristen Paulsen

Kristen Paulsen — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:06:11 +0000

Thank you Sarah for your comments, you bring up many great points. I love your perspective and it’s always helpful to hear outside opinions and suggestions. I will inevitably be blogging again about this as we make decisions, try things out and learn from success and failures. I love your reminders about attitude. Perhaps I question my daughter because I also know that it bumps up my Mom schedule…oh, the ever balance of our life, theirs and the family. Stay tuned!

Comment on To dance or not to dance….. by Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:42:07 +0000

I have often joked that my planner is my Bible. It is what I go by. I also have a “three-in-one” calendar, cork and magnet board hanging in my room, to always be sure what the day looks like and what I can fit in and where. As I copied my schedule and sent it to my brother (due to the likelihood he will need some help with his kids or want the company as his wife recovers from a surgery at home for a week) I realized how completely full my schedule was and that my sons was just as full. We consider the week to be work week and the weekend- well, not as demanding. Although Saturday was a good day to add an art class at the museum. Balance these days just means more work for Mom at home- to make sure physical, spiritual, emotional and mental needs are being met….both our own and of our children. I think this concept is important when making decisions and making schedules. Asking “does this certain activity nourish me in these ways”…..if it does, then it’s probably worth the effort. I believe we need to help our children fulfill their goals. If there is a will, there is always a way. Helping a child see their life with perspective is a difficult thing….but as the adult, we are ultimately the “yay or nay” on things and also the “go to” person. We must see clearly and be diligent in doing what’s best in the “big picture” A child or tween can release stress in so many ways…..drawing, dancing around, music- and seriously? If a child is frustrated or upset- I feel it’s okay to let them express that by hitting a pillow or deep breathing…throwing pebbles at the ground or tree. Something that does not put another person at risk or leave them in a state of internal turmoil. We are an example in our children’s lives and it is up to us to teach them coping mechanisms and that truthfully- as much as “downtime” is necessary and enjoyable- it can be just as fun to love what you “have to do”. Life is all about attitude!!

Comment on When is a Child Too Sick for School? by Onslow Theckla

Onslow Theckla — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:12:55 +0000

Kelly, great point. I know it is a hard balance for parents, especially when both parents work. But you’re right, they need to think about all of the other children (and teachers!) that could be affected by a sick child in the classroom.

Comment on When is a Child Too Sick for School? by Kelly Gump

Kelly Gump — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:08:40 +0000

As a teacher and a mom I have to ask that kids stay home when they are sick. As a mom, I know it is tempting to let them “get through” the day but as a teacher…..I know how awful the day is for kids who come to school sick…never mind passing the germs all over until everyone in the school has it too

Comment on 3 days down…177 to go! by Kelly Gump

Kelly Gump — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:06:52 +0000

So glad to hear that the change is going well….it is so great to know your kids are happy at school.

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by Kelly Gump

Kelly Gump — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:26:54 +0000

It was really very nice of him and something I really needed.