Another day off of school and the weather is predicted to be beautiful!  Although I love days off from school and having my children home, I do want them to know and understand and appreciate why we have a day off.  President’s day originally began to celebrate George Washington and then Lincoln’s birth dates.  However, it now is a date to celebrate not just our Founding Fathers, but all presidents who have served.  Being military, I think it is important to honor all who serve and support our government.

In 1968, Congress passed legislation placing any federal holiday on a Monday, including Washington’s birthday, to create a three-day weekend. In 1971, President Richard Nixon combined Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays into Presidents’ Day. It would be celebrated on the third Monday in February, regardless of which day it fell on. Presidents’ Day is now viewed as a holiday that pays tribute to both Washington and Lincoln, as well as all those who have served as president. 

My children have excitedly come home bearing posters and facts of the presidents.  We have played games with those facts.  We have tried to find presidents we relate to and have similarities with.  We have even discussed our favorites from past and present.  We have tried to come up with “motto’s” for each presidency.  It has already been a week of learning, studying and discovering.

Although it is always nice to have a day off, I still want my children to learn why we have the freedom to believe, speak, learn and live.  I want them to know their past so that they can change their future.  I am excited to spend time as a family (maybe on the beach:)) on this holiday!  Two Presidents who are notable swimmers are Ronald Reagan, who was a lifeguard before he became president; and John F. Kennedy, who enjoyed swimming at Martha’s Vineyard.  So in tribute to them, we’re off to the beach!

What do you have planned for president’s day?

Last week celebrated another report card.  It also marked an early spring as Phil did not see his shadow! In my books, there is plenty to celebrate! We do not pay our children for grades. We do not pay them for chores.  However, we do like to do spontaneous celebrations of them. This includes theme nights, favorite foods, family fun, favorite game, etc. The best part about it….you never know when Mom is going to surprise you with a celebration, hence, our family motto, every day’s a party!

Celebrating doesn’t take a lot of preparation, money or decor. It takes good ole’ fashion time. I’m realizing how much my children have come to value that time with family. They value the surprises and celebrations. It encourages us to be our best self. It encourages cooperation, teamwork and being each other’s cheerleaders. Family is a reason to celebrate in itself. Perhaps I’m getting old and more sentimental, but I look at my almost 11 year old and I realize that she has less time at home now than not. I look at my younger two and realize that time is too precious to waste wishing I would have. It’s time to do. Do the things I think about and not have regrets.

As we looked at the comments about our children on their report cards, of course we were proud at their grades, but more importantly we are proud about the great people they are becoming. That is reason to celebrate!

My boys favorites is good ole’ hamburgers.  My daughters favorites is anything fancy.  So, last week called for fancy drinks, “restaurant-style” serving and a family meal of conversation and praise. There are so many ways we can celebrate each other, but what is important is that we do it. Don’t take accomplishments for granted. Make sure you are equal or at least equally showing each person you care and love them. I love to watch my 19 month as she gets celebrated for helping to set the table….is it perfect, NO. However, when she gets thanked and acknowledged, there is nothing cuter than her clapping for herself.

How do you celebrate hard work and accomplishments in your home?

Both my older children are dramatic.  They have a certain flair for drama, music, dance and they like the attention.  These characteristics all equate to budding thespians. I’ll admit I was in drama throughout high school and started when I was quite young, too.  It gave me confidence, power in public speaking, allowed me to “escape” reality and pretend to be other people, fostered creativity and imagination, allowed friendships, gave me skills and most importantly I discovered something I enjoyed.

I recently received an email from a friend telling me of auditions.  Since my daughter is very involved in dance and soccer was over, I asked my son if he was interested in auditioning.  He enthusiastically said ‘YES!’  Then mom instincts kicked in and I thought of all the what-ifs.  What-if my sensitive little boy doesn’t get cast?  Is he emotionally equipped to deal with “rejection?”  What if he is cast, is he prepared to perform in front of large audienceswithout messing up or forgetting and again having an “emotional breakdown?.”  So, we will go audition and Mom will take a big breath and chalk this up for experience, right?!  Stay tuned for updates….

(thes·pi·an  (thsp-n) adj. 1. Of or relating to drama; dramatic: thespian talents.2. Thespian Of or relating to Thespis.n. An actor or actress.)

As parents we often feel like we have to “protect” our young.  However, we won’t always be there.  We can’t control every circumstance.  The worse thing that could happen from an audition is that they say, ‘No.’  The best, he gets a great experience with ups and downs.  I feel like I should give my children choices in what things they try and different things without pushing my likes or my husbands.  Each of my children are unique in talent and personality.   I think my mama bear instinct is overprotective.

Have you ever allowed your child to participate in something even though there was a chance for complete failure or negative outcomes?   How do you foster your children’s interests?

Just like this blog has created a greater sense of community with MomTalk, we need to pull together to get the changes we would all like to see and benefit from.  I recently drove my children out to Kenansville to go to this AMAZING park.  It’s a drive, but that’s what I felt like.  However, we have been here for almost 5 years and heard rumors of a Children’s Museum, parents saying they wished Jacksonville had many more options for kids, families and activities. We have the population. There are plenty of places to build.  It comes down to community support and awareness and advocacy.

If you are like me, you may have thought about these things, but it’s the next steps of action that we tend to drop.  Let’s be honest, being a parent (all of us working whether inside or outside the home) takes a lot of energy.   We want these things, but financially we can’t do it.  Then logically most of us wouldn’t know where to begin.  How do you make a difference?  A few calls.  Petitions.  Getting involved.  Volunteer.  Be aware of city issues.  Go to town meetings.  Many of us are military and may not feel like making a difference here, but many of us are not and may settle here and any improvements will benefit all of us.

When I took my children to the park, we read the sign of all the people that made it possible for the park.  Land was donated, skills were donated, supplies were donated.  It was a community effort.  When villagers come together it makes it a village, no matter how large or small.  It made me start thinking about a few things and how I could help.  There is a committee of people who have been trying to get a children’s museum here in Jacksonville.  I think I will investigate.:)

What would you like to see in your “ideal” Jacksonville?  Have you gotten involved in making or seeing changes?

Do you or your child suffer from the winter blues?  It is actually a seasonal affective disorder related to depression that occurs in the winter time due to shorter days, the cold and the stress of after holidays.  It is important to recognize the signs in yourself or your child and seek help if needed.  Also, remember if you the parent is suffering it can trickle down to your kids and impact them, so get help!  There are many fun ways we have found to beat the blues or the blahs!

Here are some indoor activities that can bring you together without making you lose your mind….

1.  Get crafty- get some projects done you have wanted to and involve your children, it’s a great time to teach life skills while getting projects done

2.  Write Letters- get those thank you cards written (hint to myself)

3. Play store- it teaches math, could organize your pantry and is fun!

4.  Play games and do puzzles, when’s the last time you took the time to play together in good old fashion fun

5.  Draw to Music, Dance to Music, Sing to Music

or…

Get out of the house and get busy….activity is good for beating the blues.  Jacksonville now has Jump N Jax, an indoor facility with bounce houses; go bowling; go for a walk; join a gym, enroll your child in gymnastics, dance or other activity.  Being cooped up in the house isn’t always ideal, especially when dealing with the blues.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states, “People with SAD may crave comfort foods, including simple carbs such as pasta, breads, and sugar. With excess unhealthy calories and a lack of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, fatigue often sets in. They may become depressed and irritable. Eventually, they are no longer able to maintain their regular lifestyle. They may withdrawal socially and no longer enjoy things that used to be fun. It’s as if a person’s batteries have just run down. For parents, SAD can obviously have a sharp impact on the ability to be an effective parent.

Children and adolescents can also suffer these symptoms. They may experience feelings of low self-worth and hopelessness. Children with depression struggle to concentrate on their schoolwork. Their grades may drop, worsening feelings of low self-esteem. Symptoms that last more than two weeks are cause for concern.”  Since there has been no known study on the effects of SAD in children or treatments, parents do need to be more mindful of their children’s behaviors.

How do you beat the blues during the winter months?  Do you think children suffer from the blues in winter?