Raising Sons and Daughters

The TWC Family Network recently held two parenting workshops entitled Raising Sons and Raising Daughters presented by Families First Parenting Programs. If you were not able to attend these fabulous trainings, here are a few tidbits that may help you in your parenting role.

With boys:
1. Rather than directing your son's behavior, ask him questions about it. For example, "Can you see how upset Sarah is by taking her toy? How can we make her feel better?"
2. Boys have an innate drive to move! Expect this behavior, plan for physical activity throughout the day, and to help school-age boys focus during homework time-let them chew gum.
3. Boys tend to learn better by using all of their senses. Instead of coloring the letter S, hold your son's index finger and together draw this letter in sand. Also, let him sniff a cup of syrup and then trace the word as written on a flash card.

With girls:
1. Be aware that there are some slight differences between baby girls and boys: girls tend to react more to loud noises, girls tend to have more discomfort with coldness and dampness, and girls tend to be more sensitive to touch (socks, shoes, diapers/undies, t-shirt tags, seams, etc.).
2. Girls prefer activities that promote interaction with other people, usually with other girls.
3. Limit girls' exposure to media's negative influences (must be skinny, gorgeous, and dainty). Remind them daily that is not about how they look, but to be the special person they are!

Whether you have a boy or a girl or both, as parents we must understand our own expectations of our children. Make sure they are realistic. Allow your child to experience the world free from social pressures with few, fair and firm rules. For further information on these topics, visit our resource library for books mentioned by the specialist and for new ones to arrive by fall.

Dear Ma

Dear Ma,
I haven't seen you in almost six years. We all miss and love you so much! The boys miss your memere hugs and kisses. I miss all the above and more from you. I will always cherish our "coffee talks", shopping expeditions, and planning/executing family events. My biggest admission is that I miss being your daughter. I truly miss the times when you played in my hair, cooked me steak, mashed potatoes and green beans, or gave me the perfect gift (I still have the moon and stars slippers).

I am so grateful to have had you as a mother. You shared such unconditional love, patience, and gentle guidance with a foundation of boundaries and consequences. I attribute all of my mothering ways to you and pray I am meeting your standards. Each year brings new and different challenges in raising the boys, but I approach them with your heart in mind. I may not see the fruits of my efforts until I am blessed with grandchildren and witness my own children raising theirs. I hope you were delighted in watching yours. I miss you, love you, and thank you always.
Love Your Cindi-Pie