I am new to Mommytalk and hope to reach out to other mothers for advice. I have a 6 year old daughter in the 1st grade. Most of the time, she gets along with her classmates. Occassionaly, we have some problems. But, normal. For the past 6 months, she has had exposure to other children with a very loose discipline home life. Okay kids with some issues. A 9 yr old boy and a 4 yr old boy. Neat kids. However recently, the 9 yr old boy has started to initiate conflict wtihin the group, especially if another child is introduced. He seems to pick fights, taunt or tell the other children not to play with my daughter. It is getting worse. So, my husband and I speak with the mother and she promises to take care of it. Now, he is doing more often and I feel that my daughter is developing some of his personality traits. Such as emotional meltdowns, not listening to us (more than the usual selective hearing)- very defiant. She has not shown these traits before.

The twist: these boys are my nephews. I would/could severely do damage to the family if not careful. So, I am seeking advice. What are some suggestions?

Thank you for your comments and suggestions!

Stephanie

Thanks for the suggestions. I am utilizing them now!

The boys belong to my sister-in-law. We are pretty close. After talking with her and the boys, we set time limits. We are doing 30 mins play, 30 mins away. If they are playing nicely, we are going up to 45 mins. Either way, the taunting has decreased. I am now concerned with my daughters' awareness to the situation and using it to benefit herself. I am very proud of her for being so big and trying to get along. She is very independent and very competitive.

Thank you, again!

Stephanie

I have also anticipated Spring for a month now! I was very pleased that my spring break with school was nice and warm. I gardened with my daughter this week, walked, jogged (oh no!!), joined MommyTalk and made some new friends.

Whats nice: getting some sun light. Being outside everyday this week has made me feel so much better. Shake the winter blues!

Stephanie

I am new to Mommy Talk. I found the site by google. I wanted fast advice regarding behavior and was very happy to find it here. I am learning this Forum and find it very helpful.

Stephanie

Have you read Good In Bed, ...

Stephanie

I recommend Corelli's M...

Stephanie

The movie was great! The bo...

Stephanie

Stephanie

Stephanie

As an artist and creator of many things, I feel that self expression is essential for developement and growth of an individual. IN ALL AGES. I believe that if it isn't a naked body raising stink it will be something else. (nose piercings, tattoos, clothing, hairstyle). I have been accused of deviance in all examples at one time or another. Society puts a lot of strain on schools and the education system as a whole. I am a psychology major working towards a teaching liscensure. Art can be offensive. I think that in primary schools it is used as a learning tool. In high school age and older, self expression and it should be allowed. We have all been in high school and know those individuals that remained on the middle school level longer than the rest of us (maturity). You have those people in the adult world, too. This will forever recycle in our society as an issue. As far as restricting it- should only be restricted based on the assignment and age. 

I can remember people still toilet papering the bathrooms in high school and marking up the walls. I am in college and still see this activity. Why not put this energy into something constructive and call it Art?

 On Religion and Politics:

Religion and Politics creates conflict with even the most simplistic issues. They should be left out of school as a mandatory exercise because not everyone practices the same religion. However, if a group of children chooses to practice, they should be able to as long as they are not "pushing" others to join.

How do you feel about sex education in schools?

Stephanie

How do you feel about sex education in schools? Do you feel that sex education should be taught by the parents? What are your feelings on telling kids about sex education and at what age do you suggest telling them?

My 6 yr old inquired the other day on how babies come to be........so, I told her a mom and dad come together when they love each other and together form a baby via sex. (she has been hearing "sex" because of older kids at school). And all she said was "oh". My question is should I fill in the blanks even further? Or just leave it?

Stephanie

I agree about parents being the PARENT. My mom had five kids and told us all about the Birds and Bees. I was about 6 when she told me about private parts and why nobody should touch. She told me pretty much the samething as I did my daughter. My daughter asked because my baby sister(26 yrs old) is pregnant and she overheard me telling someone how hard it was for her to finally get pregnant. Since I am aware of what she is hearing on the bus and based on my moms advice- I reacted.

I hope to always tell her honestly. I don't feel I gave her too much info. However, I was very shocked that she asked already. She is happy with her answer as of now. I remember my mother telling me at different times more and more info. Never too graphic but just enough. She told me at 7 about menstrual cycles and that it happens to every girl/lady/woman. At 9 I had started mine on a bus, on a field trip, in Germany- and knew exactly what to do, what to ask for and who (of course) to ask. I hope that I can prepare my daughter for that as well.

Stephanie

That's my fear. I husband wants to wait until she asks again. I want to inform with subtle information here and there when it is just us two. She is really smart (mommy bias) and I think understands more than kids her age get credit for. I agree that parents first should educate and then the school.

Thanks for the comments everyone. Very helpful.

Stephanie

I am trying HARD to stay away from red meat. So when I can do it, it's Homemade Hamburger and vegetable soup with extra celery! And now I am so in the mood for this.

 My daughter loves Chicken and rice with corn. Homemade. we eat a lot of this.

Stephanie

My 21 day challenge is to s...

Stephanie