I think its great for kids to have a lot of experience with technology. We just got our son (21 months) the Little Leaps from leap frog. And our older kids got the v-flash. I have noticed a big difference between our older kids and our youngest. When Alexis and Steven were little, we were just getting into computer stuff, so they really didnt grow up with computers around. Jacob has been around a computer since he was born, and he already knows how to use the mouse, the keyboard, and how to turn it off. He doesnt know what they do, but he knows how to use them. Thats a big defference compared to Alexis and Steven.

With the way technology is growing, Im sure soon everything will somehow invlolve technology, so might as well get the kids started early.

Heather

My first year of high school my home life changed dramatically. I held a lot of my feelings inside and instead acted out on them. I did a lot of things that could have gotten me into some real trouble. I ended up becoming pregnant in my senior year, and that made me turn my life around. I fear so much that my children will follow in my footsteps. I did turn myself around after I got pregnant, but because of my actions I lost out on a lot of stuff. I want my children to graduate high school, go to college, and then start a family. I want them to be able to enjoy their teen years, and not have so much anger or hurt filled inside of them.

I also worry about what the world will be like when they finally do become teenagers. I see so many young kids on the news these days. Murdering, robbing, and vandalizing seem to be what a lot of teenagers are doing. It scares me to death. I also worry about when the day comes for them to drive. Ugh!! I will be a nervous wreck!!  

Heather

Ya, Amanda!!!!!

Heather

Heather

I saw this on the news yest...

Heather

Hi Leia!!

Welcome to mommytalk. I am also a SAHM. I have 3 kids: Alexis 7, Steven 6, and Jacob 21 months. Right now they are on winter break, Monday is their first day back. I cant wait!!!

Talk to ya later!!

Heather

Heather

Wow, that is scary. My mom is the only one I completely trust with our kids. And even then, whenever my kids arent around I can never rest comfortably. Its crazy, I'll complain about how I need a break, but when the time comes I cant stop thinking about the kids. Go figure!!

There are so many scary stories about people babysitting kids. Not too long ago there was a story about a woman that worked at a daycare here in AZ that was caught breastfeeding another womans baby!! I also saw on Nancy Grace's show (on CNN) a woman that was being charged with murder, because she gave the children in daycare NyQuil, and on of them died.

Finding someone you can truly trust with your children is a very hard thing to do. I'm not sure I would ever be able to have someone other than my mom babysit our kids. Its not worth the risk to me. I can deal with not being able to go out. In about 7-8 years our daughter Alexis will be old enough to be our "official" babysitter. Although in 7-8 years I may just be too tired to get out!!

Heather

Now thats a good idea. I would probably feel a little more comfortable knowing that.

Heather

We also rent video games from blockbuster. My boyfriend can beat a game within a week, so buying it is a waste. Plus we have bought games, and played a few times only to find out you dont like it. If we had just rented it first we would have saved a lot of $$.

When we do buy games, we usually only buy games that can be played over and over without officially beating it. Like Tony Hawk, and a lot of car games. Or like me, I sometimes get the urge to play games, but I lose interest so fast and dont have a lot of time to play. So, for me a game could last me years before I actually get around to beating it. 

Heather

Heather

I know, I guess I'll just have to get used to it.  

Heather

I saw that!! It was SuperNanny. And your right, they tied it outside and in the a.m it was replaced with a toy. The girl was around 2 or so, I thought. I really liked that idea!! When my son Steven was 2 1/2 we kept asking him if we could throw away his pacifier, after about a week, of asking him he was finally ready to do it on his own. Luckily with my daughter Alexis she only used a paci for about a couple months, and she never sucked any fingers. Jacob on the other hand is 21 months, and is addicted to his paci. He calls is an oosh. Dont ask me where he got that Only occasionally he'll wake up because it fell out of the crib, but when he was younger there were times he couldnt find it and I would have to stumble in to try and find it. I have seen some paci's that glow in the dark. I think its the MAM brand. I saw them at CVS pharmacy here in AZ. You might wanna try that. As for breaking the habit, maybe everyday try to get him to go a little bit longer without it. Then eventually take it away completely. And maybe once he is a little used to not having it, try to have him take naps without it. I would definetely use the nap times to try and break him from sleeping with it. Trying at night might be too hard, for him and you!!

Good Luck....Hope this helped a little!!

Heather

Heather

Buy our dream home, take a trip to australia. I would pay for our kids college, and pay credit cards. I would defintely go on a shopping spree. Wow, I wouldnt even know where to start!! And I would also donate some to charities.

And then I guess put the rest away and save it. I would probably get a financial advisor to help me manage the money first. I would want to be able to spend a lot, but also have enough left to live comfortably!!

Heather

Lisa, I love this article!! It is soooo true. I also had the same thoughts. I wanted so bad to stay home with my kids. When I was finally given the chance I couldnt believe how much harder it was than I thought. Even now I sometimes think "man, I hated being at work, but at least it was a break from kids. No one screaming for a drink, no one crying to be held, things are quiet, and CLEAN at work." But then I think about all of the things i have experienced staying home with my kids. When Alexis and Steven where born I wasnt able to stay home until they where 3 and 4. I had Jacob in 2005, so I was able to spend every moment with him. I LOVE it!! Being there for him, from morning till night is the best thing in the world. And I have noticed how much closer I am with him. Alexis and Steven never thought twice when I would leave. Jacob, has a complete fit. Sometimes I cant even leave to go to the bathroom. He isnt happy with anyone until I come back. And ya, sometimes that can be a pain, but it also feels really good inside.

I wouldnt trade being a SAHM for ANYTHING!!!

Heather