This is a sponsored post from Chef Boyardee and BlogHer.
My kids love food! Kamryn has always been a picky eater and if allowed, would live on chips and refried beans. When she was a toddler, she only ate beans, peanut butter and chicken nuggets. Thinking back, I have no idea how she continued to grow. Now that she's 10, it's easier to explain to her the benefits of making good food choices. After school. she comes home starving, and she just wants easy, ready to eat, snacks. I have found that if I just take 15 minutes out of my day and cut up some fresh fruits and veges, she will happily eat those instead of junk food. She is also a big fan of Chef Boyardee Spaghetti and Meatballs. It's a quick after school snack that holds her over until dinner.
Owen is not as easy to please. Since he's only 2, and not a great oral eater, I have to get creative at mealtime. A favorite around our house are blended up fruit drinks. My kids love to make their own drink and they get crazy with the spinach, berries, carrots, honey, yogurt and we always throw in a scoop of flax seed at the end. There are no added sugars in our blends and if we have leftovers, they can be frozen into little fruit pops for later. We've also been known to freeze the fruit blends in ice cube trays and put them in a glass of ice water. Anything to keep cool during our Arizona summers. 
My favorite trick for getting my kids to eat healthy foods is by having them help out during the cooking process. With Kamryn at the cutting board and Owen stirring up the ingredients, we make a great team! They know exactly what is going into the meal and they usually enjoy eating the food they helped prepare. It's not a 'mystery meal', which I have been known to cook, that they refuse to eat. All kids love food that is shaped like dinosaurs, their favorite character or even sports shapes! Owen loves to pick the different balls out of his Chef Boyardee minis and they are easy for him to chew and swallow. He loves these!!
One thing has always been a standard in our house and that is family mealtime. I think it is so important to just sit around the dinner table each night and talk. Kamryn gets the drinks and glass wear, Owen gets the silverware, and we all sit down to a nice family dinner when Daddy gets home. It's our time to connect at the end of each day.
After dinner, it's time for homework and bedtime. For homework, we make sure that there is a quiet environment and one of us spends time alone with Kamryn. She loves the one on one attention and we make sure she gets all her work done productively. Owen gets the other parent for one on one time for his nightly bath and reading time.
We have a strict 8:30pm bedtime around here. This is the time I look forward to. It's my time to relax, unwind and spend time doing nothing.
These are just a few of the many ways I keep my family, and myself, healthy and happy. We are all busy moms trying to do what's best for our kids and it's not an easy job. I feel like I am on the go from the minute I wake up, to the minute I go to bed. From packing lunches, to checking homework assignments, to changing diapers... being a mom is a non stop job. It's nice to have a community of other Mom's that understand what it's like. Club Mum is a great community of moms, just like you and I. For great tips from moms just like us, sharing experiences, ideas and advice on how to get kids to eat better, visit Club Mum. Club Mum is the perfect resource for moms to learn helpful hints on a variety of topics, which can be applied to their own family. Club Mum is also on Facebook with daily tips, recipes, articles, questions and a terrific and active community!
Come share some of your great parenting advice with other moms! We'd love to have your input!I'm giving away a $200 VISA Giftcard, courtesy of Blogher!! All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me...
"What is one of your best parenting secrets?"
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183 comments:
I am glad Owen is eating some of this by mouth and love that he is picking out his factor shapes.
My son is 32 but my best parenting secret is that my husband and I were always consistent in all aspects of parenting.
I check your blog daily and pray for your precious little boy.
How fun you get to do this Andrea!
My parenting secret is always listen to your kids and talk to them from a young age. Hopefully they will always see that line of communication open.
whoa really? Chef boyardee is the worst you can feed your kids.
Please no preocessed junk, especially with heart children.
WHen making concoctions, think if you would eat all those foods together without stomach distress.
boggles my mind how some kids survive.
Check the salt (sodium) and sugar content of the CB foods, and calories relative to the recommended daily allowance for a kid Owen's age and size... by all means use them if they work for your family but use them with full awareness of what's in them. Processed food isn't automatically unhealthy but vast servings of salt and the replacement of a balanced meal with something that may contain next to no vitamins, minerals or fibre is.
My parenting secret is to sneak vegetables into food. You can do anything if you puree the veggies. My daughter loves tace and sloppy joes. The sauce helps hide the puree veggies!
My greatest parenting secret is to love your children, no matter what. To love someone who pleases us is easy, to love someone who displeases us is to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Always make sure your children know you love them.
Your Owen is such a sweet heart hero. I have a little heart hero of my own.
I try putting as much fruits and veggies as I can into foods...like spinach in scrambled eggs. Luckily my two-year-old daughter is a great eater and loves her fruits and veggies.
My parenting secret is to always be consistent with everything and be open and communicate with your kids no matter what their age.
tweeted
http://twitter.com/zookeeperjess/status/13615189542838272
My best parenting secret is when my boy is getting upset about something, I get down on his level and look him the eye and talk to him. It seems to calm him down to know I am really listening to him.
Hmmm best parenting tips....always listen to what your kids have to say...it may not be important to you but its always important to them.
I can't believe people are giving you rude comments about this. Grrr. Of course we know that you are great with the natural food choices. Duh! It is not easy keeping up with Owen's blended foods diet and I think you are incredible for keeping that up for him!!
And now...in my hopes to win... my best parenting secret is really not a secret. We love the person first and foremost and then choose our battles. It is really not worth it to me to spend all of my time nagging and saying no, so we have lots of fun and let the small stuff slide! Thanks for doing this Andrea!
Alli
Enjoy them in each moment.
When they're sweet and sleeping, awake and being silly and, yes, even when having a tantrum (they'll out grow them, hopefully!)
Enjoy!
My parenting secret is to pay attention to my kids. They give off a lot of subtle cues about how they are feeling and what they need from me as their mom. If I get too caught up in what I am doing (which I do sometimes) opportunities to talk, teach, understand and love can pass me by. I think this will be increasingly important as they continue to grow and enter those teenage years. ;)
Praying for your boy and want to let you know that I think you are a wonderful, strong, educated advocate for your son . . . as a Peds Cards ICU nurse, it is nice to read about!
My parenting advice when it comes to toddler eating is this: I picK WHAT she eats, she picks HOW MUCH she eats . . . this theory has relieved so much worry about her sometimes picky little palate!
I think my best secret about parenting is to always support your kids even when they make choices you yourself wouldn't like them to make. This comes from having 3 young men who have now made choices to serve our country proudly. Love Love Love them! Andrea I always check up on Owen everyday. I enjoy following your blog. Keep up the great work.
As far as eating goes, my best tip is to not force a child to eat something because it just associates a bad feeling with a food they already dont want to eat.
With David(6), he loves almost everything as long as its not spicy. He requests spinach and broccoli almost every night... he makes it too easy! But he is iffy with fish. He'll only eat breaded shrimp or fish sticks... no real stuff...
For another tip... keep expectations appropriate. You cannot expect a 2 year old to not talk during a movie. Or expect any child to not interupt an adult conversation. I just prompt David that he needs to wait until we are done, then he can ask us whatever!
Happy Holidays! And Owen and Kamryn are so cute!
My best parenting secret is that I stay in the moment with my daughter. I try to be there for her, listen to her feelings and always put her first. Seems to be working!!!
I have been viewing your blog for sometime, and I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
Shanan
lindenairess@hotmail.com
My best parenting secret is to pick my battles! Its been a long process to learn that, but its working! Everyone is less stressed out!
My parenting secret is something that I have really have had to learn is to discipline according to the child. Each child is different and needs different things to help them succeed.
I love checking in on your family and little Owen. Always sending prayers his way!
http://twitter.com/lovinmyboys84/statuses/13657444731322368
I tweeted:) I so could use this for my family right now.
How fun to get to do this! My best parenting advice is to try to see things from my child's perspective. A lot of the time, when I think Sierra or Bodie are doing something just to annoy me, it's because I haven't taken a step back to look at it from their perspective. It helps to calm me down and helps them feel like they're really being heard.
Checking your blog regularly for updates on the amazing Owen!
My best parenting tip is to pick your battles and don't sweat the small stuff.
Andrea you are awesome - you never cease to amaze me with all your energy.
I was happy to read the hope of what's to come for M. Owen.
Your sweet family are always in our prayers!
My parenting tip is to take a few minutes to yourself. I know it's hard to do when everyone seems helpless without you but to keep yourself sane it is a must! Praying for Owen's progress and surgery. Ours will be this spring! Wow...time flies.
best parenting secret... Stay off the computer and read to them, play with them and watch them.
There will be plenty of time for yourself when your old.
I've found that my kids pay attention to what I'm doing every moment, even if it doesn't seem like they are! If I set a good example, they are more likely to follow it.
Kristin
I have no parenting secrets.......I've been doing this job for 22+ years and can't think of a single secret except to pick my battles.
I read your blog quite often and enjoy hearing updates on Mr. Owen. I hope the best for you guys!
My parenting tip is to always show each child how much you love and care about them. It makes a world of a difference! Also, I have a strict set bedtime for my kids so that each night I have time for myself to wind down and enjoy some time with my husband. It is soo important!
Ari
ari_simmons@hotmail.com
My parenting secret is to take your child on a 'date' once a week or even once a month. Just you and them...does not even have to cost money. Pack a lunch or a muffin a go to the park. This has been the way that I believe my son and I have such great communication...still...at 17 1/2. Be patient..let THEM talk and listen well.. he stills talks to me ALL the time...I still listen!
My best parenting advice it to pick your battles!
My best parenting secret is to wait to have kids until you are fully ready! My fiance and I have been together for 9 years and have no kids. (But I am a teacher, so really I have 26!) We have both wanted them over the years, but knew it wasn't time. After we get married, we will be trying finally this summer. And neither of us will have any regrets being "older" parents:)
Happy holidays,
Stephanie G.
My best advice is to be consistent and start at a young age. My SIL told my husband today that she tells her kids she's going to send them to uncle JD's house if they don't do as they are told. They all know that Uncle JD and Aunt Willow are the one's who will hold them responsible and be consistent with anything eating, discipline.
My advice is to be on the same page as your husband or the kids will get away with everything!
My parenting advice is to lead by example. I have six children here on Earth and one in Heaven so I do have a bit of experience with this. Just think about it, if you tend to yell, tell fibs, or anything else that you don't want them to do, they will surely do it too. However, if they see you stopping to help someone out, give back extra change that a cashier gave you or anything else that you do want them to do, then they will surely mirror that behavior too. They will do what you do, not what you say.
My best parenting advice is to be flexible with life and roll with the punches of what day to day brings you. However, be consistant with you kids and their routines as much as possible. If you are too rigid you will go crazy and if you aren't rigid enough you will go crazy... Happy Balance!
On a different note... So glad you and Owen made it back safe and sound!
My best parenting secret is to say to yourself "this too shall pass" when your child is going through a stage that is extremely challenging or when things just get to be too much.
I just left my comment and had to post anonymously as I don't have a blog, I don't twitter but I do read lots of others blogs. My name is Eddy.
My parenting secret is to spend time each day watching each kid play on their own. You learn so much about them just by watching.
I visit your blog regularly and pray for Owen often. The best parenting tip I can think of is just to give them the gift of my time. Like everyone else we are extremely busy, but this is a huge priority.
My favorite parenting advice that is sometimes hard to practice is to let the little things slide. The house doesn't always have to be clean, laundry can pile in the corner, etc. Enjoy the time you have with the children you've been blessed with.
I love the family dinner and strict 8:30 bedtime, both of those things are important in my home to.
I think my best parenting tip is stability... something I have learned the value of by trial and error. I have a 10 year old with ADHD, we can manage it through diet with patience when our home life is stable and we have a good routine going.... when I let things go and get hectic, you can see it in his behavior more than anywhere else. I know when he starts having trouble that I need to tighten up the routine!
Best parenting secret? Date Nights. I am such a better mom when my husband and I get to spend time together.
I have found that my best parenting secret is teaching my children that if we all (that means Mom, Dad & kids) all work together to quickly get the chores done, we can all play together.
After reading everyone else's parenting advice I was having a hard time figuring out what to say but I'll go with daily prayer. I truly believe that prayer changes things and makes us have more graditude in our hearts. It's hard to teach kids to be truly grateful, but this is one great way for them to learn.
My parenting advice Is don't sweat the small stuff and choose your battles wisely! Some things are unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Most importantly, pray with your children.
I don't have too many secrets but for food since my two year old WILL NOT eat fruits and veggies I blend and hide thenm in foods he WILL eat. It's not a taste thing rather than a texture thing since he'll eat Veggie and Fruit baby food still.
My parenting secret is a very simple one. We keep a very predictable routine. Of course, things happen that are beyond our control sometimes. But most of the time, my little girl knows what to expect. This keeps our household fairly calm. As calm as it can be with a 2 year old!
Wow! So many others have given good advice! One of the things that we do with our boys is teach them to help out in the house. They set the table, unload the dishwasher, sort laundry and help with the younger kiddos. It is a real help to all of us and it teaches them responsibility and life lessons.
I am praying so much for you, my friend! Owen, his doctors, surgeons, and your family are in my prayers. I am also anxious to see what the MRI results are. Praying for great news!!
my best parenting secret, isn't really a secret, just to show him how much I love him.
As always prayers for Owen!
As a teacher and mom of two, I've learned that all children are so very different and different children require different parenting. I really don't think there is a right or wrong way to parent, you just have to find what works for you, your family, your children and your lifestyle. The ultimate outcome for all of us is for our children to be happy, independent and responsible adults.
Andrea, you are a great mom! Never mind those "processed foods" comments! A little Chef Boyardee every now and then never hurt anyone! Don't they remember eating it as children!? Everyone did and we somehow survived! (wink)
How fun to read the comments... and learn! The one thing that seems important to me as a parent is to honestly apologize to your child when needed. Asking for my child's forgiveness is one of the most special things I've shared with her. She's almost 13, I'm taking every opportunity to teach her what a healthy relationship looks like.
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Carrie Lee
My best parenting secret (or maybe it's advice...not sure) is to not compare my child to others. I have learned that every baby/child is different and unique and they are going to do things differently and on their own time. Not comparing has really helped me to relax and not worry so much!
My best parenting secret is that my husband and I ALWAYS back each other up in front of our son. We are very consistent with how we parent him. This doesn't mean we always agree and we will talk about it later when we are not in front of Jackson. We very frequently ask each other what we should/could have done differently if something didn't go well.
My best parenting advice is to choose your battles, somethings are just not that big of a deal. I have been following Owen from the beginning, you are doing a wonderful job with him.
"What is one of your best parenting secrets?"
When the kids were put in timeout, they always were in control. They were told, "when you're ready to apologize and/or calm down (they were usually crying in timeout), you can take yourself out of timeout." It was wonderful! I rarely had to use timeout, because my kids learned early how to "get ahold of themselves" before they got put in timeout.
I am not a parent, but an elementary school teacher so I have seen a lot of kids throughout the years. The one thing that I notice that makes a great parent is someone who is consistent, their yes means yes and their no means no. The other important thing is that both parents are on the same page... this keeps the kids from playing one parent against another. :)
Megan
msgerdts(at)aol(dot)com
I love your blog. I've been reading it for some time but haven't commented before.
My best parenting tip is like a lot of others, listening to your children and trying to put myself in their shoes. I've also learned to pick my battles.
My Parenting Fav! is also our meal and bath times. I love to eat together and have my little ones help out. Bath times are the best! I also love bed times. I put my little one down 1/2 hour before my oldder one for that time together to say our prayers with each other. Thanks for shareing!!
I make sure to have fruits and vegetables available.
MCantu1019@aol.com
Organization is key! Parenting can get messy, we all know that. Keep everything organized and life can be just a LITTLE easier!
my best parenting advice is to teach kids to be flexible. Organization and schedules are great, but life is not rigid. Change happens regularly and if they can learn to roll with the punches, life will be much easier.
My parenting tip is to make sure my kids are eating healthy and getting to bed on time this time of year especially. I really believe it helps keep the illness away better!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/14499137798017024
nuthouse(at)centuryel(dot)net
Yes, ignore those mean comments! We all "fall back" on easy food fixes like this once in a while. You're an excellent mother and go above and beyond for your kids :) I know you probably know this.
So my best parenting advice is to be consistent and set boundaries. Kids want to know where they stand. I also try to take a step back and analyze myself with questions like, "am I fun?" "did I love on each one of my kids today?" "did I take time to just chat 1 on 1?" We get so busy in our lives that just spending TIME, doing little to nothing with our kids, with no planned occasion or event, is sometimes the best quality time we spend together. Just being.
I read your blog consistently, but rarely comment. Love your positive outlook and how you are so involved with and connected with both your kids.
My best parenting tip? Follow through! If you say you're going to do something, whether reward or punishment, DO IT. Kids will learn that they need to do the same, and they will trust you more.
Reasoning with kids. In my own experience, it works great. Let them know the consequences before setting principles and rules.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/14553266306162689
My best secret, which is not really a secret anymore, is to give quality rewards.
My parenting secret is to carve out some time each day to spend one-on-one with each child. I have 3 and sometimes it's not easy to do that, but I make a point of it.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweeted:
http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/14677579982176256
Will love to have this! Love your blog and hope the best for Owen!
I love reading your blog. You inspire me with your amazing outlook on life.
I'm the mother of a two year old and the most helpful "thing" to me at this time is just not sweating the small stuff. I pick and choose my battles and try to just let him learn by doing.
Happy Holidays!
mkdaiger(at)gmail(dot)com
I think you have to realize the strengths and weakenesses of each child and to pick your battles. I have 2 opposite sons - and it was trying to deal with. One fully understood, one seriously didn't have a clue. And as much as they hate it... set boundries.
1prizewinner(at)gmail(dot)com
My parenting secret is too patiently listen to my child's side of the story no matter how ridiculous it sounds to me and try not to be too judgmental--just the opposite of my mother
http://twitter.com/#!/fostertam/status/14812190250893312
I usually pick dishes I know they like, but they are not very picky. So, I try to make sure I have something good and a couple of veggies.
My best parenting secret is to pray for and pray with your child.
hsuperparents[at]gmail[dot]com
Parenting styles are all different - but the best tip is to do everything with love.
PRAY WITH YOUR KIDS AND FOR THEM.
Teach them to love others and obey God! You'll never regret it!
My best parenting tip has to do with teething. There is a contraction out there that has a mesh end and a ring shaped handle.... people use it for banana's, or food that children can't chew yet. Well, I put ice cubes in there and my little ones loved sucking on that.... I swear they teethed so quickly and easily because their gums were always frozen. It worked for me- I never really knew they were even teething??
I don't have kids but my friend's best tip is to keep your kids on a schedule because it makes it easier.
Awesome giveaway! My parenting tip is that sleep is key! I try to make sure that naps/bedtime is a priority and it shows! It's so much healthier and happier for everyone involved!
Keep it simple. Don't add to the drama.
http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/15625199726624768
ahh...my best parenting secret?
Patience...patience...patience. Even when 3 year old is screaming to repeat his movie, 8 year old is talking non-stop about who knows what, and 16 year old is talking/texting/and farting all at the same time.
patience...
lots of it!
GIRL...I'm glad that you're back from Stanford. I know they'll come up with the best plan for Owen.
Don't you wish you could have selecting "blocking" features?
or DO we?
I should google that!
One thing that helps us, and is a good time, is to make everything into a song, or a game. Whether eating, or bedtime, it can do the trick well!
I tweeted too!
http://twitter.com/#!/benny8484/status/15672407335370752
My favorite advice is 'there is always a way to sneak in the veggies into foods children alreay love' Extra Veggies in pizza always works well! :-) - I love Chef Boyardee!
Best advise I have is be a parent not a friend.
http://6littlefaces.blogspot.com/2010/12/come-share-your-advice-with-other-moms.html
My best patenting tip is redirection. If they are doing something I don't like, I redirect their energy and attention to something else.
I think the idea of Owen having the valve repair makes so much sense. It seems like the logical way to give him a chance at having the Fontan. If it doesn't work, he hopefully will not be worse off than before. I'm glad to hear the trip went well!
One thing that I think is important about parenting is to back each other up. Even if I don't agree with my husband about everything, we need to come together on the things that each other thinks are important.
my best advice -
hold your babies very, very tight :)
My best parenting tip is to read to your child, beginning when they are still infants. My kids grew up to love reading and books, and I'm doing the same with my granddaughter.
marcia.goss@gmail.com
Tweet.
http://twitter.com/#!/mgoss123/status/16292862706585600
marcia.goss@gmail.com
The secret is to have an imagination. It goes a long way with kids. Also have plenty of patience. All parents should have patience.
Jeanette Huston
jeanette_huston@yahoo.com
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/josephvh1982/status/16297782096695296
Jeanette Huston
jeanette_huston@yahoo.com
Chef Boyardee has been a favorite in our home for at least the last 14 yrs! My parenting advice is...Don't sweat the small stuff--in other words, pick your battles. The other is for parents to be consistent with their children. If you say you're going to do something, then do it. If you expect your child to comply, and they do not, then discipline your children in a way that has already been explained in the 'these are the consequences conversation'.
Kathy Lang
katsam02@yahoo.com
my sister always told me to be strong...and she said if you can't be tough now (with my toddler) how are you going to do it when he is on drugs?? so this toughness has helped me ween him, and take him to preschool which he isstill getting used to...being tough is hard on me but i knowit's the best thing for him
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net
I don't know. Parenting advise or a trick you have learned? I'll go with trick since that seems closer to a parenting secret. I could repeat myself and ask my kids to do one thing about ten times and you'd be lucky if it got done and you stayed calm while they sat there or walked in the opposite direction (Times 5 kids). I figured out that if I give them 5-10 seconds (depending on how long it takes to get from point a to point b) to get to where I told them to go they will almost always run and I don't have to say things over and over.
For instance, I tell them to go get on their pajamas. I'll see that they are not obeying so I start the count down, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Normally they've made it to their rooms by 2. They know that they'll end up in time out if they didn't make it there by 1. It's just something that gets them moving right away and really helps with 5 little ones, because saying the same thing 20 times in 5 minutes can be frustrating.
My life runs so much more smoothly when I lay out both mine and my kids’ outfits the night before, as well as make sure the diaper bag is packed and ready to go. Shoes and coats are set out by the door. It makes it so much easier to get out the door on time in the mornings.
nbalogh522 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/maybaby522/status/16353847668637696
nbalogh522 at gmail dot com
We make our flavored waters to contol the sugar content & eat fresh & Dried fruit for snacks.
my girls are still young but i have 3 stop kids - and I have learned (VERY QUICKLY) that both parents need to be on the same page in terms of parenting. Children LOVE being on a schedule and knowing whats going to happen next!
My name is Vicky-- hoosiermomma2@msn.com
I think my biggest parenting "secret" is to remain flexible (while staying consistent to certain, unbendable expectaionts) and put myself it their shoes--think about how I'd feel and try to respond with compassion to whatever is going on.
Glad you got some halfway good news with Owen. At least they are giving you some options now unstead of just saying "transplant".
As for my best parenting advice: raise your children according to what God says in the Bible and raise them knowing and trusting God so that they can grow up in a God-loving, God-fearing home. This world is going away from God when we should be turning toward Him.
Prays as always for your family. Merry Christmas!
Katie Columbia
cp:isaiahColumbia (HLHS,DORV,Post Glenn twice after Failed Fontan-08, now waiting on word of whether we are looking at transplant or a tricuspid valve repair & attempted Fontan again).
www.GodsSpecialHearts.org
No kids here; my I think one of my parent's secrets was making sure I had something to lose! I never got in trouble because I didn't want to lose my phone and horseback riding privileges! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/16702934825836544 scg00387 at yahoo dot com
It's been a really long time since my daughter was little but I remember keeping with regular meal times and bedtimes made things run much smoother
debbiebellows(at)gmail(dot) com
i tweeted about your giveaway
http://twitter.com/bellows22/status/16859080605835264
debbiebellows(at)gmail(dot)com
My best parenting secret is serving their fruit/veggie first at meals, and then waiting until they have almost finished it before serving the rest of the meal. That way they can't say they are too full to eat their fruit/veggie!
I cook chicken a lot of various ways. As I cook something I set aside some small portions for "tasting"..my grandkids taste each new item and either adds it to their favorites or not. I freeze individual portions of the various favorites so I always have something on hand when the grandkids come to visit.
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/Grandma3710/status/16909292556783616
My mother always made chili with carrots...I can't eat chili if it doesn't have carrots in it now and that's the way I make it for my family. It was my mother's way of sneaking more veggies into our diet and it worked.
I always have a veggie with every meal, even if it's only a green lettuce salad. I never forced my kids to eat everything on their plates but they did have to try one bite of anything new. I always had fruit and cut up veggies in the fridge, ready to grab for a snack too. I always made sure the cookies were well-hidden but the veggies in plain view.
shel704 at aol dot com
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/16915472909864961
shel704 at aol dot com
My parenting secret is just to BE NICE! It might not work all the time, but it helps me keep a clear head. babygoodbuys at gmail dot com
I try my very best to sneak healthy ingredients into whatever meal I am making. Sometimes I get caught, but that's alright! As long as they're eating healthier.
paigewiley16 AT gmail DOT com
parenting tip - be consistend
make the consequences directly follow the action
artisticbaker@gmail.com
lead by example
bluegirl1423 (at) gmail (dot) com
I get them to eat veggies by offering some ranch dip with it! And with fruit, like apples, I offer peanut butter!
--Meagan
cheercfa07 at aol dot com
http://twitter.com/vivalameaganx3/status/17046516589928448
Tweeted!
--Meagan
cheercfa07 at aol dot com
I think my biggest success as a parent happens at bedtime. My kids go to bed exactly at 8:30. They don't know there's any alternative, so they don't bother to whine or complain to stay up later. No means no. They go to bed happy, the grown-ups go to bed happy, and everybody is refreshed waking up for a new day.
Thanks for this generous giveaway!
Tweeted you!
http://twitter.com/Ida_Sessions/status/17054573885652993
I usually get up 15-20 minutes earlier than I need to and spend that time in bed with my kids. What do we do? We snuggle, sing, laugh, tell stories, etc. That really get them in the good mood for the rest of the day. :)
I hide veggies in my ground turkey:-)
My best parenting secret is not getting too stressed out about anything. It is not the end of the world if your kids don't eat vegetables sometimes.
ajolly1456 at gmail dot com
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/17274850129219584
Be a good listener, and be kind!
sgreenman7@gmail.com
Every day, my parents told me they loved me and hugged and kissed me. I figure that's some of the best parenting advice I can give. :)
Just giving kids options of healthy foods usually does the trick. Know that their taste buds will mature as they get older, so adding new foods gets easier.
My two sons are grown now and we have entered the friends stage of our relationship. I think the secret to making it to this stage is to know when to pull back as well as when to draw them closer. I allowed them to make their own mistakes and advised them on how to correct them after they had made them. Sometimes they listened, sometimes they didn't. I think when they didn't listen was when they learned the most.
One of the best tips that comes to mind would be to remember to just spend good quality time together.
Bake something, read a book together, play a game, do special things and make lasting memories.
My daughter is very picky but at the age of 6 she understand that even though she dosent like it, she has to eat it because its good for her. sometimes she protests but mostly just eats what is on her plate. I have always made her try everything even if she said just by looking at it she didn't like it. She is a good kid (most the time)
-misty
mommy2skie@yahoo.com
My secret is to start routines early. When my children know what they need to do pretty soon I didn't even have to remind them. Chores and bedtime are easier. They doesn't mean I don't always have to remind them every now and then.
s2s2 at comcast dot net
http://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/17612511956180992
s2s2 at comcast dot net
My best parenting secret is when my 2 and 4 year olds start getting grounchy and we all start getting stressed, I stop what I'm doing and ask, "Who wants more kisses?" Then they start shrieking with laughter and say "more, more". It takes away the stress and helps all of us.
I don't normally comment, but because of the gall of some people, I just had to butt in here. Here's my best two pieces of parenting advice...
1. Teach your children (through example) not to be judgemental of others. As soon as you say, "I would never..." or "I can't believe you would..." you set yourself up. No one of us knows all the ins and outs of another's life and the circumstances behind their decisions. You may be in that situation someday yourself, and you have no idea what decision you'll make until you are there. Teach your children to make good decisions and respect the decisions of others because they never know when they may be in the same situation themselves. Karma, baby.
2. Don't deny your kids a little bit of junk now and then. My kids have friends whose parents only feed them 100% natural, organic, unprocessed (yada, yada, yada...) foods, and they are the kids that go NUTS for the candy and chips in our pantry. My kids on the other hand, can have a bit in moderation, so it is no big deal to them. 85% of the time, we make healthy food choices, so I don't sweat the 15%. I won't always be around to tell my kids what to eat, so I want to teach them moderation rather than deprivation. If I deprive them of a few cheats now and then, that's all they'll want when they are on their own. I've seen this firsthand many times. And to all those judgemental moms out there, I already know... YOUR kids would NEVER do that. :-)
My kids and I will sit down each Sunday and make a schedule for the upcoming week. We write down what needs to be accomplished and who is going it. It really helps them to be accountable for chores and errands. It also helps me keep very organized to reduce my stress.
Probably my biggest secret weapon when it comes to eating is... my mom! For whatever reason, my son will try new foods and eat better when he's with Grandma. So we always bring something for him to try when we visit or when she babysits, and he gets excited when he can tell her he likes something new!
My children and I love to read about Owen and Kamryn!
One of my favorite tactics to avoid the never-ending debate that usually occurs when I have to tell my kids no is to avoid saying the word "No". For instance, if they ask for a snack when it's a little too close to dinner, I will say "Yes, you may have a snack right after you finish your dinner." It seems like they accept a yes, regardless of the conditions attached to it, better than they accept a no.
I don't know if it's a secret or even that great, but we do a sticker chart for Zach. When he sleeps in his bed all night (a struggle) he gets a sticker and earns toys. It has really helped.
I don't normally do this, but what the heck.
My best parenting secret is delegation. I am not great at it yet, but I am trying. Giving up control and letting 'kid' clean be good enough is becoming easier every day.
I'm a grandma now to a 3 and 6 year old. When my boys were little and would fight and would be just driving me crazy, I would wish they were grown and not so wild. Now they are all grown and I realize how precious those years were that I wished away. I don't take any moment for granted with my grandsons because I know how fast these precious years fly by. So my secret is to cherish every moment because before you know it they are gone and you will miss what you once wished away.
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/17791021354061824
eswright18 at gmail dot com
I communicate with my triplets, I talk to them as if the were adults. We have conversations and I respect their feeling, wants and opinions but they respect and understand that we are their Mother and Father.
evrywoman@yahoo.com
http://twitter.com/evrywoman/status/17821765736595456
tweeted
evrywoman@yahoo.com
Always let them finish speaking (complete sentences) no interrupting so that they can feel and be heard
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/17827709296050176
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Encourage good eating by exposing them to a wide variety of foods early on. Keep the interest going by cooking together!
nesta 67 {at} live dot com
tweet http://twitter.com/#!/LuckyJinxy/status/17829191219159040
Love reading your blog and following Owen's progress!
As for my best parenting secret, be sure to make "special times" for each child independently. These times together will never be forgotten, and will help form an even stronger bond with you and your child. Whether a favorite activity, going to a movie or the park, or a special treat lunch or dinner, the memories will be lasting for both of you!
Enjoy everyday with laughter and have fun together. You never know what will happen tomorrow.
tweet-http://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/17845712133816320
Thanks
No kids. But my organizing tip is to do as much as possible the night before to get a jump start on your day.
Thanks for the contest.
blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2010/12/win-200-visa-gift-card-club-mum-and.html
I think my best secret was giving choices. Even if you are only giving the choice of healthy or positive options, children are learning to make decisions.
My best advice is to ALWAYS be involved in what your children do. They will be more willing to share things with you when you are interested in what they are doing. This advice is more geared toward our preteens to teens. And always know the children and the parents of the children that are your Childs friends.
I always tell parents (especially new parents) to take TIME to really BE WITH your children. Get down in the floor and play...color...lie in the grass on a summer night and look at the stars...make smores in the fire pit..whatever, just do things with them. They grow up quickly and you can't get those moments back.
My best parenting tip is to know when it's worth it to worry. My son is also a heart baby and tube fed baby. Well, not really a baby--he's almost 28 months old. I could worry about a whole lot of things with him and his health, but if I spent all my time worrying, I would not get to enjoy the time I get to spend with him. See, I'm also a full-time working mama as well. I have to trust someone else to take care of him during the day. I can't spend all my time worrying about what is happening when I am not there. I have to trust in the people I chose to care for him. I know when I need to worry, and that is the only time I allow it. Otherwise I would be a nervous wreck all the time.
Routine is key for me, but flexibility and spontaneity are also needed.
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/cjwallace43/status/17967886576390145
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
My parenting secret is: Give 'em and inch, but never let them take a mile
bepoia(at)hotmail(dot)com
I don't have kids, but I had a great mother and one thing that she did will always stick with me and is something I wish all parents would do for their kids. My mom had this rule: If she's old enough to ask, she is old enough to know the answer. She felt that she would rather me get facts from her than from my peers. The earliest memory I have of this practice was really funny. Mom was washing my hair in the shower and I asked her what the f word meant. I was five. She took a deep breath and told me. I stomped around the shower saying yuck over and over. LOL But I grew up knowing that I could talk to her about anything and she would not freak out.
Angie
One 4 earth at aol dot com
I tweeted here:
http://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/17981931165581312
Angie
One 4 earth at aol dot com
While I do not have children of my own, my parents instilled in me something that I think is long lost on a lot of kids today: Manners. If I had one thing to say to all the parents out there today, I would say teach your kids the value of other people. Teach them to say thank you and you're welcome. Teach them to open doors for people. Teach them to understand and realize how their actions affect other people and not just themselves.
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com
my tweet http://twitter.com/#!/RePurrPussed/status/17998105488130048
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com
Tweet - http://twitter.com/willitara/status/18009651027120128
Make sure both parents are on the same page. if one says no, that's the answer and both abide. If they try to play one against the other and they are caught, the answer will always be no.
Don't be afraid to say I'm sorry, I was wrong to your child if you were.
tweet http://twitter.com/vlbsweeps/status/18025143339061248
vlbsweeps at gmail dot com
Here it is. My most prized parenting secret. Deep breath in, and exhale.....
Leverage.
There I said it! You must ALWAYS have leverage as a parent or you will get schooled by your kids.
mrssquigg @ gmail.com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/mrssquigg/status/18058435023077376
mrssquigg @ gmail.com
I think keeping meals simple makes it easier for kids to be willing to try new stuff. Rather than put sauces on food, serve them separately- if the kids don't like the sauce and it's served to them, they make hate the food it's served with.
Thanks for the giveaway!
email in blogger profile.
js22 [at] yahoo [dot] com
tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/18059741632667648
email in blogger profile.
js22 [at] yahoo [dot] com
My kid eat pretty healthy most of the time, but here's my quickest, easiest and healthiest meal that my kids ask for at least once a week. I get 1 pound packages of ground turkey that's like 93% fat free. I usually brown it up ahead of time and pop the 1 pound packages in ziplocs into the freezer. When I need a quick meal, I pop the frozen ground meat with some homemade tomato sauce from all the tomatoes I grew in the summer to make a nice meat sauce. Serve it over whole wheat pasta (they don't know the difference!). Hearty, filling and comforting.
The main thing that keeps my life running smoother is making lists. I write a list for just about everything, because with us running around everywhere, something is bound to be forgotten if it is not written down.
I honestly think that some things just don't matter. I was forced to eat a lot of gross foods when I was growing up, so I catered to my kids' likes and dislikes. My daughter ASKED to eat broccoli!!! No way would I EVER put stinky broccoli on a child's plate!!! (or my own ). She eats everything now. I did the exact same thing with her as I did with him, and he's got pretty much the same likes and dislikes that I do. It's actually kind of creepy - when we go to Ruby Tuesdays, I tell them no mayo, no pickles, and no onions. My son orders his the exact same way - and not because he heard ME order! But the point of this is... I didn't force my son to eat anything and he still eats most reasonable stuff - just not smelly things. I didn't force my daughter either, but she eats everything!
Email address is in blogger profile
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/bsw529/status/18114524095713280
Email address is in blogger profile
Always calm down before talking to the kids.
hlee99 (at) gmail (dot) com
Mix vegetables into a meat dish or sauce so they're not a separate option. Chop small. Cook well.
eugeniewu at gmail dot com
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