When did structure become a bad thing?
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| Fri, 07-30-2004 - 8:19am |
We used to live next door to a "no structure" family. The kids ran wild in the neighborhood, the mom never planned dinner so lord only knows if and when the kids ate. Sorry, I don't think that's a good way to live. My kids know we eat dinner at 6:30, so they have to be home.
I can see taht you wouldn't demand that an infant go to bed and wake up at precisely the same time, but is there ever a time to impose structure on a child? So lets say you are the freewheeling type and have always doen things whenever. What happens when you send your child to school where the bell rings at the same time every day?
As far as activities, I realize all kids are different, but when my kids were little, if we just did whatever, whenever, my kids woudl end up grumpy and overtired. My experience is that if say, we were at the beach and I say, oh heck, let's just stay later, the kids woudl be happy at first, but by the days end I would end up with whiny, overtired kids.
Maybe I'm just misinterpreting what I am reading, but I personally think structure is a good thing. When children are small, the structure includes naptimes, mealtimes, etc. As they get older it evolves into boundaries like "be home at 6 for dinner" or "you can't go into soemones house without telling me first". I couldn't imagine living without structure or boundaries for my kids.
Susan

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The one we had before, I have no idea the stand on tv.
Paige
We do not have issues with these things. You do.
Paige
I'd like to hear what you think you know.
Paige
I don't see 5-6 hours of TV per day and excessive amounts of junk food as moderation, . . .but then I don't see 30 minutes of TV per day and NO junk food except at b-day parties as moderation, either.
And that's not a jab at either PnJ or Paige. . .I just think they are at opposite ends of the spectrum. . .and I'd prefer to be in the middle of it.
Virgo
Maybe we have a different definition of "excessive"?
Paige
I don't disagree with you there. . .I'm just frustrated at people jumping on the '3' hours of tv as if all doom will rain down on the family because of it.
I agree Paige's family does have a collection of poor health habits when considered in total. . .
Virgo
dj
Dj
"Now when I need help, I look in the mirror" ~Kanye West~
You may not have issues with these things, neither does much of America (hence the reason we are the fattest, most sedetary country in the WORLD), but that doesnt make them less of an issue. And you really should think about the health of your child, even if you dont care about these things for yourself.
dj
Dj
"Now when I need help, I look in the mirror" ~Kanye West~
Paige's husband isn't a pediatrician.
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