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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Are you still going to claim my high school comment posted yesterday was incorrect? LOL
Stretching is imperative and something each of us must do - if nothing else - for a few mins. everyday until our dying days. Do I do it? No. But, I wish I took the time.
What adults call exercise (treadmill, stairstepper), I hate. But I do get the gym sometimes. I really only consider enjoyable the exercise that children seem to get these days - pick-up basketball games, soccer, even badminton would be great!
What is DS' diet?
How much exercise does he get? Does the school encourage exercise?
How is he doing in school?
Does he have any emotional problems that you're aware of?
When did he see the dentist last? Does your water have floride?
Have you had his eyes checked?
Have you had the "good touch/bad touch" talk yet?
And on and on and on.
Once the physical is done, we go into his office for more discussion. DS is wetting the bed -- what should be our plan of action? DS was overweight for his height last time -- any problems with obesity in the family? Yes? ok, time to see the nutritionist. How much TV does DS watch? 5 hours a day? Too much. How can we cut back? Is DS still in a car seat? Can DS tie his shoes?
Once we are done, he has a very firm knowledge of DS and how he's doing. I love our ped couldn't imagine not having him as my advisor.
outside_the_box_mom
coming in late, but I agree with you Virgo.
I have watched the news with my children since they were born.
So we need two tvs.
Never happended to you, I'm guessing.
Paige
Paige
Whether you accept them or not is your problem.
Paige
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