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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I can't stand talking or having an adult conversation with my DH over dinner. Blech! That takes too much effort and I'd rather see what Rachel and Ross are up to or see the latest Hollywood gossip. (didya know Nikki Hilton got married? I'll bet these other posters don't cuz they've been reading or enjoying the summer weather or somethin' silly like that!)
We are living how we desire, you bet.
"We use ours to drive around the corner."
Okay. . .I have no response to that. . .I'm speechless. . .
Hey DJ. . .I think we've found my 'limit'.
Virgo
My DH, a preschool/daycare teacher, often recommends that parents consult their child's pediatrician, when children in his care exhibit behavior issues. Often they are linked to physical issues which should be addressed. In fact, he even unoffically consults with a pediatrician (whose children were in his care when they were younger) for suggestions or possible solutions when "his" children exhibit unusual behavior. The parents really appreciate this, since sometimes the parents are unaware of these issues because they aren't exhibited at home.
Sometimes dh has the news on during dinner, but I'll readily admit that I prefer the TV to be off during dinner.
How old is this baby?
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