PLEASE? Shoot the basketball.

We have entered a new chapter in parenting. We are not prepared. It has both my husband and I a little worried.

Our son is eight and a half and has started playing competitive sports. Baseball and basketball to be specific. I don't know if I can handle it.

I grew up playing sports. I was involved. I wanted to be the best. There was always someone better, but I found success and had my place. 

My husband was the same way. 

We have put aside a lot of our competitive drive. We don't need it like we used to. 

But now, as we sit and watch him play, it all comes back. All of it. The fight, the drive, the need to win and to be the best. I even miss the confrontation and physicality that comes with playing sports.

*Our son is more passive. The fight is in him, I have seen it. But he is not big on physical contact. His first thought is not to body-check someone under the hoop.
 *He feels that if he is part of the winning team then he has done great. Regardless of how he performed. I keep trying to tell him this is not true.
*On top of that, he likes to analyze. He thinks everything through. He needs to know the why's behind what is being done.
*To make matters worse. He is an unbelievable athlete. He is tall, strong, and smart. His hand eye coordination is fantastic. He has been golfing since he was two. It is frustrating to sit there and watch him NOT use his talents.

All of this is so foreign to my husband and me. We try to teach him to get physical, to fight and to force. We try to instill the NEED to be the best, to not settle for any less. Instead, last week we watched as his biggest concern was everything happening in the gym except his own game. Heaven forbid he pay attention.

I want to tell him, NONE OF THAT MATTERS. GET THE REBOUND AND SHOOT THE BALL.

We have asked him if he wants to play and he continues to make it clear that he loves both of the sports.

So here we sit. Wanting more from our son. Wanting to change him and feeling like our expectations are not being met. After all, we are athletes in this family. Right! RIGHT!!!

My husband and I have spend a lot of nights talking about this. Trying to understand our son, and trying to understand ourselves.

We have come to understand that it's possible we have unrealistic expectations.

We compare him to other kids. (Contrary to popular belief, this will never help him get better.)

We are taking Junior Jazz Basketball way to serious.

We worry to much about his performance. It's not life or death.

We need a better sense of humor. We need to laugh at the situation more. Have you even seen 8 year olds play basketball. It IS pretty funny.

We need to see the bigger picture.

The bigger picture.

We have always expected our son would be just like we were, like his uncles, grandpas, and great-grandpas. We need to stop assuming.

He is only eight. There is plenty of time for him to excel in a sport, or even start paying attention to a sport. He might be more of an individual sport guy. Golf and tennis. That would be great.

He is a good boy. The best. He is kind, compassionate, sensitive, respectful and obedient. He is a hard worker. He always tries to do what is right. He is smart and does well in school. He is constantly trying to learn new things. He has an amazing ability to understand math and science. He is funny and has a great sense of humor. He is helpful, a great big brother and is always looking out for others. He is focused and inquisitive. They don't come any better than him.

This Saturday, when I sit in the bleachers, I need to focus more on how wonderful he is, and not so much on the fact that he didn't get the rebound.

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY-Valentine Lollipops!

Our daughter came home from school today and asked if we could give her teacher a special gift for Valentines Day. I said sure, assuming we would work on it in a week or two. 

She meant can we make her a special gift RIGHT NOW. RIGHT NOW as in TODAY.

So we got to work.  

Just like many of you, we have left over candy canes from Christmas. There are lots of different variations of this around the blogosphere. 

The object for us, is for the activity to be able to involve the whole family, especially the kids, (after all, it is Family Fun Friday.) This is how we do it in our house.

(*These are perfect gifts for teachers, students, friends, neighbors, Visiting Teachers. Anyone*)

You Need...

Regular Size Candy Canes

We have lots of yummy flavors this year. Peppermint, bubble gum, and Cinnamon. The colors are perfect for Valentines Day. You can also make mini versions using mini candy canes.

White Chocolate Chips

You can use white candy melts. 

Lollipop Sticks

The long ones work best, but the short ones will get the job done also.

Valentine Sprinkles

Colored Sugar, Jimmies, anything goes. I like to buy the assorted containers for each holiday. They give me lots of choices. 

Let's Get Started...

Preheat your oven to 300*. 

Butter your cookie sheet. I used parchment paper and ran some butter across it. Cooking spray would work also. I prefer the butter.

Lay two candy canes down to form a heart. 

Take the lollipop stick and put it down the middle of the heart. 

Put your candy canes in the oven. WATCH THEM VERY CAREFULLY! It will only take about 3 minutes. As soon as the bottoms start to melt and bubble, take them out. 

Pinch the ends together to "close up" your heart and help it wrap around the lollipop stick. 

Let the lollipops cool completely. I take them off the cookie sheet after about 2 minutes and let them cool on a rack. Faster that way. Once everything is cool, put them back on the cookie sheet.

Meanwhile, get your white chocolate chips and sprinkles out. 

Put your chips in a ziplock bag. Leave an opening in the bag so it doesn't explode in the microwave. Put your bag of chocolate in the bowl. Put the bowl in the microwave. This will keep it upright while it is melting.

Melt for about 30 seconds, take the bag out and knead. Back in for 30 seconds, out to knead. Continue until the chocolate is melted and there aren't any lumps.

Once your chocolate is melted, cut a little hole in a corner of your bag and start to fill in the middle of your hearts. 

The key to making it smooth, After you fill the middle, take a toothpick and smooth things out. 

Now it's time to decorate. take your sprinkles and get to work. 

I am not so sure about the purple, our daughters choice.  

Let them cool completely. I set the cookie sheet on the cold garage floor to speed things up. DON'T put them in the fridge or freezer. You will have a "sweaty" lollipop. Yuck!

The finished product.

We will take the hearts, put a lollipop bag over the top and tie them with a ribbon. 

Our daughter wants to take them to her teacher tomorrow. I asked if we could at least wait until the calendar says "February." 

These are so fast to make. We will make them fresh in two weeks to give away. 

VARIATION...

Our daughter woke up from her nap, right in the middle of our project. She wanted to help but I didn't want her around a hot cookie sheet, or the oven. 

SO, we skipped that step. The melted chocolate will hold the candy canes and the sticks in place. All you have to do is form the hearts and put the sticks in the middle. Melt your chocolate, pipe it in, add your decorations and let it all cool. Perfect for even the youngest helpers. 

Do you have left over candy canes?

What do you think about the purple?

Happy Friday!

GIVEAWAY Today!

WE HAVE A WINNER!

THE WINNER OF THE CSN GIVEAWAY IS....

JAMES AND BESS

WHO SAID... i "like" you on fb - left a comment. :)

bess

BESS, CONTACT ME SO THAT WE CAN GET YOU YOUR PRIZE. CONGRATULATIONS!

The best way to bring sunshine to January, besides spending the month in Hawaii...

A Giveaway

CSN is Giving Away a $30 dollar Gift 

Certificate.

You can use it at any of their stores. 

Are you all familiar with CSN? They have over 200 stores where you can buy everything from a new swing set, to new furniture for the nursery. 

Speaking of swing sets, our kids have been asking for a swing set in the backyard since we moved into our house. That was over 5 years ago. Maybe this summer. 

I am always browsing through the CSN stores. Their selection is unmatched. I still have these wheels bookmarked. I wonder if they make it in a two seater? 

Do you want to brighten up your January?

Enter to Win!

Required Entry: Be sure to include your email address. 

• Follow Family Volley. (Google or RSS. If you already do, thanks, just leave a comment telling me so.) You can click the follow button in the top left hand corner, or in the column on the right. 

Extra Entries: Lots of ways to enter. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Be sure to include your email address. If you already "do" any of these things. Thank you. Leave a comment telling me.

• "Like" Family Volley on Facebook. Leave me a comment on Facebook saying hello. 

• Follow me on Twitter

• Leave a new comment on a Family Volley post. Be sure you tell me which one so I can check it out. 

• Tweet or leave a post on Facebook about this giveaway. Be sure you include a link to this Family Volley post or it doesn't count. (Worth 2 entries.) Leave me a link so I can check it out. 

• Put a Family Volley Button on your blog. (Worth 2 entries)

I hope the sun shines on you today.

Giveaway will end Sunday January 30.


This giveaway is now CLOSED. 

I have not received any compensation, monetary, goods, or services for this giveaway. I was contacted by CSN and am really excited to help facilitate this opportunity.

Bossy, Bossy, Bossy

Does this face look bossy to you?

Contrary to popular belief, the 2's don't have to be terrible. My mom always calls them terrific and I have to agree. It is a time of discovery and development. It is really fun to watch kids start to come into their own.

But...

There is something that comes with being 2 that is not terrific.

2 Year olds can be BOSSY, BOSSY, BOSSY

Toddlers, 2-3 year olds in particular, want things their way. 

WHY?

1. It's a child's way of feeling in control when their parents have all the power.

2. Toddlers have poor social skills. They have yet to learn how to deal with other kids, or adults. Remember, they are only 2. They are still learning empathy and good manners.

3. They are still developing communicating skills. They have feelings and emotions, as well as opinions, but they don't know how to express themselves.  

4. Some kids are born with more dominant personalities than others. The dominant personality trait can come off as bossy. 

REMEMBER...

Most kids grow out of the bossy phase. They quickly realize that other kids don't like to be told what to do and that they are not the center of the universe. 

Until they grow out of it...

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Offer choices. Letting children choose makes them feel like they are in control. It is empowering for them to make their own choices. Small choices such as what color shirt they should wear, or if they want water or milk to drink with lunch, will make a big difference. They will no longer have the need to boss others around when they feel like they are making their own choices. 

Pay Attention. The bossiness could stem from the need for more attention. It could mean that as parents, we need to spend more quality time with them. 

Be a Good Example. Are we bossy moms? If we are, then we are teaching our children that bossy is the way to be. It can be really hard, but we need to take a step back and treat our children how we want to be treated. I can't stand it when people boss me around. Imagine how a 2 year old would feel. 

I know this can be really hard. Their are schedules and responsibilities that we as moms are always juggling. Often our bossiness comes from trying to meet all the expectations. That could be a cue that we need to simplify and put ourselves in our children's position. Seeing life through their eyes will help us boss less and love and play more. 

Enforce the Rules. Just because a child is 2, doesn't make their behavior acceptable. We need to be sure we enforce the rules and when children are bossy and demanding, let them know that their tone and actions are not acceptable. Do not give in to their bossy requests until they ask with the right tone and the right words. 

Enforce Social Skills. Teach children to say please and thank you. When they do boss, don't give in to their demands. Ask them, "Is that how you ask for a drink of milk?" Or, "How would you feel if your brother didn't share with you?" Bring social skills to their attention. Help them to learn empathy by pointing out others feelings and situations. Help them form good social habits, and in time, as they grow out of the bossiness, the good behavior will continue. 

Strengthen Their Self Esteem. Ask your child to help you with everyday, simple responsibilities. In our house, our two year old helps put things away, loves to stand on a stool and put clothes in the washer, and will stand at the sink with me for an hour "doing" dishes. When I ask her to help, her face lights up. You would think it was Christmas. She gets even more excited when I praise her for her help. Helping, makes them feel important and grown up without having to boss someone else around.  

Curbing the Bossiness can make the 2's much less terrible and much more TERRIFIC. 

Does your 2 year old have a favorite household "chore?"

Weight in: Are the 2's terrible or terrific.

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY-Human Snowblower

In honor of the January Snow, that I wish would melt away, today's game is ...

HUMAN SNOWBLOWER

You will need...

Large Paper Cups

Ping pong Balls

Empty Paper Towel Rolls

(preferable one for each person, but you can share)

The object...

To "huff and puff" your snow ball off the table and into a cup first. 

How to Play... 

1. Set Up... Hang three large paper cups with tape off one side of a table, so that the cup openings are level with the table's surface. (Optional: Fill each paper cup with a few little treats or prizes.) 

2. Give the first two players paper towel tubes and explain that when you place a Ping-Pong ball in front of each of them, they must blow through the tubes like a snowblower. (Remember, it just takes a gentle breath to get the ball rolling.)

 

3. Each player, using their paper towel roll, will blow the ping pong ball across the table and try to get it into one of the cups. If they get the ball in a cup they get to pick one of the treats or prizes in that cup. Play until all the cups are empty. 

If a players ball goes over the edge, and lands on the floor, their turn is over.

The winner could be the one who gets the most prizes, or leave the prizes out and you can just make it a race. First one to get their ball in the cup.

Other Modifications...

• For smaller children, no need to race or have treats. Simply have them try to get the ball across the table. You can also set up cups, or large bowls on the ground for younger children. That way when the balls roll off, they can see if they land in a bowl on the ground.

• Another fun thing to do. While you are setting up the cups, have each person decorate their paper towel roll. Crayons, paints, stickers, their name. Kids love to personalize their things.

• Fill the easier cups with lesser prizes. Fill the most difficult cups with the best prizes. 

• You can also tape the cups to the top of the table on their side. 

• Set up an obstacle course, like miniature golf. Number the cups and tape them on different sides of the table and some on the top of the table. Players then have to"play" the course, "blowing" their ping pong ball into each cup in order. The first one to finish wins. This is also extra fun on a hard wood floor, more space. As long as you don't mind crawling on the ground.

• When we didn't have ping pong balls, we have also played with cotton balls, you just have to blow a lot harder. 

What are you doing this weekend?

 

Because January is Gray... My Favorite, and A Really Good Recipe

January in Utah can be pretty dreary. The weather is gray, gray, gray, every. single. day.

So, to find some sort of sunshine in the gloom, here are two of my favorite things right now. I hope they make your day brighter and your load lighter.

FIRST
As a mother I spend a lot of time in the kitchen with my hands in the sink. You too. :)

Dishes seem to appear out of thin air. It is still a mystery to me. Nevertheless, I feel like I am always doing dishes. This is only made more frustrating by lack luster scrub brushes. I like the kind that hold the soap. I have tried every brand made. Expensive, inexpensive, big and little. Brand name and no name. They have all adorned our kitchen sink. They all leak and the scrubbers always fall off.

A few months ago my husband came home with a little gift for the household.


Yep, it's a dish brush. This one made by Chef'n. I said thank you, but expressed my doubts. I was sure it would be just like all the others.

Boy was I wrong. I filled it up with soap and when I came into the kitchen the next morning,
ALL THE SOAP WAS STILL IN THE BRUSH. Every drop. Nothing had leaked out. Not one drop.

It actually makes the dishes more fun to wash.
Easy to fill, the brush lasts forever, and it DOES NOT FALL OFF WITH USE. It screws on and stays put.

It is not expensive and you can order it online. Plus, you can order replacement heads. We have also tried the foam heads. They are great, but over time the glue does weaken. I prefer the brush.

It also comes in a great red color if you don't really like the green. Go ahead, give it a try.
Is it pathetic that a good dish brush adds sunshine to my day?

SECOND

January leaves me wanting food that is lighter. After the holidays I am ready for something different.

I introduce to you the best winter (or summer) salad around. I mean, this is good. So good it is addicting. You don't want to stop eating it. Even better, it is elegant enough for a dinner party, and tasty enough that your kids will ask for seconds. (It would be perfect for a special Valentine Dinner for your loved one.)

Pear Parmesan Salad.

Romain Lettuce (If I am serving this to adults only, I use Organic Greens)
Parmesan Cheese (NOT pre-grated)
Pears
Cashews

Dressing
5 Tbls. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 tsp Honey
1 Tbsp Diced Green Onions

Make your dressing.
Wisk your oil and vinegar together until combined. Add the mustard, honey and green onions. It is not tricky. I usually put all the ingredients in together and wisk away. I double the dressing recipe when I make it.

Cut up or tear your lettuce.
Use your carrot peeler on your parmesan cheese to create long thin strips.
Dice your pears,
and I like to use whole cashews.

At home I put everything in a bowl and add the dressing. Toss and serve.

When I am serving this for a more formal occasion, I like to make each salad on individual plates so everyone gets enough of the good stuff. (the pears, cashews and cheese.) Yum.

Trust me, this will make your January less gloomy.

How do you feel about January?
Do you have a favorite "something" right now? Do Share.



I didn't receive any compensation for recommending the dish brush. Chef'n has no idea who I am. I just really like it and wanted to share the great find with all of you. 

Growing Pains-How Parents Can Help?

I have received a number of questions lately about growing pains, bad dreams and nightmares. Seems these topics are keeping parents up at night. Haha!

Seeing as how our son and daughter have complained of growing pains recently, and my husband and I both dealt with them as kids, let's start there. 

Growing Pains

What causes Growing Pains...

Although doctors don't know exactly what causes growing pains...

-Some doctors believe growing pains are more frequent in children with a lower pain threshold. 

-Doctors speculate that as bones grow in children's bodies, the tendons become tight. This causes aches and pains in the muscles around the bones, as the tendons try to catch up with the growth. This is why some doctors feel that children who go through rapid growth spurts might suffer more from growing pains. 

-Growing pains are usually more frequently reported in active children. Running, playing and jumping can make the pains worse. 

Who suffers...

Growing pains are most common in children between the ages of 3-12. I know for me, 10 was the magic age. They are a little more common with girls. They tend to coincide with periods of growth. 

Symptoms...

* Aching and throbbing pains in the legs, usually both legs, not just one. 

* Leg pain lasting about 10-15 minutes. 

* Usually in the calves, front of the thighs, or back of the knees. 

* Growing Pains usually strike later in the day (late afternoon and early evening.) Kids don't always notice them at this time of day because they are still active and moving. 

* The pain can wake children in the middle of the night, but is gone by morning. 

What can be done...

When that call comes in the middle of the night and your children are complaining of pains in their legs, there are things we can do to help.

* Verbally acknowledge that your kids are in pain. Don't dismiss the problem because you don't "see" a problem. This acknowledgment in and of itself will give your children comfort.
* Massage the area that is hurting. (In my experience this is most helpful.)

* Help your child slowly stretch their legs. 

* Apply heat.

* Help your child stretch on a daily basis. Stretch, stretch, stretch. Dont' just have them stretch the day after the pains, keep stretching on a regular basis to keep the pains away. You can call your doctor for stretching exercises that best suit the age of your child. One we really like is flexing the feet. Bringing the toes up towards the calf. (The opposite of pointing your toes.)

I can remember a number of times as a child when I would call my parents in because my legs were aching. For me, having my parents rub my legs helped the most. It wouldn't take very long and I would be able to fall back asleep. We have done the same with our kids. 

Another thing that has really helped is stretching. Our kids are naturally really active, but slowing them down to stretch has nearly eliminated the night time pains. 

Could the pains be something else...

You will want to consider talking to your doctor if your child answers yes to any of the following...

* Are the legs red or swollen?

* Is the pain persistent?

* Is the pain still present when your child wakes in the morning?

* Does the pain make your child limp?

* Does your child have a fever, rash, or loss of appetite?

* Does your child complain of joint pain?

Growing pains should hurt in the muscles, not in the joints. 

* Are your child's legs painful or tender to the touch or as you massage them?

* Do the pains interfere with your children's daily activities?

* Are the pains a result of an injury?

As we stagger half asleep into our children's room in the middle of the night, it can be easy to dismiss their complaints about leg pain. But these growing pains can be severe. A little attention will help everyone get a better nights sleep.

Do your kids suffer from growing pains? How do you treat them?

Did you ever have growing pains?

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY-Density Rainbow

This has been a favorite since our son brought it home from school a few years ago. It is not only fun, but a great way to help your children visually learn about density.

You Will Need

2 Red Skittles

4 Orange Skittles

6 Yellow Skittles

8 Green Skittles

12 Purple Skittles

Separate Bowls (5)

Glass Jar or Bowl (something see thru)

Turkey Baster 

(A Syringe, or Medicine Dropper that comes with kids medicine will work also)

Spoon

Water

Place each of the different colored Skittles in the bowls.

We seem to always have Skittles in our pantry. Not for the kids, but for me. :)

ADD 1 Tbs. plus a little bit (is that a measurement?) of water to the bowls. 

More than 1 Tbs. but less that 1 1/2 Tbs.

Place each bowl in the microwave for about 40 seconds. Stir until the Skittles dissolve. If you don't want to use the microwave, put the water in with the Skittles and let them sit for an hour of so. Be sure they are completely dissolved. The color will quickly come off the Skittles. That doesn't mean they are dissolved. It is the sugar from the Skittles you need, so let the candies dissolve all the way. 

Once everything is dissolved it is time to make a rainbow. 

Pour the Purple water into your glass bowl or jar.

Take your Turkey Baster or Syringe and fill it up with the green water. Then take your spoon and holding it upside down, put it at the top of the Purple water. SLOWLY pour the Green water on top of the spoon. It will run off the spoon onto the purple. (See the pictures below).

Repeat with the Yellow water, Orange water and Red in that order.

I can't emphasis how important it is to go SLOW. If you rush the colors will run together and the rainbow wont be clear. Your activity will be a flop. That's not fun. 

The rainbow should last a few hours, maybe longer, but enjoy it while you can because eventually the water and sugar will all dissolve together. 

If you wanted to buy another flavor of Skittles, you could also get some Blue Skittles and make a complete rainbow. Use 10 Blue Skittles. 

How it Works

Lighter layers, the ones with fewer Skittles, will float on top of the heavier ones. 

OR

The water with less candy will be less dense than the water with more candy. 

Happy Weekend!

What is your family doing this weekend?

Do you keep Skittles in your pantry?

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Do Your Kids Have It

The bad news: Respectful behavior in children is slowly becoming extinct. 

The good news: We can teach our children to be respectful. And along the way, teach them to be considerate, kind and honest. 

HOW?

1. Be Good Role Models
We can't be disrespectful. Children will primarily do what they see us as parents do.
Instead...
We need to model the behavior we want to see in our children. Respect our belongings, listen with full attention, be open minded and be patient with others.


2. Respect Belongings
Dont let children disrespect belongings.
Instead...
Be cautious with the amount of toys and things we give our kids. Too many things and they will not only loose interest, but the less they will appreciate each item.
When kids disrespect their toys, rushing out and replacing them is not the best solution. Explain to your children they have one doll. They need to take care of it or they won't have a doll any more.
Discuss the worth of things. When our 2 year old rips up her sisters art work, instead of reprimanding, I need to explain to her that she spent a lot of time making it and it is special to her. It hurts her feelings when she rips it up.
Make the rules clear. When my girls want to smell my perfumes, they know I have to get them out, they have to be sitting down to hold them, and they can't push the buttons. It teaches them to respect my belongings.

3. Don't Tolerate Rudeness
When we allow our children to back talk, talk bratty and be rude, we lead them to believe it's okay to sass us and other people too. As parents we need to respond to this behavior. We need to make it clear that no matter how frustrated or annoyed our children may be, it is never okay to speak to other people in those tones.
Instead...
Encourage your kids to express their feelings, using statements that start with "I". "I feel mad", "I feel frustrated". Encourage them to put their feelings into words by asking them questions. When our son is making sarcastic comments I find myself saying, "You seem upset, let's talk about it". When our daughter is hollering at her brother I could say, "You sound really mad to me, can you tell me what is going on?" It will take time for your kids to learn to express their emotions instead of being rude, but it will work. When they slip up, teach them the importance of saying "I am sorry."

4. Teach Your Children to Listen
One of the most fundamental ways to show respect to other people is to listen to them. That means giving them our time and attention. Don't let your kids watch television while you are trying to talk to them., or keep their head down in their books or looking at the floor.
Instead...
Remove distractions by turning off the T.V and putting down what they are doing. Expect them to look you in the eye and give you their attention. This means we have to do the same when our children are talking to us. Another key concept to teach, wait your turn to talk and don't interrupt others when they are talking. Wow, are we always working on this in our home. Especially when my husband and I are talking. We have had to work really hard to teach our kids to wait until we are done talking, then it is their turn.

5. Demand Good Manners
Don't let children think that manners are temporary or optional.
Instead...
Expect good manners in all situations. Gently remind children, starting very young, to say "please" and "thank you". When you are going somewhere, be sure you remind them what you expect in the upcoming situation and how they should act. It will take constant cues on your part, soon it will become natural and your children will remember on their own. Make it clear that bad manners will not be tolerated and be sure you enforce the consequences. Even if it means leaving the restaurant or get-together. When good manners are demonstrated, make sure there is lots of praise. Not just "good job, but explain to your children why the good manners are important and what their respect means to the people around them.

6. Encourage Your Children to be Open Minded
Treating others with respect means that we take some time to get to know them and understand them. This is a principle we have to teach our children. They might not like all the other kids, but they need to give them all a chance.
Instead...
Encouraging your children to get to know someone new and find out what they have in common. If after time they conclude they have nothing in common, teach them that they still deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. We have had to do this with our daughter last year. She tends to cling to one or two girls and has a tough time giving other classmates a chance. Her challenge was to play with a new person in her class every week. It made a huge difference. She is now much more accepting and open minded to all people.

7. Diversity is Okay
Children are very quick to point out differences. Every one of our children has embarrassed the heck of me at least once in a public place when they have pointed out someone who looks different. My first reaction is to quickly shush them.
Instead...
We need to explain that we are all different and that is a good thing, not bad. When you encounter new people, explain that there are differences AND similarities. We don't have to forgo our values. There are choices that other people make that are not acceptable in our home. That is fine, but that doesn't mean that we are rude or judgmental. To raise children who accept diversity we have to expose our children to different cultures and traditions. Start by letting them try different foods and learning about different cultures.

8. Rules Matter
Don't allow children to do what ever they want.
Instead...
Set boundaries so your children learn that the world doesn't revolve around them and it teaches them to respect authority. This is a skill they need at home and will need at school and in the real world.
Set the rules.
Talk about why they matter.
Explain the consequences for breaking the rules.
Be strong enough to follow through with the consequences.


ANYONE SEND A SWEET 5 YEAR OLD TO SCHOOL, ONLY TO HAVE THEM RETURN A LITTLE DISRESPECTFUL AND SNOTTY?


HOW DO YOU TEACH YOUR CHILDREN RESPECT?

And So It Began...Our New Year

I really look forward to New Years. Our families New Year Tradition is one of my favorites. It is also one of the few times of the year I am really relaxed, less stressed and unplugged. This year was no different. 

If you are looking for a wonderful place to spend time with your family, let me suggest. 

The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

La Jolla, California

I grew up just a few miles from this magical place. Going back I am always flooded with memories. 

It is very family friendly. Kids are encouraged to be kids. Adults are encouraged to be kids.
Warning: There are lots of pictures in this post.

Let's talk amenities. 

Private Beach

Swimming Pool

Tennis Courts

On-site 3 par Golf Course

Restaurant

Great Gift Shop

Playground

Ping pong

Croquet

Library

Game Room

Work Our Room

Laundry Room (if you want to wash)

Spa services on Site
1-2-3 Bedroom Suites
Rooms with Kitchens

My Only Suggestion... If you are interested in staying at The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, you need to book about a year in advance, depending on what month of the year you are interested it.
Other suggestions, with no pictures...Don't forget to walk along Prospect, Eat Mexican at Alfonso's, and eat breakfast at Harry's

All of this said, I can't emphasis enough how accommodating the Club is. If ever their was a place for families, this is it.

Sounds good right, but lets get to some details.

The Club is a 15 minute drive from the San Diego Airport.

Your room is on the beach. Literally a few steps. You don't have to load up the car and drive to the beach. 

Situated on La Jolla shores (known as one of the shallowest and family friendly beaches in California), the club has its own beach. Each morning they clear it of seaweed and groom the sand. It is not crowded and as parents you don't have to be as nervous about keeping an eye on your kids like you would at a public beach. (I am not suggesting you don't watch them. :))

 They set up your beach chairs. Whatever you need, chairs, lounges, umbrellas, blankets, tables. Just let the "beach boys" know and they will set it all up. It makes things so much easier when the kids are already running into the water and you are trying to set up a spot.

They provide the towels. You don't have to pack them. Instead, You can sit on the beach all day and use as many towels as your family needs. Get them as sandy as you want. Leave them on your lounge chairs and they take care of the rest. Heck, take them to your room and they will take care of them also. As you will see in the pictures, the clubs towels are all white with blue strips.

You are perfectly situated to walk the beach. Miles of it. Consider it the best, most beautiful and relaxing, free entertainment your family could have. Run through the water, head to the pier, and don't forget the tide pools just steps away.

The swimming pool is heated. Need I say more. Again, towels provided. 

On New Years Eve we have the club set up a bonfire for us. We also have them set up a grill and a table and chairs. They supply plenty of wood and coals. We buy all the fixing for a BBQ at the local grocery store, complete with s'mores and head down to the beach. We spend the evening grilling and sitting around the fire. We finish with s'mores and more s'mores. If you don't want to go get your own food? No problem, the club will provide all your food. Don't want to cook, no biggie, they will even BBQ for you.

You are very close to everything. Sea World, The San Diego Zoo, Disneyland (and hour and 20 minutes), Legoland, Aquariums, Museums, The San Diego LDS Temple, shops, parks, malls, grocery stores and fantastic restaurants. This year we went to Legoland. The kids had a great time. So did the adults. 

 Replicas of famous cities in the U.S. Everything is mini. If you look close at the picture below you will see a black bird walking on the road. It gives you an idea of the size. Pretty amazing.

I wondered if there would be anything for adults to do at Legoland. There was. 

The San Diego LDS Temple

Tennis is a big deal here. There are courts for everyone. We bring our own racquets but you can rent them from the club if you want. All the courts are lit so you can play at night. 

Golf Course on the property. Kids are encouraged to play. We don't usually bring clubs, we use theirs.

Play ground right next to the tennis courts. My husband and I can play tennis while the kids play at the playground, play croquet, and ping pong. 

Every year my parents rent a big van that fits all of us (at least for now). It is really fun because we can all ride together. 

 The famous Tennis Club Palm Trees. 

Until Next Time...

Our youngest saying goodbye. 

What do you think? Conducive for your family?

Any questions, I would love to answer them?

 I didn't receive any compensation for writing this post. The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club doesn't even know I wrote it. Our family loves this place and I wanted to share it with you.