Category Archives: Kids

I’ve heard the theory about birth order in personality, but I’m going to call that one a myth. I think humans are all unique and different regardless of birth order. Our genes, our environments and our parents all play a role in how we turn out. And what about the “baby of the family” who 10 years later becomes a big brother? Does his personality change now that he’s not a baby anymore? I’m just not buying it.

We take a “gentle discipline” approach in our house. Time-outs don’t really work for us as much as trying to help our kids process whatever overwhelming emotion they may be feeling. At the toddler and preschool age, most behavior problems come from not having the tools to cope with emotions. My philosophy is that kids are people too, so I try to treat them that way.

I don’t subscribe to any one parenting style. I had wanted to carry my babies around in slings all day, but that’s a little painful. Plus, it’s kind of hard to mop the floor and do the dishes when you have a 10-pound baby strapped to your belly. My parenting style I think is just really laid back. I like to keep my kids active. I like to make them feel safe and special, and I try to keep them healthy and happy. Those are my only goals. I love on them a lot, but I’m a disciplinarian too. They can still be sassy and talk back, but I think we’re surviving pretty well so far.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to have a natural labor — I had a cesarean. But whether you have a natural birth or a cesarean, you are going to experience some sense of pain — and that was my fear. I like to face my fears head-on.  So I did do a lot of research about pain during pregnancy by asking other women who’d gone through it. I know this sounds cheesy, but my son gave me strength. It’s such a beautiful moment when you are focused on wanting to see your child for the first time that you forget about all the pain for a minute. Of course later you feel some pain, but it’s all worth it.