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CATHY'S CORNER: Learning to Let Them Fail

January 23, 2015

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”   Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

I went to my middle school son’s parent teacher meeting today and the assistant principal gave some interesting advice on teaching kids responsibility. “Let them fail,” she said, explaining that letting kids experience pain and failure is an important part of growing up. “We can’t prevent all their mistakes, even though you want to.” She reminded parents to let kids forget to bring their pencils, homework or lunch, lose a sweatshirt, or be late…so they can deal with the consequences. 

 

After a certain age, the constant reminders and help from mommy or daddy don’t allow kids to do things for themselves. It’s a fine balance, but at some point, you just have to allow your child to figure certain things out on their own. Like the fact that (a.) you don’t wear shorts in January, (b.) you need to brush your teeth or you will smell like a buffalo, and (c.) you get more with kindness and honesty than you realize.

 

Have a great week ahead and please let me know your thoughts. Cathy

 

 

Support Group for Parents of Preemies is offered on the first Monday of each month, with the next group scheduled for February 2nd from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. This is a “call in” group, making it possible for parents to participate. The group is facilitated by a trained preemie parent TTMF mentor who addresses questions, provides answers to common questions, and introduces topics.  All are encouraged to join in whether they just listen, ask questions, or share experiences. The call-in number is (641) 715-3635 with an access code of 729997#.  Additional upcoming dates are March 2, April 6, May 4, and June 1.

 

The Playgroups for Parents of Preemies is offered every other Wednesday, with the next group scheduled for January 28th from 10:00 - 11:30 am. The groups are appropriate for parents with preemies up to ages 2-3, and meets in a Darien preemie parent mentor’s home.  Location information provided upon rsvp.  To respond call (203) 202-9714 or e-mail info@ttmf.org.   Additional upcoming dates are February 11, February 25, March 11, March25, April 8, and April 15.

 


Great winter activity: Decorate a Gingerbread House! 
For an allergy free version, you can pick one up at IzziB's Norwalk location, Whole Foods in Darien, Ms. Green's in New Canaan, or visit www.ibcakes.com.

 

Mommy & Me Program for Preschoolers at Wakeman Town Farm. Join us each week on the farm for some quality time with your little one for this animal-centered indoor program including fun crafts, stories, and farm animal experiences. Space is very limited. Choose from a few different sessions!


INDOOR FUN: Chelsea Piers CT just opened a 65,000 sq. foot health club that includes a family lounge and babysitting services for family members. Parents now have an amazing place to work out when their kids are in our various programs. Visit online for more info!

 

Calendar: Playtime at the Palace, 

Macaroni Menu: Homemade onion rings...yum!

Macaroni Made: Indoor blizzard! 

Winter Break Boredom Busters: Vacation Camps, Indoor Fun and Daycations

Subscriber Giveaways of the Week: Kids Eat Free at Freshii, Safety Gates, Winter Wonderland Ball


Pet of the Week: Meatball

Coming soon: Summer Camp Guide! Kids Eat Free Guide, Moms Work at Home Guide, Birthday Party Guide, Make a Difference Guide, Learning Vacations, Mac Kid Fashion, Haydn's Reel Reviews & Games, and Preston's Gluten Free Food Reviews and much more!


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