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Comment on Fiercely convicted at the age of three: my first memory by Sarah Carmichael

Sarah Carmichael — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:27:13 +0000

I am back. I decided to bring it back to basics and take it less seriously.

Yeah, I am very much the same person as I was when I was a child. I hope that’s true for my kids, because they are awesome as they are right now.

Comment on Fiercely convicted at the age of three: my first memory by Justine

Justine — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:19:42 +0000

So good to see you blogging again! I didn’t even know!

I added my ex’s last name to mine. No hyphen. Just two last names. Biggest headache ever. Glad to be rid of it now

I can totally see the 3 yo you saying what you did. Looks like we all are very much ourselves from the moment we’re born!

Comment on Fiercely convicted at the age of three: my first memory by Mel Gallant

Mel Gallant — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:23:03 +0000

One of my earliest memories of childhood is playing outside with my brother peeling paint off the side of our house. Not sure why we were doing it -probably was fun

As for name changes, like your grandmother I too assumed my husband’s last name. However, legally I’m still “a Hall”. It confused a lot of people when I explained that I’m assuming my husband’s name but have the power to still use my maiden name. When you legally change your name you have to give up your birth certificate -it’s no longer valid. Why would I want to do that?

Comment on Fiercely convicted at the age of three: my first memory by Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:27:04 +0000

It always amazes me when people have such clear memories from their childhood. Mine are always hazy, fading in and out.

Comment on unadulterated by Karen

Karen — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:35:29 +0000

Oh, those conversations have been so interesting, haven’t they? It’s scary to let your children go out into the world and trust that they’ll be okay, but that’s why I wouldn’t do it until we’re both confident. It’s a process.

I had a friend who was an only child, conceived late in life to adoring parents who gave her everything and hovered over her well into her teen years, never letting her handle things for herself. They even got involved in issues that developed between our group of friends. It always affected the way I interacted with her from that point.

I guess my point is that the effects of helicopter parenting are just as long-lasting as the effects of free-range. I wonder what her own childhood memories are like.

Comment on A day in the life… by Sarah Carmichael

Sarah Carmichael — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:40:02 +0000

Yeah, I need to make myself get on the floor and play with them. It’s important, but there is always a list of things in my head that I could be doing.

Comment on A day in the life… by Sarah Carmichael

Sarah Carmichael — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:33:45 +0000

Thanks! I try really hard to be a concious parent and I feel like I struggle with giving Q the attention he needs for every.little.thing he deems important.

I appreciate that you’ve noticed that I am good at being present. It’s an effort I make.

We can connect with our children only when they choose to connect with us.

Ain’t that the truth!

Comment on A day in the life… by Nannidale

Nannidale — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:06:54 +0000

Hi Sarah! You left out one thing that I know you do every day.

24/7: Be ready to give your children your undivided attention and listen – really listen – when they have something to tell you that THEY feel is really important. We can connect with our children only when they choose to connect with us. It can’t be planned; it can’t be orchestrated, whether they be three years old or thirty-three. We have to wait for the moment to happen. One of the hardest things for a parent to do is stop in that moment, and really be present in it.

I know, from my observations, that it’s something you do really well.

Comment on A day in the life… by Lisa B

Lisa B — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:56:49 +0000

This sounds very much like my day (except for the nursing part of course). But I do spend most of my “idle” time playing on the floor with my kids. I always feel like I should be doing something, but they want to play WITH me, not just have me there.

And right now when they are at school I’m busy painting or taping or sanding.

Interesting! Well gotta go get them dressed for school!!

Comment on unadulterated by Sarah Carmichael

Sarah Carmichael — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:07:19 +0000

You went to the zoo ALONE?! Scandalous!

I agree that there isn’t a set age. Each kid is different and each will be ready for different things at different times. We’re already letting Q explore a bit – he has been playing alone in the backyard for a long time. Every year presents more opportunities for independence.