Giving the Children Room to Choose

I can be very vain and concerned with other people's opinions of myself - especially concerning my children. As my children get older and begin to enjoy more independence they like to choose their own clothing. Sometimes the choices don't match or look shabby. However, depending on the circumstance I will swallow my pride and allow them to trapes around in their little outfits despite them looking not-so-cute. I know especially at Katrina's age she loves being allowed freedoms like that and now she comes to me for advice if things match (sometimes.) :)

Eye Contact

Eye contact is so important for both parties. It tells the one talking that they are important to the hearer and it makes the one giving eye contact concentrate and really listen to the one sharing. Next time your child or husband interrupt you from reading, cooking, watching tv, surfing the web, etc, turn and give them your full, undivided attention and make sure to make eye contact and have a pleasant smile on your face. Don't settle for a half-listening ear or preoccupied, curt response from yourself. You don't appreciate it when it is done to you. Eye contact will tell them more than words that they are more important than what you are doing.