Motherhood Uncensored  

So, where the hell are all these angry kids coming from? It seems as though they start off with tantrums and the next thing you know, you're getting letters home from school. Really, it's about arming your kids early with great coping skills and allowing them to express their anger in an appropriate way. Talk to your kids when they go to time out -- explain why they are there and what they need to do instead (talk, say what's wrong).

As kids get older, it's more about allowing them to express their sadness and frustration, and trying to figure out the underlying cause. Perhaps getting them involved in an arts activity or sports, but also feeling free and open to discuss it. And model your own anger expression, sadness, and hurt well so that they see it's okay.

Thanks to Julie for calling in to discuss the item of bully proofing our kids. Make sure they know what to say and what bullies are looking for as well as how to deal with the situation. Bullies are not your maladjusted kids -- many of them are typical, smart kids that have the power to sway the masses.

Also, programs are focusing in on the majority of folks who aren't bullied -- the bystanders. There's power in numbers. Get your kids to say something. Find a friend and say "That's mean or stop that." Just those simple words have the power to make a change and transform a situation for a bully victim.

Don't expect the bully to get help. If your kid is a victim, work with a guidance counselor or therapist and don't be afraid to help them change themselves. And you might think about laying off when it comes to talking to the teacher. That can truly make things worse for the bullied kid.

And finally, BUY TICKETS! Email me (coolmompicks@gmail.com) if you'd like to be a part of the shows -- MILF - love or hate it? DVDs in cars? Yes or no? How about tv for kids? A good thing or evil? Drop me a line if you'd like to be on air and discuss all things parenting.

Next week -- our 2-hour holiday special on RELIGION. You don't want to miss this!

So you send your kid to toddler yoga? I've encountered many a parent who refuses who take their kid to a class but will spend upwards of $40-50 on an outfit for them so they can enjoy the free library class in style. Have you been to one of those library classes every? Okay. So some are good, but let's be frank. A well-researched class with an excellent well-trained teacher can go a long way... But I'll let you figure that one out.

Thanks to Alex for joining me in a discussion about preschools. Who knew so much time and effort went into choosing the right preschool. Be aware of your child's needs when trying to figure out where to send them, and know just because the school is popular doesn't mean it's the best place for them to be. Talk to friends, visit unannounced, and be vigilant in terms of how long the teachers have been there and what their educational mission is.

And so is homeschooling for you? Or will you be sticking to private or public schooling. Thanks to Shannon and Joanne for an enlightened discussion on homeschooling and "other" schooling. Certainly times have changed in terms of what can be accomplished in a school setting and folks are seeking alternatives (read: homeschooling). Sure, it takes a special person -- and more time is required, however, as Shannon stated, particularly in the early years, it's not as much time as you think and a plethora of resources are now available to assist folks if they feel homeschooling is right for them.

Joanne chose a progressive private education, but like any informed and involved parent, does not rely solely on the school to provide all life lessons, socialization, etc. for her daughter. Certainly extra-curricular activities, as well as other community projects are required. Her decision had much to do with knowing herself as well as her daughter. Much of the same can be said for Shannon's situation, although her decision to homeschool her children was made much earlier on.

School settings can be important in a child's social life, but surely a classroom setting for six-hours is not the end all. Consider the various options that children now have to see other students and kids their age. It can and should go beyond what they get in a small or large classroom setting.

If you have more thoughts on this, visit my blog, and if you've got some hot topics you want to discuss on air, don't hesitate to drop me an email (coolmompicks@gmail.com). I'd love to hear from you.

Until next week, when we dive into the angry kids/bully arena, enjoy your week!