Mondays With Mimi - No Tolerance

03/21/2011 by Mommy Mimi 7 Comments

By Mommy Mimi

With all of the recent media exposure surrounding the topic of bullying, I had been giving thought, yet putting off how I was going to approach the topic with my son. I imagined when the time came, the topic would be discussed from the angle that if someone was bullying him, he should not tolerate such behavior and to feel comfortable letting the teacher and his dad and I know what was going on. So imagine the shock when I had to have the talk with him from the angle that he should not bully other children.

Let me explain.

Last week, after school I took him to the playground to run off some energy. There were a few other children on the playground, and I was busy playing around with my camera when I heard this little voice being quite demanding, rude and just downright mean to the other children. I was dumbfounded. I very rarely observe him playing with other children so I was very shocked at what I was hearing.

I yelled out for him to stop with the mean talking or we would be leaving the playground. Did he listen? No. About five minutes later, I heard, “You can’t slide like me, I’m better than you.” As if that wasn’t enough he commences to shove the other child out of the way. Okay, this is getting out of hand. I am mortified because there are other parents around. I demand he apologizes. He does and although one of the moms stated it was okay and they were just kids playing. I didn’t feel that way, I grabbed him and off to the car we went.

Once we got in the car and before pulling off, I had a long talk with him about how we should treat others, and that his behavior was not acceptable. I tried my best to explain to him that his words are powerful and can hurt people and that’s not what our words are supposed to do, and that we are NEVER to put our hands on other people. He said he understood and wouldn’t do it again.

After that discussion, it dawned on me that teaching our children about topics such as these will require an ongoing rapport. One that will come up from time to time and one that we will need to constantly reiterate to ensure that they indeed understand and get a full understanding of the ramifications of such actions.

Did I overreact? Was this indeed just child’s play or an excellent opportunity to bring up the topic of bullying?

Mondays With Mimi - School Revisited

03/07/2025 by Mommy Mimi 2 Comments

Photo Courtesy of Suat Eman/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Today’s economy and dismal job market has significantly increased the number of adults deciding to return to the classroom. In an effort to become more marketable in today’s competitive job market, many parents are taking the plunge and putting their noses back in the books. Heading back to school with children and familial responsibilities is a daunting task. So much so that just the thought of it discourages some and the thought of how to make it all happen paralyzes others from taking the first step.

Time management, childcare and the million-dollar question of how to finance an education are more than likely three of the top reasons some do not attempt to further their education. With careful planning, research and determination, these issues can be rectified and before you know it, easy Sunday afternoons spent channel surfing and tweeting will be replaced with term papers, and group work.

Technological advances have made going back easier than ever. Don’t have time to spend in the classroom and listen to a professor go on and on and on….while you doodle, then an online program might be best. Some people don’t have the discipline to go the online route but instead excel in the classroom. That is the beauty of education today; you have the power to control the medium through which to further your education. The key is researching the different options, picking the one that suits you best and sticking with it.

Are you thinking about going back to school? Below are five tips to get you thinking and the ball rolling.

Research: Seeing that you will probably be funding your own education and Mom nor Dad is prodding you into the profession of their dreams, what is it that you really want to do? Is this profession suitable for family life? Are you in an area conducive for such a career? Dreaming of being an oceanographer and living in Oklahoma will not do you a bit of good unless you are open to relocation.

Funding: Financial Aid and student loans are the most popular routes taken in financing an education. Few take advantage of scholarships, grants and other free money available for those pursuing higher education. Look for these opportunities. They are out there and millions of dollars go unclaimed yearly because people fail to pursue these avenues. They may take a little more work, but you’ll be glad when you’re not tens of thousands of dollars in debt. *sigh*

Use Your Time Wisely: Discipline becomes the name of the game. While you would probably rather participate in talks at the water cooler or spend an hour of your free time chatting, these are the times you will need to have your nose in the books. While working on my degree I would use my lunch hours to write papers or read. Yes, it was only an hour, but that gave me an hour to spend with my family once I got home.

Pace Yourself: So you have made the decision to go back to school and you want to finish in exactly TWO years. Don’t do it to yourself. With other more pressing responsibilities such as work, and family this may not be feasible for you. Most programs allow you five years to complete. I was determined to finish my MBA in two years, was taking three classes at a time working 50+ hours. I almost gave myself a nervous breakdown. I started taking harder classes by themselves and easier ones no more than two at a time. It took me three and a half years, but I finished..and the goal is to finish.

Have Fun: Yes, I said have fun. Learning at this time in your life is a lot different. With life, and work experience under your belt, you have something to apply your lessons to. You want to set an example for your children that learning is not this arduous and draining task but one that is necessary and ongoing in life.

What are your thoughts on continuing education?

Are you thinking about taking the leap? What’s holding you back?

If you’ve taken the plunge, please share some tips on how you’ve successfully been able to merge your school and family life.

Mondays With Mimi: Live It Up!

02/28/2011 by Mommy Mimi 10 Comments

By Mommy Mimi

Courtesy of Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Taking care of children and a family can often drain us and make us lose sight of the fact that before we were mothers, fathers, husbands, and wives we were people. People who cared about our own well-being. We often spared no expense to cater to our personal needs. We felt alive, fun, and free. Life was for living and we embraced the ideal wholly.

Then came love, and the baby in the baby carriage.

Becoming a parent changed everything. Every stitch of you after the positive pregnancy test became all about the magnificent being that you would birth and spend the best years of your life nurturing. Then somewhere along the way, you lost you.

This scenario is all too common amongst many and the topic of conversation among those who find themselves on the journey to Parentville. You know Parentville, the place where people wear “mom” jeans, don’t comb their hair nor treat themselves to the occasional mani/pedi, or date night. Sorry, I won’t let you take that trip to Parentville if I can help it!

Our children and families deserve the best of us. When we moved into the most important roles of our lives, many of our experiences molded us into the super parents that we are today. It’s only fair that some of our indulgences make the transition!

While we carpool, clean, and cook for our families, we must remember the greatest lessons are taught by example. Continuing to live and do for ourselves as caregivers’ sets the standard for our children that caring for one’s self is imperative and creates a healthy balance in life.

It is my belief that life is indeed for living. Weekly, I hope to bring you tidbits on creating balance along with random musings and tried and true facts on being a parent, spouse, friend and a host of other impromptu roles that we find ourselves performing on a daily basis.

I don’t claim to be an expert on anything but having a good time, and trying to be the best wife, mother and friend I can be. I am ecstatic to be a part of the Mami 2 Mommy family. I look forward to interacting with you.

I hate to start our new relationship off being pushy, but this week I demand you do something for yourself. Will it be a manicure, a trip to the salon or the oh so elusive trip to the grocery store alone? Do share!