Feminist Boymom

March 19, 2013 By 2 Comments

Mommy and The KidStereotypically speaking, feminists are normally portrayed as being anti-marriage, anti-family and anti-baby. Personally, I disagree. I’m sure there are some who don’t want marriage and kids, but the same could be said for every type of woman.

You see, I’m a feminist.

You’re not? That’s OK. Mind if I ask you why?

I mean, the definition of a feminist is someone who “advocates for social, political, legal and economic rights for women equal to those of men.”

And, how could anyone not want that?

As a feminist, and a boymom, I feel I have a responsibility to teach him:

  • that little girls can do anything he can do. I mean, they may do it differently, but they (we) can most certainly get it done.
  • that as a boy, he is no better (or no worse) than his girl counterparts.
  • to treat them with respect, and expect to be treated the same in return.

This is something I work hard at, every day. I want to make sure I’m drivnig the message home.

What about you? Are you a feminist boymom? How do you make sure your boy(s) embrace an “equality for women” mindset?

 

Somewhat related – Mocha Dad recently wrote a post, that I think every boydad should read: Fathers Must Teach Their Sons That Rape is Unacceptable.  It’s in response to incredibly skewed, victim-blaming media coverage of the Steubenville rape trial. 

25 Chore Ideas for Elementary Schoolers

February 28, 2013 By 8 Comments

25 Chore Ideas for Elementary Schoolers

I am a firm believer that chores teach kids responsibility. As such, the hubs and I are always looking for chore ideas, for the kid.  Here’s a list we came up with:

  1. Clean microwave
  2. Clean windows [no chemicals]
  3. Clear table
  4. Collect dirty clothes
  5. Collect garbage
  6. Dust [no chemicals]
  7. Get mail
  8. Help fold laundry
  9. Help separate dirty clothes
  10. Help with meal prep
  11. Load the dishwasher
  12. Make bed
  13. Pick up/ put away toys
  14. Put clothes away
  15. Rake leaves
  16. Set the table
  17. Sweep
  18. Unload the dishwasher [the non-breakables and NO knives!]
  19. Vacuum
  20. Wash dishes [with supervision – of course]
  21. Watering plants [with supervision]
  22. Weeding
  23. Wipe down baseboards
  24. Wipe down cabinets
  25. Wipe out bathroom counters, sinks, toilets

What do you think of my list? Have any ideas to add? Let me know in the comments section below!

Healthy Living: Setting a Good Example for your Kids

February 19, 2013 By 1 Comment

Portrait of a young couple and a child with their arms outstretched

They say the best way to raise healthy children, is to set the example for them.  

Well, I’m trying.

But, the other day the kid asked me, “Mommy, why don’t you exercise?”

Me: “Uh… uhm… you see… what had happened was…”

Yeah. I was at a loss. I mean what would I say? “Son, I don’t exercise, because I’m just way too busy.” Well, actually, that’s what I did say. But, that’s not enough. It’s just an excuse. I know that. And, so does he. It’s especially hard, when the hubs is a total gym rat.

So, how do I go about leading by example? I suppose I have to get up off my arse and start exercising. I’ve started down the “eating right” path. That’s something, right?

Anyway, here’s leading by example!

photo source

A List of 10: Kids and Table Manners

February 18, 2013 By 1 Comment

Hungry Boy at the Table

Growing up, table manners were a big deal in our house. I can distinctly remember my dad fussing at my sister and I, “No elbows on the table!” and “No singing at the table!”

Fast forward 25 years, now I’m a mom. And the kid’s table manners leave a bit to be desired. I’m sure that’s no surprise. He is, after all, a 6-year-old little boy. But, I’m still constantly working to get him to follow the basic table manners; every kid should know and follow:

  1. Be sure to wash your hands and face before coming to the table.
  2. Place your napkin on your lap, before you start eating.
  3. Wait for everyone to be seated, before you start eating.
  4. Stay in your seat and sit up straight
  5. Keep your elbows off the table while eating.
  6. Keep the rude noises (burping, slurping, etc.) to a minimum.
  7. Chew with your mouth closed (yuck).
  8. Don’t speak, until your mouth is cleared of food.
  9. Ask to be excused before getting up.
  10. Help clear the table.

Have I missed anything? How do you teach your kids table manners? Leave your answer in the comments section below.

 

photo source

Have a tween that uses social media?

February 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Do you have a tween that uses social media? Are you terrified that they’re doing and saying things that will forever be in the Internet? Not sure what to do, or where to turn?

Let me introduce you to Saving Face.

Saving Face is a “complete social media guide for parents that turns your tech-savvy tween into a smart digital citizen one interactive lesson at a time.”

SFLogo_Boy-copy

For just $47 you’ll get seven videos that will teach you how to be a proactive parent in the digital area.  Videos in modules include:

MODULE 1: INTRO TO DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

  • How to raise a good digital citizen
  • Social media and school in this digitally connected era
  • How to be a superb social media role model for your tween

MODULE 2: THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Social media stats that will shape your parenting
  • How to NOT be a “Facebook-challenged” parent
  • 6 SAFE social media sites specifically for tweens

MODULE 3: SAFETY AND PRIVACY

  • 5 ground rules and settings for your tech-savvy tween
  • The ins and outs of photo and video sharing
  • Guiding the parent’s activity on Facebook

MODULE 4: SOCIAL MEDIA MANNERS

  • Identifying the good, the bad and the ugly
  • Coaching a tween’s behavior with a litmus test
  • 10 social media etiquette tips for tweens to live by

MODULE 5: DIGITAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Teaching digital accountability and maturity
  • Examples and lessons on becoming a positive online influencer
  • Don’t be the parent of a Facebook drama queen or king

MODULE 6: CYBERBULLYING

  • Understanding and monitoring this dangerous online behavior
  • How to coach your tween to be an upstander vs. a bystander
  • Empowering tweens to help tweens

MODULE 7: ONLINE REPUTATION MANAGEMENT

  • Shaping your child’s digital footprint early
  • How to ensure your child is maintaining a strong online reputation
  • Preparing for college and beyond with social media

Since the kid is only six, I’m not at the point where I need to worry. But, when that time comes, I know I’ll be using Saving Face.

To learn more about Saving Face, or to purchase it, click here.

Do you have a tween who’s on social media? How do you make sure they’re doing the right thing?

Disclosure: affiliate links used.

photo source

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