Heathen Monkeys from Hades

My children are the center of my world. There is nothing that I won't do to keep them safe, happy and healthy. That being said I seem to be a somewhat unusual parent. I limit game and tv time, don't allow them on the computer that has internet and make them do chores. They are expected to do their job right the first time. I know, I'm so mean. I even do the meanest most horrible thing ever... I don't buy junk food or soda. Their daily drink options are honey sweetened herbal tea, real fruit juice with no added sugar, whole milk or water. It's cruel. It's evil. It's why my children are healthier than 80% of their peers.

From an early age I presented them with fresh fruit and raw veggies for snacks, kept sugar to a minimum, and encouraged them to play with toys that don't require batteries. There is one tv in the entire house and I control it with an iron fist. There is also only one gaming system, also controlled with an iron fist. Because of this all three of my monsters can amuse themselves for hours with a stack of blocks or a pile of dirt. Do they have all kinds of toys that make noise? yep. They also have grandparents.. I'm sure you can see the correlation.

As both their father and I love books, we have passed that on to our children. They have an entire book case full of books appropriate for their ages. And all are well read. It's not unusual for all three to be scattered around the living room quietly involved in a book. Even Robbie, my most active heathen.

Creativity, independant thought, and personal accountability are very important in our house. "he/she made me do it mom!" is NEVER an viable excuse. And they have been taught one very important thing.. No matter what you do, do it like you mean it. Don't half ass or whine about it being too hard. Do everything like it's the most important thing you'll ever do and nothing is impossible to achieve. I'm living proof. They know that mommy is dyslexic and what it means. They also know I can read faster than just about anyone they know. My "disability" has in no way held me back from life.

This ramble was prompted by people complaining that Robbie, my 2 yr old, is just "too hard" to watch. He's active, playful, interacts and can get through just about any gate, latch or lock you can think of. He won't just veg out in front of the tv no matter what you put on to watch. He likes cookies, but much prefers grapes or apples to snack on. Doesn't really like kool-aid and will demand juice or milk. And, horror of horrors, wants to play with you, be hugged by you and told what a big helper he is when he's helping.

Because of this, I can't get a sitter for him no matter how much money I offer. Anyone that has watched him once refuses to do it again since they actually have to pay attention to the child.

Bah, wusses.