Fat Questions

I believe in being honest with your kids about the important things. And, I also know that Thing 1 is at the age where he's learning about judgment, comparisons, opposites, etc. So,when Thing 1 asked me "mommy, are you fat", I felt obligated to answer him honestly "yes, mommy is fat. But, I'm also healthy". Which I think is the important things. I'd like to teach my kids about being healthy and living a healthy lifestyle as being important.

I'm working on a healthy attitude towards body image. I just hope that there are other things that my kids will focus on to be embarrassed about. I mean, it's me, and I have plenty of ammunition to give them.

So for now, I have instructed Thing 1 to answer anyone who mentions that he has a fat mommy with "she's not fat, she's fluffy". That seems to have made him happy.

Red Hot Chili Pepper

My 2 1/2 yr old decided that it would be a good idea to eat a chili packet of peppers left over from one of our Round Table Pizzas today. I doubt she'll be exploring any more packages with her mouth any time soon...the bright side? She wasn't hurt, and the bright tomato red shade didn't last, as she returned back to her normal shade of color within a few minutes (and after chugging a lot of milk). Oh, and her sinuses are clear for the moment...

Jesus Power

I just made the switch to Catholic school with Thing 1 and Thing 2. They both are adjusting differently. Thing 2 has taken off! She loves it, and has learned so much already. My once shy violet has bloomed with open arms to this confident, social butterfly. She doesn't hesitate as much in the world around her, and I can see the effects of positive teaching and a little (more) encouragement.

Thing 1 has had a different experience. My once super popular child is a little more tentative. The teachers are great and he's learning a lot, but they don't cater to him like other teachers before him. He's a little more reserved now, and he's finding it a little difficult to find his groove. I have confidence, though, that he'll find it.

One of the big things that a parochial school teaches is about religion, which I have to admit, I've been lacking. Not for lack of faith, but mostly because the idea of G-d and Jesus is a hard concept to teach without sounding scary (which is apparently the impression I left on my older child).

I am enjoying listening to their concepts about Jesus and the world around them, as it relates to G-d. I love hearing their sweet little voices singing about praise, blessings, and thanksgiving. It's exciting!

Of course, being young, they have a different take on the subject of Jesus. My children were in the back seat of the car, arguing about who was stronger.

Thing 1: I'm strong. I'm stronger than Daddy!
Thing 2: I'm stronger than you.
Thing 1: No, I'm stronger than you. I can make clouds from Jesus.
Me: What? You can make clouds from Jesus? Don't you mean with Jesus?
Thing 1: No, from Jesus, I can make clouds. (makes a muscle) With Jesus, I can do anything!

You know, he's got a point.