Anger + Gratitude

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

September 2009 (sorry so late!)

Mother Maxim

And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. ~ Ephesians 4:26-27

Mother Moment � Attitudes of Anger and Gratitude

We growl at the children for `not getting it right' after being told `a hundred times' and we snip at our husband for not seeing that we're tired and need their help. We expect things that may not be reasonable considering we get things wrong too.

Communicate your anger constructively rather than holding it inward to fester. Anger at unpleasant circumstances in your (earlier) life may be lurking behind your `over-reactions'. Learn how to express your anger in healthy ways, rather than suppressing it or using it aggressively against others. When you effectively channel energy from your anger, it won't cause anxiety in your life.  

But in the comings and goings of family life, we need to consciously get purposeful about dealing with unmet expectations, frustrations, and disappointments.

This week, I am challenging each of us with an assignment (myself included). The next time we feel anger rising up -STOP yourself - bite your tongue, hold your hand over your mouth, walk away, do whatever it takes - and ask yourself what expectation did I have of this person that was not met.

Then try - really try - to refocus your thought on what you can be thankful for. With practice (and we get many opportunities) we really can have an attitude of gratitude. Maybe as you fall to sleep, think again of a few things for the day and in your children/spouse to be grateful for.

Mother's Heart

What is really happening? What am I believing? when I over-react or `blow'. May I get to the heart of the matter and not spill the lava from my inner volcano over my family. May I deal with the anger and rubbish for each day on each day. Lord, have mercy on me.

Creative - Gratitude Activities

� For one day, recognise the gifts of words and deeds you receive and take a moment to feel grateful; on another day add some expression of your gratitude. What are some differences?
� Take a walk and count the gifts God in nature gives you daily. Make a list, and share your observations with family or friends.
� What was the best advice someone ever gave you? Send the giver a postcard acknowledging the effects of that gift. Be specific.
� Make a list of your 10 most valued material possessions. For what would you trade them?
� Create a mind map of all the gifts in your life. A mind map is a shape divided into all the sub-components � such as physical, emotional, cognitive, material, and spiritual gifts.

MOPS Links � not MOPS-endorsed but MOPS=sympathetic reading

Every Mother Can Keep Her Cool �

Anger Management Not Applicable � been there, done that � MOPS is a place for real women with real emotions

Angry Mother, Wounded Daughter � blog � see also the Resources listed below article.

Tell your children and your favourite people that you love and care about them,

Blessings on each one of you, dear Readers, as you journey through the imperfections of Life,

Johanna
MUM-e-Mail Editor
jmcwnz@...

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2009

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

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Tomorrow Starts Today � Day of Rest

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

September 2009

Mother Maxim - Tip

Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it (Hebrew: Zakhor et yom ha-Shabbat l'kad'sho)
- Exodus 20:8

Mother Moment � Tomorrow Starts Tonight

With little children around, you can get busy � so busy you may even forget to rest and nurture yourself.

God gave the Jews the right idea and I wish I had practiced this from the beginning. Your Day of Rest starts the night before. Pre-prepare your food, lay out clothes, and organise anything for the following day before sundown. Then your Day of Rest is really a DAY of REST. This rushing around, getting organised for church, and bustling here and there I don't think is really what God had in mind for our day of rest (Sunday?).

Shabbat (Hebrew: שַׁ�`ָּת, shabbat; shabbos; "rest" or "cessation") is the seventh day of the Jewish week and a day of rest in Judaism. Shabbat is observed from sundown Friday until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. It recalls the Biblical Creation account in Genesis, describing God creating the Heavens and the Earth in six days, and resting on and sanctifying the seventh (Genesis 1:1-2:3).

Sabbath (Shabbat) in the Bible is considered a festive day, a weekly day of rest and time of worship, when a person is freed from the regular labours of everyday life, can contemplate the spiritual aspects of life, and can spend time with family. It is the only ritual observance instituted in the Ten Commandments. Traditionally, on that day three festive meals are eaten � on Shabbat-eve, at lunch, and as an end-of-Shabbat evening meal. It is observed differently in Judaism and Christianity.

Do more reading on this � maybe even explore having a Shabbat meal with friends. A meal of Blessing. Awaiting the Bride - the Sabbath. A day to celebrate God, His earth � and the fulness of it.

Mother's Heart

May I give thought as to how to better enjoy my Day of Rest. This is important for me as a mum.

--

MOPS Link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabbat

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2009

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

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Share Childcare - Give +Take

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

January 2008

Mother Maxim - Tip

Sharing makes you realise you're not alone.

Mother Moment � Share Childcare

"Seek out support," says Colleen Newman. "By sharing with others you'll be reassured that you're not alone. Don't be afraid to talk about how your toddler flushed your razor down the toilet. They will probably tell you about the time their toddler used their toothbrush to clean the toilet! Laughing about the absurdities of parenting makes everything a lot easier". Sharing makes you realise you're not alone.

Trade off hours or half days. Swap children � and regularly � each week/month/term. Have their children turn about. Go to a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) session.

What stops us from doing this?

• Unfounded worry
• Pride over asking for help
• Thinking that we CAN DO IT BY OURSELVES
• Thinking they are busy too.

The worst thing that can happen when asking a friend to care for your children for a couple of hours is: she'd answer `no' or `not at that time'. Keep talking. Keep asking.

With your child-free time, you could have a special lunch with your husband, sit in the quiet, listen to music, read magazines, sit in the park or beside the river anonymously, read your Bible or other soul-restoring book. Plus � your children enjoy different company and activities. Win-win all round.

This gives you and your friends a chance to be revitalised during the month.

Mother's Heart

May I boldly ask .. and share � and offer to help others. What goes around comes around.

--

MOPS Link

MOPS International Convention � Sept 09

http://www.mops.org/

http://heartofamother.blogspot.com/ - you may be interested in this blog?

May blessings and joy be yours for another month,
Johanna

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2008

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

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ABCD ~ Distract ~ Bag of Tricks

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

August 2009

Mother Maxim - Tip

Mothers of Preschoolers, remember your ABCDs: Amuse, Bribe, Comfort, and Distract. 

Mother Moment - Distract

When toddlers are cruising and exploring their world, many things get touched, twiddled, sucked, and thrown. The children aren't being naughty � just inquisitive. But there are some things we don't want touched twiddled sucked or thrown and, sooner or later, our littlies need to learn not to touch certain things and the value of the word "No".

Rather than smack or just pull them away from the situation or object eg stereo, pond, or Grandma's vase, can we remove the item out of sight or out of reach?

But there'll always be more for them to explore. This is where you, Mum, need to be like a good scout: "Be prepared". And remember your ABCDs: Amuse, Bribe, Comfort, and Distract.

Remove two year old from the situation with a deliberate and firm NO or "lets do this instead". Like a good coach, you immediately redirect errors and praise progress.

And distract with something from your "mother's bag of tricks" (see below) to avoid a meltdown or ease a stressful situation.

Think through and prepare what you can do to distract and protect your toddler from getting into trouble or danger.

And enjoy your days exploring the world with a littlie!

Mother's Heart

May I see from a toddler's point of view and enjoy exploring their world. May I help my littlie/s to see and understand their part of the world.

--

MOPPETS

Contents of Mother's Bag of Tricks may include:

q  (plastic or real) keys

q  a `car' toy - an object that stays in the car or the stroller. We had a formula tin plastic lid. Great as a throwing or rolling toy when finished sucking and turning over.

q  something for such occasions from your bag eg. pencil and paper, rusk or something edible, small board book, toy/doll/car, or homemade busy book.

q  singing, with or without actions.

q  engaging the littlie/s by looking at people or photos.

q  Knee games (foot swing, "horsies"), finger and hand games.

q  Eye Spy. "something you can drink" "a man with a hat".

q  finding something green (or any other colour).

q  counting the stairs � 1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3

q  having fun with tickles, butterfly kisses, or puff-blow on their face or neck.

q  a set of reins to give some freedom within a restricted radius. This saves mother with sore or tired back from having to lift up toddler.

Mum's e-Mail

Many thanks for your encouraging words � may this MUM-e-Mail bring you options in raising and enjoying your children.

MOPS Link

www.mop.org

Help a Mum or Dad � Distract a Child � helpful insight. Encourage a mother today.

Nursing or breastfeeding babies at MOPS �  forum opinions, ideas

A sombre reminder about being distracted whilst driving � UK

Thank you for reading MUM-e-Mail today,
Enjoy your littlies.

Johanna Whittaker
MUM-e-Mail editor

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2009

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

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or unsubscribe (send empty).

Teaching Obedience ~ Yes means Yes

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

July 2009

Mother Maxim - Tip

Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Mother Moment � Teaching Obedience

Most parents spend literally years and years painstakingly correcting their children over and over again trying to teach them the many rules of their household and of life. The need for discipline and guidance never ends, it just changes from subject to subject through the ages and stages.

"Children, obey your parents; this is the right thing to do because God has placed them in authority over you." Eph 6:1 TLB

Once your child knows and agrees with the fact that s/he must obey you every time, and that s/he must do so with a willing and pleasant attitude, then you scarcely have to teach anything else. Start before age one.

You will still need to do some correcting on occasion, and you'll still have to do a lot of teaching and guiding, but do you see the potential? You can then spend the vast majority of your time teaching, and nurturing, and enjoying, and LOVING your child.

"Say what you mean and mean what you say".

• Let your "Yes" be "Yes" and your "No" no.
• Teach them "NO".
• Don't "count to 3��. Expect them to obey the first time.
• Focus on their attitude not actions.

Train up your children by using common sense, consistency, love, and praise.

Mother's Heart

"Consistency with gentleness, a quiet manner and voice, and firmness, rather than anger with a loud, high-pitched voice, will convince a child of our sincerity and purpose." - Paul Landis, The Responsibility of Parents in Teaching and Training Their Children

--

Mentor Mum Moment

1. Tell them clearly what you expect. (SAY WHAT YOU MEAN)
2. WATCH to see that your instructions are carried out. Consistently.
3. Correct them (with some immediate, negative consequence) after the FIRST refusal to obey (MEAN WHAT YOU SAY). No threatening, nagging, pleading, begging, bribing, yelling, etc. These are all forms of parental whining and they teach your child to disrespect you, and that you do not really intend to follow through on your threats.
4. Direct them to go back and do it again until they do it correctly.
5. Repeat the above (as many times as it takes) until the child obeys WITH A GOOD ATTITUDE, one of cooperativeness and willingness to obey.
6. From that time forth, vigilantly WATCH your child, and correct every future misbehaviour in a similar way. Be consistent. Encourage them in their obedience.

MOPS Link

http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=2507 - MOPS Next � for mums of school-age kids � new in USA.

Enjoy your days with your children,
Blessings,

Johanna W

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2009

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

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Obedience � Honour - Authority

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

July 2009

Mother Maxim

"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." - Ephesians 5:21

Mother Moment � Teach Obedience, Honour, and Authority

There is a chain of command in our families and we need to model/teach this to our children. God's ideal is with your husband (the children's father) as head of your home. This is not with an iron-fist, don't-listen-or-regard-your-wife-with-respect type of leadership. But an honouring each other and working with the strengths within the parental team, allowing the man to ultimately be responsible before God for his family.

Can you imagine an army functioning well without authority being followed? How about driving a car without following the road rules? Imagine the chaos and danger � it would be worse than driving in India or Lebanon.

As parents, you have the God-given authority to lovingly and respectfully parent your children. Enforce instruction and direction consistently. Follow through with pre-set consequences.

Distract and redirect under twos while reinforcing a `No', a boundary for safety and/or obedience sake. You know, you don't have to always say "No". Why can't you say "Yes" to a child's request? Think about it.

Proximity works wonders. Pause a while at your child's door or move yourself closer to disobedient or niggling children � and give them that practised look "I'm looking at you and waiting, expecting you to do as I've asked you". My grandmother had "The Look" down to a fine art, peering over her glasses with her brown eyes. We didn't dare cross that line!

Divide and Conquer. Rearrange the group dynamics in the family at times. Yes, they do need to play and live together peaceably, but sometimes one each way (to their bedrooms, a friend's, or with Dad) brings a creative "Time Out" quiet in your home. And time for imagination and creativity.

Treat your children with respect, love, and honour as you do your husband. This is where learning about obedience and authority starts from.

Mother's Heart

May I gain a quiet confidence that I already have authority to parent (love, respect, honour, guide, direct, correct) my child � this is not something that the State gives me permission to do! Fathering and taking responsibility for the family is vital. My mothering does matter � and makes a difference.

--

Mentor Mum Moment

Watching parents with their children, I often find myself asking: "WHO IS THE PARENT?"

There are times that you do not need to ask questions of your children. Sometimes the parents just need to lead and kindly let the children know what is happening next.

Leadership

Children want loving leadership with consistent boundaries. Is this why we don't have people who want to be leaders? We need to model leadership by how we `run' our families. And throw in a dose of fun!

MOPS Link

http://twitter.com/MOPS_Int

Anyone pregnant? � Above and Beyond � moving story, winner of MOPS contest

Talk to Me � another winner of MOPS writing contest.

Choosing to enjoy the days,
Johanna

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2009

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

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Patience � "Wait"- Turn-taking

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

June 2008

Mother Maxim - Tip

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Mother Moment � Showing Patience, Love, and Grace

Love is patient, kind, forgiving, not proud, not rude, and does not keep a record of wrongs. We're probably familiar with these words from "The Love Chapter" in the Bible � 1 Corinthians 13.

Patience is reminding yourself of what is REALLY important and prioritising accordingly. It means taking the time to investigate the things which are important to your little ones.

Patience is remaining calm in a difficult or frustrating situation. Patience is keeping up an effort even though giving up would be easier.

As parents we want our children to learn patience, to be able to wait without becoming upset.

So how do we teach that? One way is to clearly tell them that they will need to wait and then be calmly firm about it. Set little goals, practice achieving them, then celebrate saying, You are so patient .. waiting like that!

More importantly, they need to see us model that behavior. If you are patient with them they will learn by your example.

Our whole lives � our daily living - are lessons in patience. It illustrates inner strength, not weakness. Sometimes it is hard to be patient when you know there is so much needed to done (the laundry, the cleaning, the cooking, the school work...) and one of your children wants to tell you about their �

May God help us to see the lessons in front of us and make use of them as we display patience and gently discuss the need of patience to our children.

Watch perfectionism and living with many `shoulds'. This causes us to lose the focus of love and fun. Remember, Love is what love does.

With grace, we can see the possibility and potential of our children � and of ourselves as people and parents. 

Mother's Heart

May I show the unconditional love of the Heavenly Father to my children. May I show them the love of virtue, not the fear of reproof. This brings security, significance and strength.

--

Mentor Mum Moment

I recommend a read of Tim Kimmel's book: Grace-Based Parenting Chapter One

Creative

Teach patience by:

�         Creating a (countdown) calendar � for those exciting times before birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Holidays. Staple paper chains, post it notes, draw up calendars and use stickers or markers. Use magnets on a metal tray with a calendar painted on/attached to it.

�         Planting a garden � slow trees, and quicker veges eg radishes or spinach.
"Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

�         Limiting the electronics � life's problems aren't solved in 30 minutes as on a TV programme.

Mum's e-Mail

Your emails are a source of joy and light in the darkness for me. � NME, MOPS co-ordinator

MOPS Link

www.familylife.com - articles, ideas �
www.mops.org - Mother organisation - articles, inspiration

Being patient with myself and making life work for my family,
Johanna

MUM-e-Mail editor

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2008

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

Use these links to change your e-mail address or format � (Edit Membership)
or unsubscribe (send empty).

Emotionally Calm Parenting  

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

June 2009

Mother Maxim

""The first value is that people are more important than things.
The second is that people are more important than things.
And the third is that people are more important than things."

Mother Moment � Emotional Calm and Strength

Children are the most anger-inducing human beings to inhabit the planet! Unfortunately. Ask any parent. All parents too are human, make bad calls, and make mistakes, but are still the adult parents of our children. Have confidence in who you are.

You have God-given authority to love and care for your children as best as you can - to treat your spouse and children with respect, understanding, encouragement, kindness, and compassion. And to be treated in the same honouring manner. "God didn't create any of us to be walked on!"

Wise parents season their home with grace. When someone messes up, they experience forgiveness. Grace means, that no matter what, children will be loved�just the way they are.

Our busyness leads us to running on empty. So it's essential to make or take time for yourself � choosing to meditate, read, bath, go for an early morning walk, go to a MOPS morning, whatever gets you out of the family lane for a time - to regroup.

Let's choose to be calm and not allow those `hot buttons' to be pushed by our children with their own agendas. To be calm is important for both fathers and mothers. Losing it with the children won't win you respect nor gain you control, neither is it setting a good example.

We mustn't mistake calmness with leniency. Calm parents can still have high expectations and discipline their children. When disciplining your child, always be sure to calmly explain why his or her behaviour is wrong and provide affirmation and restoration afterward. Demonstrate a life of self-control.

~

CALM mums and dads are Consistent. They don't change like the weather; they are predictable and steady in their moods and behaviour. Their word can be counted on, and their children know what to expect from them. They also respond positively and calmly during crises or other stressful times. You can negotiate and still be consistent.

CALM dads and mums are guided by a strong Awareness of their children's developmental issues, agendas, desires and needs, and are alert to circumstances their children are facing. They know when a child is upset or has had a tough day. They have reasonable expectations of their children and they act on their awareness by giving each child individual time and attention.

CALM mothers and fathers are skilful Listeners and important sounding boards for their children's daily concerns. They listen without interrupting, and they give their children plenty of freedom to express themselves. They listen carefully, they don't lose it when a child says something off-the-wall, and they're patient with mistakes. Be sure to remove any distractions -TV, newspaper, computer, etc.- that might discourage the children from talking or hinder you from understanding.

CALM fathers and mothers are mature Models. Their personal lifestyle demonstrates behaviours they hope their children will emulate, including a willingness to be humble and seek forgiveness for any wrongdoing. Plan a healthy, positive response for the next time you are angry with your children. Parents also point out mature, praiseworthy conduct in others.

Parents can be CALM - Consistent Aware Listening Models � and so build great families.

Mother's Heart

May I be CALM. Consistent. Aware. Listening. Model. `Cos I want a great family.

--

MOPS Link

q       Online Course from MOPS University - http://mops.christiancourses.com/ - to keep Mummy Brain exercised!

q       http://www.kellybear.com/ParentTips.html - positive role model for 3-9yo
http://www.kellybear.com/ParentTips/ParentTip9.html - 8 L's of Parenting

q       www.enchantedlearning.com/categories/preschool.shtml/ - for kindy � preschoolers + older

Warm Regards, (three computers of mine have fritzed in as many weeks!!)
Johanna
MUM-e-Mail@...

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2009

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

Use these links to change your e-mail address or format � (Edit Membership)
or unsubscribe (send empty).

Perseverance � Not Give Up  - Priorities

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

May 2009

Mother Maxim

Never give up. Never give in. � Robert Laidlaw, Christian founder of Farmers Trading Company, NZ.

Mother Moment - Perseverance

Our culture doesn't encourage perseverance. As long as you are enjoying what you are doing, you are encouraged to keep going, but avoid any difficulties you might be facing. Quit, resign, give in, divorce, get drugged.

What does perseverance look like?

"Perseverance is being purposeful and steadfast. It is sticking to something, staying committed, no matter how long it takes or what obstacles appear to stop you� When you commit to a task, pace yourself, and be persistent, doing it step-by-step." - excerpt from The Virtues Project Educator's Guide by Linda Kavelin Popov.

Think about Noah building the ark for about 100 years with no sign of rain enough to float this huge boat. That is stickability or staying power, a determination to continue, and a persistent diligence.

If we or our children never struggle, we (and they) will miss out on the unique sense of achievement and accomplishment which follows a difficulty.

Stop .. think .. (write).

�      When have I persevered?

�      In what situation did I fail to persevere?

�      What in my life can be used to build perseverance?

Having children shows up the need to know what the Big Picture is for those times when raising a lovely little family becomes difficult and seems to be going `belly up'. Sit down with your husband (or another significant adult in your life) and decide what priorities rule in your life.

�      Where do we spend the most time?

�      What can we not `not do'?

�      What MUST we as a couple / family do?

Knowing our purpose or the Big Picture helps with what we need to keep on doing. The Bible tells us to `throw off everything that hinders" and to fix our eyes of Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1,2)

Never give up. Never give in. And continue to enjoy your days (moments) with your little family.

� 2009 Johanna Whittaker

Mother's Heart

May I never give up � as a mother, wife, friend, or woman. May I find joy in each day.

--

MOPS Link

q       MOPS groups -

q       What to do with your wedding dress?  - aargh! J

q       What Kosmix finds about MOPS NZ  

Regards, (nursing a sick computer)
Johanna
MUM-e-Mail@...

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2009

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

Use these links to change your e-mail address or format � (Edit Membership)
or unsubscribe (send empty).

Mother's Love � Unconditional Love

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

May 2009

Mother Maxim

Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it. -- Harold S. Hubert

Mother Moment � Love Unconditionally

The honeymoon ended in the juice aisle of the grocery store. The social worker warned that once our new foster daughter felt comfortable in the family, she would act out to test our love and commitment to her, but after several weeks of sweet compliance, I decided she was the exception to the rule. I was wrong.

All she wanted was one of those syrupy, sugary, contains-no-fruit-juice drinks in a kid-sized plastic bottle. When I denied her request and moved on down the aisle, she pitched her little body onto the ground kicking and screaming. I'd never mothered a four-year-old before, so I thought I'd better follow the social worker's simple advice for handling tantrums, "Love unconditionally, but don't cave in." That meant I had to disregard my first plan -- give her the drink as quickly as possible -- and my second -- hide out in frozen foods until the tantrum ended. Wishing the social worker had been a bit more specific, I scooped up my screaming daughter and told her I loved her but she couldn't have the drink. She screamed louder.

The grocery store manager came to my aid (or maybe he was trying to keep the other customers from fleeing), put my groceries in the cold room and helped me to the car. Wise father of three that I had never seen before in my life, he reassured me that if I let her know I loved her without caving in, my daughter would eventually stop screaming when she didn't get her way. She screamed louder. Back home, she kept screaming until she fell asleep in the cocoon of my arms, both of us worn out by her tantrum.

Explosions of kicking and screaming occurred frequently for several exhausting weeks, but then, almost as quickly as they started, the tantrums stopped as my daughter realised the security of unconditional, unswerving love.

Love unconditionally, but don't cave in. The results may not be immediate, but they will come. And you won't regret the extra effort.

~ Shelly Radic excerpt from Mom, You Make It All Better,
edited by Elisa Morgan, MOPS

Mother's Heart

Dear God, teach me to love each child as you love me.

--

MOPS Links etc

q       In need of inspiration or therapy? Watch MOPS on: tangle (formerly GodTube) 

q       In case you haven't seen the clip of the month/year/decade : Susan Boyle singing

q       http://devotionalchristian.com/ - a variety of online devotions in one place

-

Thank your husband (favourite man!) this Mother's Day for making you a mother.

Secure in God's love,

Johanna

MUM-e-Mail editor
MUM-e-Mail@...

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2009

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

Use these links to change your e-mail address or format � (Edit Membership)
or unsubscribe (send empty).

Don't Be Afraid - Pray

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

April 2009

Mother Maxim

Feel the fear � and do it anyway!  (But you don't need to do it alone)

Mother Moment � If in Doubt � Pray!

In the early (and at times overwhelming) days of parenthood especially, this was my husband's and my motto: If in doubt, pray.

There's much to stress over and worry about in raising children. Physical safety � falling off the bed, darting across the road, in the driveway. Are the children developing ok? Will they learn to read? Will they have good friends? Lala � the list goes on and on.

But STOP! Do you believe there is a God in heaven you can trust, who has your family's lot in hand?

There are some things (and people) that you have no control over. Hand them over to God, because no end of worry and fear will change that. Be realistic with life now. Adjust expectations to suit the reality of what is.

You don't have to live to other's expectations in raising your family. Work on this and pray with your spouse as a team � and take comfort that the things other people say often say more about them than you. Don't buy into other people's words if they are not true or upbuilding.

Instead of making yourself emotionally and physically ill with stress and worry, ask God for the help He can give and listen for his response. I find he provides choices and options as solutions to any issue I may have.

So don't worry. Don't be afraid. Be happy � praying.

Mother's Heart

Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

--

MOPPETS

The Easter Egg Tree � activity

Mum's e-Mail

Hi Johanna, Thanks for your MUM-e-Mails and great blog.  You are an encouragement to me as a MOPS leader, a mum, and a blogger. I know many other Aussie mums read your stuff too.  ~ Blessings, Cath, Au.   (Glad to be an encouragement ~ jmcw)

MOPS Link

http://www.mops.org/forms/what_about_easter.pdf - Easter - events, symbols, journey

Praying for calm and peace as we parent,

Johanna W
MUM-e-Mail Editor
MUM-e-Mail@...

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2009

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

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Adult in charge � Have fun!

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

March 2009

Mother Tip

Children really love for you to set rules and boundaries for them.

�     Communicate expectations clearly (use the fewest possible words. A rule is not a sermon on values.)

�     Make rules specific and understandable: "No hitting!" "We don't talk back."

�     Keep the volume of your voice way down.

�     Be consistent in consequences.

Mother Moment � The Adult in Charge

It's OK for Mum and Dad to have slightly different household rules. Mum and Dad can have different ways of functioning, but life is sweeter when there's only one adult in charge at a time.

The adult (parent) in-charge is in charge of everything. Who is really "in-charge" in your family?

If the child wants something, he or she has to go to the adult in charge. The standard answer from everybody else will be, "Go ask the one in charge". The adult in charge makes all decisions according to personal rules. This can give the not-in-charge parent a mini-holiday. It is all right for each parent to have separate rules, as long as the rules aren't in major conflict.

A severe disagreement among the adults can always be resolved with a team meeting. Your children will adjust. Children on the whole are very flexible and smart and easily know how to adapt to different rules, as long as they know whose rules apply (i.e. they need to be enforced).

Nicole McKenzie from www.MomHasFun.com uses the example:

At one point in time we lived with our small children by a lake; my husband and I had a nanny. One of us took the children swimming every day. According to who took the children swimming, the kids had to respect different rules. With the nanny, the kids had to stay in the shallow end, since that was what she was comfortable doing with them. With me, they were able to go out a little more, up to a specific point. With my husband, they could go quite a bit further. When we all went to the lake together, the kids usually would ask if Dad could be in charge. As long as Dad had fun, he was in charge, and his rules applied. When he needed some time for himself, he handed the "in charge" back over. The wonderful part about this was that the kids had fun no matter whose rules applied, as long as they knew the rules.

Remember Parenting Rule #1: Mum (and Dad) Has Fun!

Mother's Heart

Help me and my children, Lord, to recognise correct authority. May the adults in my family know and be secure about who is in charge.

--

Mum's e-Mail

- Thanks for doing MUM-e-Mail. It arrives at the right time with some encouragement. It was good to read last time on `Husbands'. Thank you. � MOPS Mum, Hamilton.

MOPS Links

Making Fun � kids in charge!

What is a MOPS Group? � discussions, creative activities, MOPPETS, + more

MOPS @ - be the first for New Zealand?

Wintering � on its way �

www.mops.org/teen for very young mums. New group in Mt Wellington, Ak : Riverside MOPS.

Make sure you are having some fun � good for the whole family!

Johanna W

MUM-e-Mail editor
mum-e-mail@...

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2009

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

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or unsubscribe (send empty).

Vision of the Future -  Long Term

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

February 2009

Mother Maxim - Tip

To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself once in a while.  ~Josh Billings

Mother Moment � Look Long Term

Gain a vision for the future. I often mention the Big Picture, which is clearer when there is a Calling � this is what drives us, motivates us from within, and keeps us doing what we do.

When we think of our children's future, picture character as well as career. Think of who the children will be, not just what they will do. Our task is not to keep children amused and busy. It is, rather, to lead and guide our children to become competent, responsible, considerate, and generous men and women, committed to live by principles of integrity. Remember that we're raising adults, not children. And we have 16-18-20 years to do that.

Know that God is with you. Read His Word (the Bible) and follow His principles. He's there to guide you along the way.

� 2009 Johanna W

Mother's Heart

Do I see the woods for the trees? May I see not just the details but the whole picture. Sometimes this needs an adjustment in the focus of life and the things I'm paying attention to.

--

Hospitality

Recipes List � are your favourite `colours' there?
What have I missed out? � send me your fave to add to the list (submitted by *with your name in lights*)

Mum's e-Mail

"I find the Mum-e-mails a dose of encouragement which often comes through at just the right time and I think that Mum-e-mail format is very conducive to a quick `pep talk'." � Nickie S, NZ

MOPS Link

Date Nights � Valentine's Day every week or month? Creative and inexpensive.

I'm Fond-A-You Family Nights � fondue becoming popular again � recipes and ideas at MUM-e-Mail editor's blog.

In this mothering lark for the long haul � like a marathon,

Johanna W
MUM-e-Mail editor

Mum-e-mail@... - I enjoy hearing from you � questions, tips, comments, sound-bytes, recipes.

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2009

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

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Enjoy Children ~ Enjoy Process

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

February 2009

Mother Maxim

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things." - Robert Brault

Mother Moment � Enjoy the Process

Make up your mind to enjoy the process of bringing up children. Find ways to have fun. Keep an eye on the 'Big Picture' of family.

Enjoy each other. Be best friends with your spouse. Be a loving, caring parent for your child/ren. Encourage your children to have good friends and build good supportive friendships for yourselves as adults and parents.

Yes, there will be hard times, tiring times, stop-the-world-I-want-to-get-off times. There will be sickness, tantrums, noise, mess � but, breathe deeply and exhale, there is a way through this. And there is a way to bring joy and enjoyment into all situations.

Mum, it is largely you that is the architect of the (physical, emotional, spiritual) environment of your home. How will you do this? Maybe ...

�     Have a routine in your home for eating, sleeping, and playing.

�     Create quiet times and places for everyone.

�     Keep centred on what is important for you.

�     Look for (and create) the fun and enjoyment.

Mother's Heart

May I be the best woman, wife, and mother that I can be in front of my children � and live life fully.

--

Mum's e-Mail

- no letters written in for this week. Enjoy the start of your school year for those Down-Under (south of the equator).

MOPS Link

MOPS.org/inviteamom

www.mops.org.nz/groups/ - NZ MOPS groups

Why story-telling is an effective tool to teach values

--

Enjoy your journey of parenting, and living generally,
johanna

MUM-e-Mail editor � please write to me : jmcwnz@...

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2008

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

Use these links to change your e-mail address or format � (Edit Membership)
or unsubscribe (send empty).

In the way they should go � calm + consistent

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

January 2009

Welcome to 2009 � another Happy New Year of bringing up your children!

Mother Maxim - Tip

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6.

Mother Moment � Start as you intend to carry on

Define your philosophy of parenting � what is important for you as parents.

Before baby is born (or now � it's not too late), sit down with your spouse and decide what is your philosophy of bringing up children. Get on the same page as regards to training, discipline, family priorities and foundation of life.

What kind of family and home environment will we create and encourage?
How safe? How adventurous? How enquiring?

How will we teach our children boundaries? Will certain actions have what consequences?

Work through various scenarios that are likely to occur and write them down. 
When � happens, we (as parents) will �

Start as you intend to go on. Be calm and consistent � and confidently settle in for the long haul. Plan and set goals for yourselves and your children. Be clear about your purpose.

You, as the adult and the parent, have the Creator's authority to bring up your own children. You have about 18 years to train, guide, and love your child to be a caring and contributing citizen. Be careful not to give freedoms too early, and allow your children to enjoy their childhood as children.

Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way she should go, and when she is old she will not depart from it.

By following God's word, we can raise children who seek the truth, show mercy, and serve God faithfully.

Mother's Heart

Lord, remind me that I don't have to apologise to anyone for being a mother, a loving and caring parent to my children. Give me courage to be the best parent I can be.

This Year's Mum-e-Mail

After much pondering, this year's MUM-e-Mail will be about basics of bringing up children. Words like training, consistently, Big Picture, and parent will appear throughou. Tell your Mummy friends to subscribe (MUM-e-Mail-subscribe@yahoogroups.com)

MOPS Link

www.mops.org/myMOPS

Homemade Manicure - http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=2325

Time for Exercise? - http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=2346

Enjoy your new year of opportunity. Relax and enjoy life along the way.
Blessings and strength to you as you parent your children with love,

Johanna
MUM-e-Mail editor

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2008

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

Use these links to change your e-mail address or format � (Edit Membership)
or unsubscribe (send empty).

Jesus � Wonder of Christmas - Countdown

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

December 2008

Mother Maxim

For God did not send his Son (Jesus) into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ~ John 3:17

Mother Moment � The Wonder and Delight of Christmas

Is Father Christmas or Santa Claus for real? What do you tell your children about them?

My children were never impressed by the Santas in the mall. Their first reaction was to cry and run away � what a strange-looking man all dressed up like that! And now they view this overdressed fellow with mild curiosity.

We are not `party poopers'. We view Christmas as a season, not just a day. December 6<sup>th</sup> is `Put Up Tree' Day, where we talk of the symbols on it. We talk about Saint Nicholas, the Turkish Bishop whose image has evolved into Santa Claus, and the various traditions around him. We still have presents, but not from Santa and his reindeers (I'm not sure how they'd go around here anyway with the hole in the ozone and all). Christmas carols are played with great regularity throughout the month of December.

I grew up having Father Christmas bring the presents but soon figured out that my grandfather was never around when Father Christmas arrived. Then I saw Poppop climbing in the window when I was six years old. The fantasy was done!

Before having children, I never stopped to think or discuss with my husband how we would present the wonder of Christmas to our children. It just happened. We have opted for the Truth. It's Jesus' Birthday. We have our Nativity scene up that we interact with through December until Epiphany on January 6^th. Saint Nicklaus was real. Jesus was real. Not much fantasy but plenty of wonder and delight.

I find myself awed again and again that the God and Creator of the Universe is intimately interested in us on Earth. God loved us so much that He arranged for His Son, Jesus Christ, to be born to a young woman in an animal's yard � and live his life among us to show us the way to God. That's pretty amazing!

And so our family celebrates � with the joy and peace that God gives mingled among our decorations and the tree. There's plenty of wonder and delight for our children at Christmas time. 

And not a spot of snow anywhere.

 � Johanna Whittaker, Hamilton, NZ, Dec 2003

Mother's Heart

Focus � Prioritise for your family � Simplify � Worship �
Enjoy Christmas � the day and the season.

--

Creative

Metal tray, backing sheet drawn as a grid, magnetic homemade symbols � easy and effective Advent calendar � kids love this.

MOPPETS

Create your own December countdown (activity) calendar.

20. Go on a pyjama ride with the littlies to see the Christmas lights.

21. Oohh! The anticipation � Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Light, is coming.

22. Visit or volunteer at an old folks' home, women's refuge, Night shelter.

23. Watch a Christmas video or DVD with your children, telling the story of Jesus' birth.

24. O Holy Night, � the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Sing or dance together.

25. Happy Birthday, Jesus � Emmanuel, God born as man. Who is coming to your party?

Shalom, God is with us!

From Last Time :

What makes you come alive?

MOPS Links

www.mops.org - http://www.mops.org/forms/MyMOPS/Prayers_Nov08.pdf

Merry Christmas!

See you again in the New Year �

Johanna W

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2008

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

Use these links to change your e-mail address or format � (Edit Membership)
or unsubscribe (send empty).

Come Alive � EOY Evaluation � Non-breakable Nativity

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

November 2008

Mother Maxim

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go out and do that. Because what the world needs more than anything is people who have come alive."    
- Harold Whitman

Mother Moment � End of Year Evaluation

q      What makes you come alive?

q      What do I need to do to achieve that? (List)

q      Have I done it before? How did I feel (about it)?

q      What is stopping me from doing what makes me feel passionate, energised, and motivated?

Mother's Heart

Dear Lord Jesus, I long for my husband, my children, my family to see me doing what I love. I long to do to what I love. Help me past the hurdles, excuses, and doubts. Thank you for loving me!

--

MOPPETS

Don't Sex Up Children � click � a Christmas � summer warning

From Last Time :

The kitchen timer is an objective, non-partisan referee for daily events - one of the most useful tools a parent can own. Every family needs one.

MOPS Link

�     www.mops.org.nz/groups/ - MOPS groups around New Zealand. Do you want to start one in your area? Please write to info address below.

�     Build Your Child's Spiritual Formation � I like the point about having a non-breakable nativity scene for children to play with all year round. (taken from a MOMSense Radio archive)

Another year is passing � with thanksgiving and hope,
Shalom

Johanna W

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2008

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

Use these links to change your e-mail address or format � (Edit Membership)
or unsubscribe (send empty).

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage `can-do'

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

November 2008

Mother Tip

Stay sane with a kitchen timer.

Mother Moment � Time Use Using a Timer

The kitchen timer is an objective, non-partisan referee for daily events - one of the most useful tools a parent can own. Every family needs one.

�       No nagging is necessary. Parents can effectively remove themselves from the situation and reappear when the timer says "Time is up".

�       The children can not argue with a timer.

�       Young children can play a "Beat the Clock" game. "Let's see if you can get your pajamas on before the timer goes off." Children love to race the bell and quickly learn how good it feels to be cooperative and gain a parent's positive attention.

�       Replace the sand timer in a board game. (Sand doesn't ding to let you know time is up.)

�       When the bell goes off, time is up.

�       Enforce a time limit. Before the timer is set, make certain that everyone knows what will happen if the deadline is not met. The consequences should be clear. "If you are back here with your job done well, before the timer rings, we can � play a game of memory".

�       The best reward for compliance is always a parent's attention.

�       We use a timer to show how much longer

o      before Mum or Dad can play with them.

o      "before we go" - allowing for 2-3 minutes to get out of the door, into the car.

o      before they come for dinner � pronto! Stop, everyone, and come.

o      in the bath or shower.

o      they should be brushing their teeth (at least 2 minutes).

�       Our sweet tooth slow eater has two minutes after the last adult has finished eating to finish his meal (or no dessert/hot chocolate). Works a treat!

�       If you are a person who is easily side-tracked, use a timer to motivate you to hurry.

�       Time your exercises.

�       Bigger jobs can be done when broken down into short `can-do' segments. Use the timer for the 5-10 minutes you need. eg. when cleaning the bathroom. Good for Mum!

�       Put the children in a safe, entertaining spot (or get them to sleep). Turn the timer to 10 or 15 minutes. Find a quiet or picturesque spot. Sit in it � and do nothing. The house and all that's in it will wait.

Enjoy giving away those `nagging' jobs to the deaf kitchen timer � and regain some sanity!

- � Johanna Whittaker, 2007.
Inspired by: http://www.elainegibson.net/parenting/kitchentimer.html

Mother's Heart

May I find time to lavish praise and a myriad `ooh-aahs' on my little (and big) children. I love it when my efforts are recognised and acknowledged. Thank You, God, for my family.

--

Mentor Mum Moment

�       One great tip for keeping the house neat and organised is what Kathy Peel calls the "7-minute Sprint."
Set the kitchen timer for seven minutes, put on some peppy music, and have everybody in the family just kind of rush around for seven minutes and pick up the clutter, throw out today's papers, do a little bit of housework, like vacuum ONE room, or clean the benches in the bathroom.
If you do that for seven minutes every night (or late afternoon), what will happen is, your house will look less cluttered and on the weekend when it's big family "clean house day" you won't have as much to do, because you've done it a little bit at a time each day, and you'll have more time for fun on the weekends.

MOPPETS

"Mummy!" The temptation is there to reply: "Not now, honey". How about? "Yes Dear" and give the 10-30 seconds of attention your family member needs. Often, it's just to re-connect for a hug, a kiss, or a "Wow! Look what you've done".

Mum's e-Mail

... How do you use a kitchen timer? Write in to mum-e-mail@... with your tips and ideas.

MOPS Link

�     www.mops.org.nz/groups/ - groups around New Zealand. Not just a mum's coffee morning?! > > Do you want to start one in your area?
Please write to info address below.

�     Time Outs for Mums � off www.mops.org

MUM-e-Mail is a free, subscribed newsletter twice a month from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - www.mops.org.nz - info@...

Use these links to change your e-mail address or format � (Edit Membership)
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Budgeting - Generosity � grocery shopping

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

September 2008

Mother Maxim -

A happy mother makes a happy home.

Mother Moment � Making $$ Stretch

One income? Or two incomes? Is it better for mum to earn and then spend more on cars, petrol, clothes, childcare, stress? Or is it better for mum to create a relaxed home, save more, and live satisfactorily on single income? Questions worth pondering over as a family.

We haven�t lived on over $40k ever. At times we�ve earned way less. Yet we still have coffees, and (MOPS!) nights out, great family holidays and adventures, and once a week supermarket shared treats (yes, my children think a small bag of prunes is a treat).

We visit op shops. The Sallies is my favourite retail chain, and we also practice delayed gratification until a red dot or yellow tag sale is on.

We have a barber set to cut the boys� hair. Even if we had to buy a new $30 set each year it would still work out for cheap haircuts. My last haircut was at the local hairdressing school for � the normal fee.

We check the �rewrap� trolley of damaged goods at the back of PakNSave � and buy cheap flour, sugar, staple foods when we see them. They may as well sit in my cupboard for a month as anywhere! My kids are great bargain hunters and finders.

Here�s some more grocery shopping tips from the book �A Cure for the Growly Bugs�, compiled by Mary Beth Lagerborg:

* Post an ongoing shopping list on the refrigerator, jotting down items as you need them.
* Plan menus for the week, adding needed ingredients to your running grocery list.
* Shop only once a week, alone if possible, to save money and time.
* Study supermarket specials.
* Keep track, using a small notebook, of the prices of items you buy regularly, so you can determine which of your local stores really does offer the best prices.
* Use a calculator (or approximate mental maths) as you shop to avoid a big surprise at the checkout counter.
* Pay with cash if you are trying to keep your expenditures on groceries within strict limits.

Mother�s Heart

May there always be room at our tables for others, no matter how simple the snack or meal. �Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38 --

Mentor Mum Moment

Tip : The children can look at the pretty colourful packaging � big, small, box, packet, bag � �find me a big yellow weetbix box� - but no whinging and nagging... �We�ll just buy what is on the list today. Thank you.�

MOPPETS

* Try to grocery shop without all or some of your children. If they come, the under fives are belted into the trolley seat and they keep their hands on their knees (�thems the rules�). Give the over 2s the shopping list (not in mouth :-)) to hold up for you to read, but they also have fun �reading� it out to you!

From Last Time :

- Take small bursts of time to clean that corner or this pile � and balance the OK cleaning of your home with the cuddling and face-to-face time with your little cutie-pies.

MOPS Link

www.mops.org.nz/groups/ - Is there a group near you? We need more groups to provide great mornings out for mothers and their little children all over New Zealand.

Humour in the Challenges of Life � at the supermarket.

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2008

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

Use these links to change your e-mail address or format � (Edit Membership)
or unsubscribe (send empty).

The Garage � Day Trips  � sparks

Use these links to change your e-mail address or format � (Edit Membership) or unsubscribe (send empty).

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

July 2008

Mother Maxim -

A mother without a van is like a beautiful fountain without water. <grin>

Mother Moment - Day Trips With Kids

Need an adventure for you and your preschooler? Here�s some ideas to get you out of the house.

"A day trip is a vacation without the hassles of luggage and reservations," writes Cindy Sumner in her book, Planes, Trains and Automobiles - With Kids. "No matter where you live, there is most likely something interesting to see or do within two hours of home. Check your local newspaper for special events.

"Day trips offer preschoolers the opportunity to 'practice' travelling, as well as to see something new.

Here are some places for children to visit:

Construction sites: Enjoy the fresh air while you watch the cranes and dump trucks from a safe distance.

Pet Shops and farms. Some stores and working farms allow kids to actually feed and pet the animals.

Orchards and farmers' markets. Pick apples or buy the week's produce.

Sticks and stones. The closest pond or creek can give a child an hour of pleasure, just tossing in pebbles. If a footbridge is available, play a game of Pooh Sticks by dropping sticks into the river on one side of the bridge and seeing who's stick comes out first on the other side.

Bakery or pizza shop. Look around for a bakery or pizzeria where your child can watch the food being prepared. Ask the store manager for a short tour and demonstration.

Library. Your local library or one in a nearby town or suburb. Read stories. Show them the kids animal magazines, do some puzzles, have them handle and �read� a board book.

Enjoy exploring the world around you by taking day trips with your children!

- Adapted from MOMSense Radio, c. 2001.

Mother�s Heart

I can get tired of driving around doing errands, taking children to classes and for outings, but may I see this time (with my �captive� audience) as singing-, laughing-, question and answer-, and game- time that builds familial bonds. It can be quantity and quality time where my values are gently instilled in my child/ren.

Mentor Mum Moment

My �Not-To-Do� List - it can be the things we choose not to do that makes the load lighter.

MOPS Mums blogs

http://boomerbabesrock.com/blog/mops-convention/

http://onetoughmothertalk.blogspot.com/ - Julie Barnhill, author, has made MOPS appearances http://onetoughmothertalk.blogspot.com/2008/05/338-am-thoughts.html

http://alphamops.wordpress.com/

http://highlandmops.blogspot.com/

Mum�s e-Mail

We�re nearing the end of the tour around the HOME. Today, was the garage. Most garages have a vehicle in them, but I�m guessing there are at least some of you who have a whole lot more than a van or car in your garage. Ours seems to be the repository for boxes, garden rubbish (waiting to go to the organic recycling), broken chairs (waiting to be fixed), the now-unused baby furniture (waiting for ?), and a whole lot more that hasn�t been sorted, cleaned, or reorganised lately! Maybe it�s time to consider decluttering. Next time � on MUM-e-Mail.

MOPS Link

www.mops.org.nz

NZ MOPS Leaders Conference, 1-3 August 2008.

MUM-e-Mail is a free twice a month newsletter from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2008

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz

MUM-e-Mail

To equip and encourage

mothers of preschoolers and their supporters

June 2008

Mother Tip

My two year old daughter looked so cute with her little clothes peg hanger, attached with a loop of string from the big clothesline, hanging up socks (in pairs?), hankies and washcloths. Oh! how important she was � and she talked excitedly the whole time. �I�m helping Mummy�.

Mother Moment - Laundry

I thank God for the automatic washing machine. Imagine scrubbing all those clothes by hand � I�d be hiring a maid!

Going from older single professional to work-from-home wife then mother of baby within 16 months was bit of a head-spinner. I had never needed to be particularly domesticated, but now the laundry pile kept on multiplying. I had to wash other people�s dirty things � ugh! Sleep, wash, clean, dress, play, feed � and so on (and on) the washing cycle went. I felt I was getting nowhere � really fast.

When at work (for 19 years) I could see that project completed or this class successfully taught, but now at home there was this blur that started to look like the repetitive Groundhog Day. So, I started to write in my diary the things I actually did. I could see the list of 7-8 things and this helped me to feel like I really had achieved �something�.

Soon I began to define �success� by the condition and height of the washing pile! Clean clothes, dried, folded, and put in the drawers was the ultimate in success for my housewifely days. But I was doing more than circulating the laundry.

I was supporting my husband in his endeavours, providing a peaceful, clean-enough home, engaging my children by teaching them little responsibilities and enjoying each other�s company along the way.

The dirty clothes still multiply - and get bigger! But doing the washing is now just a part of life, dealt with quickly.

This sounds like us with the �dirtiness�, misjudgments, and errors that we make in our everyday lives � and the forgiveness, dealing with these past wrongs and smudges, that washes us clean and free from the past. Because we choose to.

That is success. Thank God.

� by Johanna W, 2008

Mother�s Heart

I need to keep an eye on the big picture. Relationships built, young lives nurtured and guided, and keeping short accounts of sins � sorting out our anger, misunderstandings, bad attitudes, and general sinful nature, through acknowledging God�s forgiveness and love for us. Embrace what is good and true.

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Mentor Mum Moment

"If we really want to love
we must learn how to forgive"

�People ask me what advice I have for a married couple struggling in their relationship. I always answer: pray and forgive. And to young people from violent homes, I say pray and forgive. And again even to the single mother with no family support: pray and forgive�  - Mother Theresa

A big page of quotations on Forgiveness: http://www.forgivenessweb.com/RdgRm/Quotationpage.html

Leadership

http://www.momhasfun.com/adultcharge.php

MOPPETS

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MOPPETS/ - see the members� LINKS and FILES

Mum�s e-Mail

Thank you Johanna, I appreciate your thoughts and the time you take to prepare the emails. Keep up the good work,
blessings in Abundance,  Helen Lang, Mentor, Southside International Church MOPS. Brisbane QLD

- Thanks, Helen, for spreading the word around about MUM-e-Mail � and for reading J - jmcw

MOPS Link

www.MOPS.org.nz - new look, click on a region of NZ on the �Groups� page map

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May God smile on you all,
Johanna W

MUM-e-Mail is a free, subscribed newsletter twice a month from MOPS (NZ) Inc. � 2008
Editor: MUM-e-Mail@...

MOPS (NZ) Inc, P O Box 12-307, Hamilton, NZ. - info@... - www.mops.org.nz