WOW!!! Do I Have Alot to Talk About!!!!

I am a chef and a big believer in spending time with your kids! Horray for wanting ideas. My family has found a lot of power in just turning off the television and having dinner at the table together. Talking about the day. Having the kids(mine started as soon as they could mash things) help make the meal and then eat it with them. Listen. Allow yourself some time to just be a family. Sometimes it only takes 20 minutes to get reconnected and feel like there is some calm in the storm of life. Bath time is also fun time! I mix a drop of food coloring with some hand soap and they paint the bath tub. It is a good release for them to be allowed to have fun and you to see their smiles and remember the best part of being a mom!

I found when my kids were young I would go to the library and pick out several children's book and read with them- that is something that all the children may enjoy- attach an event to the book- a re-enactment; a craft; a seek and find; that way the children will actively listen and develop an imagination with each individual story. Let them choose what event would fit each story if the 4 year old would like.

I got a book for Christmas called The Preshoolers busy book by trish Kuffner. I have a four year old and a 2 year old who are always fighting whether play fighting or real fighting. Away this book has helped me put some activities into their day. Most of it is designed for the 4 year old but I still let the little one do some too. His just is modified down a little. Also, I take my kids outside whenever I can. We spend at least 1 hour outside after lunch then try to get back out after naps. Either with a sandbox in the backyard or go to the park or just run out front on the driveway, riding bikes or bubbles etc. We also play alot of games in my house. And the little one plays on my team or pretends to play along. Hope this helps.

Did I read correctly? 18? Going to school and working? Wow do you ever have your hands full! When do you get time for yourself? Sounds like a stupid question,I know, but it took me a long time to learn that I'm a better mom to my kids and less stressed when I can get a little time away from them. It doesn't mean you love them any less or that you are being selfish so don't let anyone make you feel guilty about some "sanity" time. We all deserve it no matter if you are a stay at home mom or a working mom - I've been both - I know. Something that I find very relaxing and enjoyable is coloring (cheap entertainment too)and it's good practice for your 4 yr old. let them display it on the fridge or in a room so they can see their art work and rotate it out for them. Reading them stories (my 8 yr. old son still loves to be read to)and the sillier you make your voice the more they enjoy, laugh, and before you know it you too start to feel better. More than anything they wont really care what they are doing just as long as they are doing it with you. Hang in there and don't ever be afraid to talk to other mom's about feeling stressed - at one time or another, we all are!!! and that's ok, eventually we all get through it. I found my sanity when I found other stay at home mom's that I was able to relate to and we help each other out by watching each others kids.

Holy smokes! How did you have a baby at 14? I thought I was young at 18!:)
Good for you though. Stick with it...My husband always helps me by taking two of our kids so I can spend time with one in particular.