Seeking Advice or Suggestions for a Very Hard Headed 4 Yr Old Boy

No advice but just letting you know that you are not alone in this. My 4 year old son does play by himself sometimes but still requires a lot of attention. So, I have him in Pre-K 3 times a week. That helps a lot. Also, don't feel bad asking for help. Do you have a family member or a friend close by? I am constantly asking my mother in law to watch my kids. Sometimes she watches them in my house, while I clean or run errands.

He needs to be with other children to learn to behave, which he might cry going to be left at the day care, but once you leave he will be better.

Little boy's seem to become less hard headed when they have to stay in their room for not listening and when you run them! I let my little one stay outside and just work out all that wonderful energy! As far as the messes go, I have my son pick up his own messes and toys.

I have been going through this very thing with my 3 year old. I have decided that since he refused to pick up his toys when asked numerous times (I should only have to do it once) that I am going to get a big black trashbag and start picking them up for him. I am not going to actually throw them away, but it wouldn't hurt for him to think that I am. I'm hoping that eventually he's going to get the concept and start picking up his own toys. This may seem harsh, but we have tried every possible technique to get him to start picking up after himself and he just doesn't care. So, I'm hoping that by taking away the toys and leaving him w/fewer and fewer each time he doesn't pick up that he will start to understand.

As far as the rest of the stuff, I don't know. It's hard to make grown men change their behaviors. Maybe you could stop cooking for them and let them fend for themselves? Or, tell them since you cook they get to clean the kitchen. There must be a compromise somewhere!

Good luck!

It seems like 4 is the toughest age to go through. My son was horrible at 4, everything was NO! and it got to me also. I'm not really sure how I got through it but I did. Everyone would give me suggestions and I'd try and it would work at first and then go downhill from there. First of all, I would try making him clean up his messes after himself or take something away from him if he doesn't. I mean, like one of his most favorite toys or whatever, just say "I will give this back to you after you clean up the mess you've just made," but put it somewhere where he can see it but can't get to it. Like I would put stuff on top of the fridge and it would really bother him, but it seems like that's one thing that would work.
It's worth a shot! Also, have your husband watch him one full day or a half day and just go somewhere all by yourself. Believe me, it makes a world of a different to just get away for a short while.
It's worth a try! Let me know how it turns out. Good luck!

I'm going to go out on a limb here - do you respect yourself? Does your husband and brother in law treat you fairly? When my children see me taking unfair treatment from other people, they tend to run all over me.

I'm not sure if your definition of hard headed is the same as mine, but you might consider speaking to your pediatrician about your son's hyperactivity - give him the nitty gritty details and see if he thinks your son could benefit from counseling or other outlets.

To answer your question, though, sometimes I want to run away too.

S.

A. its time that you got your husband more involved in the parenting, give him some more responsibilities around the house and ask your brother in law to do a bit more. When there is absolutly no time for yourself you will run yourself into the ground, but when you have 2 other capable adults around start giving them some jobs. You could even have one night a week where you leave the house alone once your husband is off of work, you can take a yoga class or just go to a coffee shop and read, and trust that all will be fine when you leave. To avoid cooking all the time on Sundays, or what ever day your husband has off, while your husband is taking care of your son, go into the kitchen and make 6 casseroles and stick them in the freezer thats 6 dinners , plus one leftover night. That will be one long day in the kitchen but then the rest of the week its just about re-heating stuff. My opinion on the 4 year-old's hard head...that is what every 4 year-old is like, all your stuff that is going on is not about the 4 year-old, he is just the part of the mix that makes it seem harder. Everyone needs a team..so rally your team A. so that you can stay sane. Good Luck!

Wow. I feel for you. When you say the word stress, I cringe. My first question is: How are YOU feeling? Are you eating right and sleeping enough? The reason I asked is because I found myself taking care of everyone else, but me. And I became vitamin and mineral depleted. Once I got here, I not only DIDN'T take care of myself, but I COULDN'T. I had no gas, no spark, no energy. Seriously, my body hurt and I couldn't do anything that required movement. I have since regained my strength and work out at the gym now.

People don't realize how much energy it take out of moms to nurture her family.

My suggestion to you would be to take care of you first. Make a list of things that stress you out (negative energy) and things that make you feel good (positive energy). Do more of the things that make you feel good and if possible, rid of the things that pull you down. Take time for you and you alone....no this is not selfish.

Pick your battles...I have twin boys (five in May) and they wreck my house in a hurry. I would drive myself crazy (with a capital C) if I picked up after them all day. I don't continually pick up after them, so the house is messy until it becomes "that time of the day" and then I make them clean their own mess! We have talks about cleaning up and that they are big enough to do this.

One thing I notice about my boys is...there is more tension between us when I'm after them "all day" to clean up. But if I back off and let them do their playing, we're on better terms. We as moms need to chill and let the kids be kids. If it's a nice day, I send them outside. My kids also go to preschool three days per week so I have those days to get caught up

I hope the best for you A..

Stay Blessed!!!

Deborah

I think most moms feel like you every now and then...when I go through what you are going through, I have to step back, really pray about the situation, and let God handle it. There's nothing un-Godly about a woman standing up for herself in her home...God expects husbands to love and cherish their wives as He does his church. If your husband is a Christian, time to pray together. You both need to come up with a solid discipline plan for your child before he gets worse. Now, all kids do make messes--that's the nature of the beast. But at age 4, he can definitely help, or have a time out, lose a favorite toy or TV show, etc. He will understand consequences, but he probably ignores yelling and threats. You have to get a backbone, and that has been the hardest thing for me to learn, too. Also, you may have a bad case of "cabin fever." SAHM's all have it from time to time, where the isolation really gets to you. Thats when a Mother's Day Out program, or a MOPS meeting at a local church can be a life-saver. Definitely find a MOPS near you if you can't do the Mother's Day Out. You will find mommies who share your thoughts, feelings, and faith...plus your little one will enjoy time with friends. And go to local libraries for story time, go for nature walks (when the weather allows) cook together...let go of the need to be neat. I'm sure you're familiar with the story of Mary and Martha...here's a link to an interesting interpretation:
http://www.pcusa.org/peacemaking/pubs/session2.pdf

Sounds like your little man be having a hard time. I think 4 yr olds(I have one) struggle to find their place. They are no longer a baby, but they are not big kids either. I find my 4 yr old sometimes acting like a 4 yr old, but sometimes acting like a baby too!! I think its a stage that will pass. I make her clean up her own messes. If she chooses not too, I clean up by taking all the toys in the floor away and putting them in the garage so she cant play with them anymore. I give her the choice, clean up or I'll do it and this is what I'll do. Can you try putting him in a mother's day out program? We cant afford one, but I dont know about you. This way he can get out of the house. My daughter needs "out of the house" time.

When my boys were around 3 to 4 years old I started teaching them to clean up their toys and other chores. They need these independent skills for kindergarten as well. It will take a load off of you. Make it a little game to put toys in colorful baskets when he is finished playing with them. Do it together until he gets it. He will be proud of himself and want to do more big boy things with you. Give him play dates to interact with other children to develop the social skills he'll need before kindergarten or pre-school. My husband and I worked full time when my children were that age and I wore myself out trying to be the perfect mom and perform at work. Simplify meals; even making larger batches for freezing for the times you need a quick fix and a little break. I have learned from those years past; you have to make time for yourself; even as much as 30-40 minutes in the bath tub with a book and scented candles. Talk about it with family and friends; you'll be surprised at how much support you can receive. The children shouldn't get in the habit of demanding that kind of attention - it can get worse as they get older. They also need to understand the whole world does not revolve around them; especially when the time comes to go to school. You'll be a more productive, happy person if you take time out for yourself - something you can look forward to maybe once a week....This is a time when you should be able to enjoy the children; not become a slave to your life and be over-taxed...

It's not just you, but you do need to learn to set appropriate boundaries for all the men in your life. My younger son is also very demanding, but I have found that I have to be very strong in defining boundaries for him. That doesn't mean he doesn't often try to push, but then it's clear why I'm pushing back. For example, on weekends, I really enjoy my quiet time early in the morning. If I'm in the middle of reading something or doing something when he first gets up, I'll pause for a hug, but he will have to wait till I reach a reasonable stopping point for breakfast, playing games (he LOVES board games), etc. Also, your son is old enough to clean up after himself. And, you need to withhold privileges (e.g., TV/video, playing a game with him, etc.) if he doesn't do it. Most importantly, I think the biggest problem may be that your son doesn't get enough attention from his father. My son's father also has difficulty dealing with his high need son, but I can tell you that by forcing my husband to spend one on one time with my son, my son's behavior and demands on me are dramatically improved/reduced. Also, since you have the brother-in-law around, he should be contributing in some way to the household, as well. Either by spending time with your son or helping with chores (eg., doing the dinner dishes, taking out the trash, etc.).

If you feel like you are being run over now, it will only get worse if you do not redirect your family's attitude soon. Being a stay at home mom means some people may feel like they can dump responsibilty on you and it's your job to handle it. Don't let this happen. Set certain things that you expect to have help with - including busy things for your son. He is even getting to the age that he could take up a hobby (something to keep his hands and mind busy and not on the next mess he can make). My son was the same way and I wished I had started this sooner than I did. Find something that interests him and go from there.

I don't mean to be rude, but I'm responding to this remark "I have NO other kind of life at all as it's all with my son, laundry, housework, cleaning up mess's after my son all day long, and then cooking for my husband and my brother in law whom lives with us at this time."
If you clean up after your husband and brother in law, and they don't help AT ALL, why would/should your son, in his mind?
It sounds to me, quite simply, that you need to INSIST/DEMAND a little respect in your home.
I'm a full time stay home mom. I work hard to keep my house clean, keep our books straight and do everything I can to make life easier. But I put my four year old (also very demanding, stubborn, etc...) into preschool a couple days/week and took some time to myself.
If you can't afford that, you may be able to find another mom that you can at least swap a day a week with (you watch hers one day, she watches yours one day) so that you can have one day for you.
OR you can tell your BIL to clean up after himself AND your husband could pitch in too. When that starts happening, perhaps your son would be more inclined to help clean up his messes.
Further, you and your husband need to sit down and talk about his discipline and how you are going to manage it as a family. Tired or not when he comes home from work, he should be backing you up.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU

I recommend you also consider getting little outside job - like a nursery attendant at a church would be ideal. Or maybe just working weekends somewhere. It puts a little bit of a strain on your home life because you're not there to be the maid, chef, and supervisor, but it's worth it to get the "me" time plus you have a little spending money to buy yourself something pretty sometimes. I also have an incredibly stubborn 4 year old and feel like I'm just everyone else's pee-on. I got a part time job outside of the home and absolutely loved the "freedom" I felt that it gave me. As far as your kiddo - kids make messes. Let the majority of it go until just before bedtime and then make him clean it up. The whole house doesn't have to be spotless all the time. There are boundaries, yes, but he's a kid having fun. In our house, we have a rewards/punishment chart. When he doesn't mind or does something wrong, he gets a sad face. After 5 sad faces, he looses a toy. When he does something good - like cleaning up his dishes after dinner without being asked - he gets a good boy sticker. After 5 stickers he either gets to pick a toy from the bad boy toy box or he gets a bowl of ice cream or something like that. It really has helped a LOT in our house. It may be something to try so the consequences are all very clear to everyone.

Try letting your son help with everything. Hes big enough to dust, rinse dishes, stir, put laundry in or out, etc. And if a mess happens let him clean it up. With help if needed. Let him do stuff his way to help, even if it makes no sense to you, since hes male it prob won't, and lots of Yahoos when hes done. It will help him to feel more self reliant and in control. Don't go on with the day till the mess is dealt with, sit through the fits, till he helps clean it up, and in no time he will just start doing it. You can also have your Husband ask him what he did to help Mommy. If he knows Dad expects him to help it will go much better. And don't worry if the house isn't always perfect. If your kid and Husband are happy, life will be GREAT. Always make time for your Husband, no matter how tired or stressed, he married you not a perfect house, and needs your attention. Little things like Hunny will you run me a bubble bath while I put son to bed. Then on your way ask him to come scrub your back. Don't let life keep you from being your husbands girlfriend. Hope some or all of this helps.

Mom of 7, with a 15 & 8 yr old son like yours.

I am sorry and i'm going to be very blunt who's boss you or him if it's you put him in time out or what ever every time he makes a mess and make him clean it up. I did and yes it takes time and he'll yell a lot but you be just as firm. he made the mess. after a few he'll stop OR at least mine did. YOU have to decide who rules the roost you OR your kid. for his sake I hope it turns out to be you and if they'r two large men living in your house let them handle hem in the evening and put him to bed. hope this helps. KC

A., my name is C. & I just got hooked up w/this site. I can completely relate to your message & I've never done this before but...here's my ####-###-####...I feel like I'm losing my mind most days too...I have 2 little boys, 5yrs & almost 2. My 5yr old is my handful!! Have a good day!

Hello A.,
Have you tried a Mother's Day Out, Preschool or play date for your son? Sounds like you need a break. And maybe a little pampering. Take time for youself; join a bible study or bunko or scrapbooking group or club.

C.

A., No, you are not just loosing it. Being a mom and wife can be very stressful. You are doing a lot of caregiving for your own family. Throw a live in brother-in-law into the mix and that just increases the stress. And it sounds like you are under a lot of stress. Have you tried taking to your child to one of the mom's day out programs so you could have some "you" time? Would also give him some socialization with kids his own age.

Also sounds like you need someone to talk to. It worries me that you said you feel like a punching bag. Sometimes children pick up on stress in the family and act out. Maybe your should talk to your pastor or other trusted person about the stress you feel.

You might also want to mention your child's behavior to his pediatrician. They can make sure there isn't a physical reason for the behavior. And it wouldn't be a bad idea for you to get a physical, either, as stress can have an adverse effect on the body.

No you are not losing it. I think all moms go through it.
#1-Your son is old enough to clean up after himself. It is time for some tough love and time outs for that boy. If you don't start now with your son, it will be harder later.
#2-does your church have a day care program to enroll him in? Some in my area have 2 or 3 day a week programs. That way he will learn structure, discipline and you will get rest.
#3- Talk to your husband. Tell him "I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE WITH OUT HELP!!!!!!!!" Tell him how you feel. tell him you need "mommy' time. That is your "go away from home for a little bit to recharge your batteries".
Whether it is going grocery shopping, or goin to visit a friend ,you need a time out away from it all. YES, it is normal.
This helped in my situation.
I,too have a stubborn boy. Mine is 6 years old and he is so sweet and loving, but he drives me bonkers sometimes.
Good luck and keep us updated.

Get out of the house! There are a ton of playgroups in our area. You can meet other moms and your son can play with kids his own age. Or you can do a MDO program a couple times a week for him so he can have some time with other kids.

Hi. I'm a SAHM of a 2 yr old and have been dealing with this to. I have found a lot of support by getting involved in a mom's group. I just joined MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) and go to meetings twice a month while the church nursey staff takes care of my daughter and I get a 2 hour break to just visit with other moms like myself. I have also started including my daughter in chores like helping me clean up her messes like throwing away the trash and eating times and putting her plate in the sink. She also helps me throw clothes in the washer and dryer. We made a reward chart to reward her for all the things she helps mommy do and it's helped out alot. I don't feel useless anymore or like I'm not getting things done, and the best part is she loves to feel included. I've even let her help me rinse the dishes and put them in the dish rack to dry (I don't have a dish washer). Little things like that teach children respect and to be more indepentant. I also recommend SuperNanny's book I found a lot of useful ideas in her book and it really made me feel good to know I'm not the only person in the world dealing with a messy, cranky, toddler on top of everything else in life.

Hope this advice helps you out.

First of all, DON'T CLEAN UP HIS MESSES! He needs to clean them up. He is well old enough and completely capable. He needs to learn that with his mess comes consequences.

I have six kids (8yrs-2yrs) and if I cleaned up everyones mess that they made, I would be going out of my mind. I do, more with the little ones, have to stand over them and tell them what to pick up and where to put it. I have to sometimes take their hands and place it on a toy and say "pick it up". And, yes, sometimes it takes longer to make them pick it up than it would if I would just do it myself. But the point is they need to learn responsiblity. Sooner or later, he'll learn...wait if I make this mess, I'll have to clean it up. And he'll be more understanding and not make messes. He won't learn this overnight, but he will learn it. You just have to be persistant.

Second, and better yet, have it your husband's repsonsiblity to "show" your son how to clean up and him be the one to stand there and make sure that he cleans it. Boys will follow by example.

Much luck to you and your sanity!

Hi A.-

All mom's go through this in one way or another- :-)
Make sure that you make a date for yourself ( WITHOUT any of your boys!) at least once a week-and stick to... no if's ands or buts!Treat it like you would treat going to church. It might be a walk,it might be reading a book , taking pictures and it might be in reflection. Don't worry about laundry or the house - I remember how nice it was to get a cup of coffee without any helpers! It's hard for woman to learn to take time for themselves, but you really need to - you'll be happier and less stressed.It's also important for your son to get away from you-Lots of churches have wonderful "Mom's day out programs"- Also look into joining a mom's group- Talk about a great way to make friends who totally get what your going through!
all the best, A. (two boys now 11 and 15- the older has asperger's syndrome was HARD as a little one-he's now a brilliant, kind soul )

Glad to hear things are getting better for you!
I did not read everyone's suggestions, but thought I would say I am glad you are getting out and having some fun.

I would suggest you always remember God is with us and can help us with anything! ;-)

I would also suggest you make some friends in the women's Bible study. If this study does not appeal to you or the women don't click with you, find another one. There are a lot of churches around and I am sure you could find a group you will feel comfortable with.

As for your son he also is at the age where they start being interested in making friends and seeing the world beyond themselves. Now is a good time for him to be experiencing a mother day out or a preschool.

He also needs to learn to entertain himself. I find it appalling that many people think they have to entertain their children. The kids can learn to play with Legos, tinkertoys, or color alone for short periods without needing adult interaction. The adults can be nearby, but they do not need to entertain the child all day.

Kids have wonderful God-given imaginations. They can create great stories with them and a few cars, trucks, some dirt. A playdough activity will help spark that too. Let your son start playing alone in the mornings while you wash dishes. You may have to train him to think like this since he may already think it is your job to entertain him all day.

Make him help you with housework also. He can fold laundry, dust low tables, carry things for you. Mine never had to do beyond their age and ability, but at this age they started helping me by folding kitchen towels and small things. It is part of the learning process and teaching them a household is a team effort--not a slave/master thing, or a designated role thing. For example my dh will sometimes help me fold laundry or wash dishes and I can mow the yard or help clean up debris.

I stayed home at different times with my kids. I know how sometimes you can feel like you are going to go crazy. We were meant to have social interaction, set goals, have hobbies, etc. I had a 5, 4, and baby and we had a lot of fun together. But they were already getting training at that age of how to interact with others and how to help run a household. ;-) I did things I could do at that point. I went to Bible study and church. I did cross stitch and painting. I worked on areas of our house--repainting the hallway and bathroom. But I did not spend every single day doing nothing but entertaining kids and housework. That would drive anyone nuts. LOL

Good luck and hang in there!

Hi A.,

Children are our spiritual teachers, and will reflect back to us any lack of self-compassion, and expose whatever areas in ourselves we need to develop. Young children are very intuitive and very smart, and God speaks to us through their reflection of us as parents... they are truly our mirrors... and we are here to serve their innate divinity and curiousity. They can't be forced to be a positive mirror, for if they are merely dominated rather than respectfully parented, they will rebel on some level, with many repercussions in the teens. So, it's a tremedous spiritual challenge, to be a true parent within the heart of God.

This perspective reframes things: rather than a 'hard-headed' child, we simply have an ineffectual parenting presence, personal growth issues that we need to attend to, and our child is waking us up to it. It's amazing how quickly children respond to a mother who re-institutes proper self-care, extended family support, personal development, and a father who openly respects and celebrates his that in his wife and children.

And Jesus, Gandhi... any truly great loving person you can think of was stewarded and facilitated by a mother who was nurtured her inner divinity and had a husband who supported her flourishing. NOT an isolated, housebound, socially limited mother and unimaginative father!

It sounds like your home role and your husband's view of your role, is more a slave than a creative daughter of divine! Much more about the quagmire of merely male ego-based definitions of reality rather than mature soul-based reverence for both the feminine and masculine.

Do you think the mother of Jesus was closeted away as Joseph's handmaid and chamber maid? I think not! She was a dynamic member of her neighborhood, and Jesus's later treatment of M. Magdalene reflected his childhood: the respect, love, and support Joseph gave his mother from the earliest time of their marriage.

It's not too late! Many miracles happen when a woman implements good self-care and self-compassion, and has healthy boundaries with her husband and child.

I am also a mother of a very hard headed demanding 4 yr old lilttle boy and a sahm. I know exactly how you are feeling. I am currently pregnant with our 3rd child. I recently had a breakdown and called my dr. He gave me anxiety meds that really have made a huge difference. This may not be the right choice for you but I know that alot of people are afraid of and or embarrassed to think about using these types of meds but I don't think I could survive right now. My mom told me she use to get up an hour earlier than she had to just to have some "me" time. I have tried that and our house is so small that my kids hear me and get up almost immediately after I get up. I have found that even though it deprives me of sleep, I am able to have some "me" time once or twice a week if I stay up after everyone else has gone to sleep. Do not feel as if you are alone, many of us have been there or are there now. It is okay to feel stressed and even like you want to escape it all. Being a sahm has many rewards but we often lose ourselves in the job. On top of that many people don't see us as actually having jobs and therefore do not understand our need for free time. If you can find anytime to yourself, this will also help more than you can imagine. Good luck and best wishes.

A. --

I can totally empathize with the stubborn kiddo. I put my little one in MDO last month, and it has made a big difference for me. If you can find a MDO out at church - they are usually non profit - and therefore, are much less expensive. Even for one day a week, your outlook gets so much better.

Perhaps your little one is bored. I have twin 4 year old boys and a 2 1/2 year old boy. They definitely get more mischevious when they have been cooped up inside, playing with the same toys over and over again. I would recommend joining a playgroup, going to the library, going to the park, just about anything to get out of the house. If possible, perhaps your son would benefit from being in a Mother's Day Out Program. That way he would be able to interact with other kids a few day a week. Hope this helps!

You are not alone!!! I think every mom feels this way sometimes. My friend has a great routine at home. When her kids outgrew nap time she started movie time. During the afternoon her kids have to lay down in the living room, with a pillow, in ONE spot for an entire movie. This gives her time to catch up on housework, make phone calls, or just sit in peace. This is the only tv her kids watch during the whole day so she knows they're not getting too much and it gives them a good amount of rest time. It's also the only time of day I can have a civil conversation with her on the phone! LOL

I know exactly how you feel my son is 3 1/2 he is the same way, plus so is my 16 mo old son, then my hubby, my bil and fil both live with us, so i have to clean, cook, ect. for everyone, im always so tired, just worn out. We have tried all kinds of things with him to get him to clean up his messes, nothing works. I dont really know anyone since i moved here a few yrs ago, and its such a small town everyone is set in their own "clicks" already, i cant afford to put them in a daycare, or anything, so i just stay home unless i have dr appts, have to check the mail, or pay bills. Im sorry i know this isnt an answer to your question, im sorry i dont have one, i just wanted to let ya know your not alone if ya need some one to talk to or rant to just email me, hang in there hopefully itll get better soon!!!

I've been where you are!
1. Ask your husband for a day off. If not a whole day, a half-day and just leave. Go shopping, see a movie, browse your favorite store. Just leave!
2. Read (if you haven't) James Dobson's THE STRONGWILLED CHILD. It will help you in dealing with your son. You must get that under control. All too soon he's going to be 14 instead of 4!
3. If you can afford a "Mother's Day Out" program, find one. I think you'd rather pay for that than a mental hospital, and don't laugh. Burned-out mothers do suffer breakdowns.
4. Find a woman-friend who will help you by being a sound board, a confidant, and who is wiser than you are.
5. Be willing to take advice. Get family counseling if you and your husband aren't on the same page.
I went through all these when I was overwhelmed with 3 babies in 3 years, one of which was adhd. Don't forget to take care of yourself. You are too valuable to throw away.
Love and Prayers.

Wellllllllllll.....my son is 2 and a handfull already and aside from the brother in law thingy I share your plight in life :) Outside really helps us!! no need for clean up there :) He especially loves guadalupe river state park....he can chuck stones for hours on end....Also I am learning that clean up needs to be introduced as a game....we are certainly not there, yet, beellllleeeeiiiiivvvve me! however...when you masqurade work as fun...they can buy it!
It is still majorly interacive...but eventually, I am told it becomes habit and thus requires less work on our parts. I joined the gym recently...just before the hollidays, it was working great till we were out of town and there were illlnesses etc. but he gets some interaction with others and gets to play with someone eleses toys for awhile and I work out for 1/2 hour and get a nice hot shower! yea buddy! I would really like to get him involved in a play group at some point...we moved here 6 months ago and know no one, pretty much....that would be fun for him too?!well, good luck! keep your chin up!

Dear A.,
There is a parenting class available called Growing Kids God's Way. My husband and I are preparing to facilitate one in South Grand Prairie on Sunday afternoons from 4 - 6 p.m. Begins first sunday in February. Perhaps this would be of benefit to you. I am not sure about the rules for this site but if you want to know more write to me.
Beverly

I have been there too... Sometimes you just feel you are in a rut.
Keep that Chin up. I would talk to your hubby and BIL about helping out and giving you time to at least run an errand by your self.
Another Good out is MOPS.(Mother Of Preschoolers)You get to meet other women that are going through alot of the same thing and fill your cup with Time away and reflection.
www.Mops.org. The website can help you find a group near you.