I love Supernanny. I’ve seen countless episodes. Different families with different problems, except one…bedtime. I cant remember the last time Jo (that’s supernanny) did not have to deal with a problem at bedtime.  I hear so many parents saying “I wish my kids would go to bed early.”  Um, you ARE the parent, right?  I just shake my head and think of how great my kids are at bedtime, and ALWAYS have been.

Ok, Ok, I just choked on my own laugh with that last comment.  I used to DREAD bedtime, because it was such a stressful and LONG process.  But now, my kids get 11-12 hours of sleep and I am a happy mom, EVEN at 6:30am.  Bedtime for your kids is not only healthy for them, its also Healthy for mom.  This did not happen overnight, mainly because I wavered a little from the rules.  I learned VERY quickly that you have to follow the rules EXACTLY.

What ARE the rules you ask?  I would like to tell you I thought these up on my own and here is my patent number, but, I didn’t.  I stole the rules right from Supernanny.  I did not even ask permission I just did it and now I will pass them on to you.  Ready?  Here they are…TaDa

• Follow a CALMING bedtime routine.
• Before he gets into bed make sure he has no reason to get up.  (He has gone to the bathroom, had a little water and after all of this, make sure you make it clear that you now expect him to stay in bed)

NOW, the following are the rules within the rules.  Basically what to do after all this and he makes his 1st to 21st (or whatever) attempt at getting out of bed.

• The first time he gets up, remind him it is bedtime, lead him back to bed and give him a kiss and a cuddle and leave the bedroom.
• The second time do the same but use a firmer voice and make the kiss and cuddle brief.
• The third time and any times after say nothing as you lead him back to his bed, tuck him in and leave the room.

The last one is where I wavered, and it is really the most important to stick to.  I have also seen variations of this technique on the show.  She will sometimes have the parent do all the following but instead of leave the room, she will have them step away from the bed, sit down with your head down.  This is to provide the child with some comfort.  She has the parent wait until the child is asleep to leave.

Following these rules does not give you INSTANT results.  It took me a full week of hour long (or more) trials before it actually worked.  It was exhausting, but 100% worth it.  I have so much more ME time because of it.  I can share with you my “calming ” routine that seems to work.

Because of my schedule, I am unable to get the kids to bed at the same time EVERY night.  But, because I have stuck to my guns in the past, I have gained enough respect that when I tell my kids that they have 15 more minutes until we get ready for bed (no matter WHAT time it is) they don’t argue

• Easy on up on the sugary treats before bed (actually ALL day if you can)
• Clean up time!  They have to put ALL their toys away.
• They get to watch TV for a short time.
• I tell them they have 15 more minutes till bathtime.
• It’s bathtime…scrub scrub..dub dub.
• Teeth brushed, go to potty.
• They each pick a book for me to read.
• They go to their separate rooms.
• I sit with each one and let them tell me about their day.
• kisses, hugs and tucked in…

TADA…  Again, this is altered here and there.  Sometimes I help them pick up toys, sometimes I only read ONE book AND sometimes I’m not able to give them a bath that night.  It really all comes down to getting your kids to respect you and trust you enough that if you do have to alter the “program” they are able to flow with it with you.  Kids do need discipline and structure…actually, they LOVE it, and will respect you more for it.

You may think this just seems like an awful lot, but just think about all that time you take just trying to get your kids to bed.  You should also check out super nannys website.

My Twin boys will be 4 in less than a month. It is inevitable that they will ask. They will ask the question that haunts me. They will ask about their father.

I have made poor choices in my life, and I have finally gotten to a point where I have stopped making excuses. I am finally owning up to them.  Sometimes I wonder when Jerry Springer is going to call and ask me to be on the show.  No, my kids father is not my cousin.  Bottom line, I’m not perfect.  My life, at times, can be a bit chaotic to say the least.  I try everyday to make sense out of this chaos.  I’m growing.  I’m learning.

To be as brief as possible…I am a single mother. The children’s father lives on the east coast.  He changed all contact information when I was 9 months pregnant and had moved back home to Indiana.  It took the courts 3 years to find him and issue child support.  He has made it perfectly clear that he wants NOTHING to do with MY children.  Basically, I wanted them, I can raise them.  He has no idea what they look like and doesn’t want to know.  As harsh as this may sound, maybe it’s the best thing he could have said.  He really couldn’t have said it any clearer and made me understand any better.

But, well, now what?  How am I supposed to explain this to my children?  Is there a right answer?  I suppose maybe…a little.  The right answer would be any that doesn’t make my children feel like they have done anything wrong.  There are times when I think, “couldn’t I just tell them he is dead”…I know STUPID STUPID idea, but, I really cant help some of the thoughts that enter into this head of mine.

They WILL ask.  It’s in our nature to want to know where we come from. I’ve read that you should keep it simple and honest.  This makes sense.  I get that.  You almost have to try and figure out a way to get into that four year old head “hmm, if I were four years old what answer would satisfy me, what answer would make me feel the least crummy?”

The truth is, it’s okay to not know the answer.  It’s okay to throw your hands in the air and say I DON’T KNOW.  It doesn’t make you a bad mother.  I have googled the holy heck out of this topic because I needed advice.  I admitted that I didn’t know what to say about my children’s absent father.  What it comes down to, and what I mentioned earlier is keep it brief, honest and simple.  “Aidan, Dylan, your fathers name is (whatever).  He lives far away and is unable to see you.”  Something like that, maybe.  What can I say, I’m still working on it.

The key is to not be unkind and say negative and hurtful things about this man.  As much as we may hate it, our kids are genetically connected to this man.  Never let them hear you bash their father.  Save this for your journal.

I’m not so much writing this to give advice.  Im writing this because maybe there is someone out there that needs to know they are not alone.  Don’t beat yourself up.  Surround your children with love and good role models.  Keep your head up, you’ll get through this.  WE will get through this, together.

Being a parent is hard.  Being a SINGLE parent is hard.  It gets overwhelming.  Our own needs and feelings get put on the back burner and before we know it we completely and absolutely lose ourself.  I’ve battled with depression and mood disorders since high school.  I’m 30 years old.  Honestly, you name a drug, I’ve probably been prescribed it.  At one point I was on an Anti-psychotic, anti-depressent, AND anti-anxiety drug.  The doctors and therapist I would see were HORRIBLE. They really just confused me more.  The drugs made me feel so emotionless.  I am not against drugs to help someone.  I was a mess those first months after giving birth to twin boys…alone and a mess, and drugs helped me.

They helped me refrain from curling up in the fetal position and crying myself to death.  For the next four years I saw therapist and took the drugs.  The really hard part was losing my creativity.  The drugs numbed me from that. I had really become accustomed to the numbing, though. I had been doing it for years with alcohol and drugs – granted this was BEFORE becoming a mom.  I became a bit obsessed with that numbness.  Until, I just had enough.

Two months ago I stopped taking my medication.  I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS. DOCTORS DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS.  Okay, now that I have said that.  I feel great.  I feel happy and great.  Honestly though, it hasn’t been an easy 2 months for me.  But, you know what the doctors never really talked to me about, getting off the drugs.  They never talked to me about taking better care of myself either.

This was really a gradual thing. I knew I wanted to stop taking them.  I didn’t just wake up two months ago and quit.  I started the process long before that.  It really started two YEARS ago when I started going to church.  I’ve never been much of a preacher, so I won’t start now.  I will tell you this, my spirituality has been a wonderful healer.  I believe very strongly that God is real and he has helped me.  I won’t go any further with this, but it was the beginning for me getting out of my depression.  I’ll share with you some more of my “wisdom”

• QUIT SMOKING AND DRINKING  these are both drugs, and they DO affect your mood.  I no longer use alcohol as a stress reliever.  I also stopped using it as a reward.  “I deserve this drink after the week I had,”  I used to say that ALL the time.  Who hasn’t? I really do believe this has been very beneficial.  Smoking has been pretty hard too.  Its been awhile since I have smoked.  I feel soo much better.  I can Actually BREATHE.
• PRAY I know havent I already been through this?  Yes, I have, but you wouldnt believe the weight that is lifted off my shoulders after I “hand-off” my worries for the evening.  You can pray about anything.  Just release your fears.  Spirituality is really important.  Find what works for you.  Try meditating.  Repeat one feel good phrase over and over again in relaxed position.  “I am a good person” or “I am beautiful”  It may sound silly, but do it when you have those few minutes before bed to yourself.  Just try it.
• EXERCISE  this has been the most powerful drug, yet.  I try to run at least 5 times a week.  How do you I find the time you ask?  I MAKE the time.  I try and take my kids to grandmas a little earlier before work.  Sometimes Im able to just fit in 20 minutes of running.  Its worth it.  I have never felt better.  Honestly.  Now, both of my kids start pre-school and I will take FULL advantage of that time.  Housework can wait.  Get outside and breath some fresh air.
• GET OUTSIDE sunlight is so good for you.  You have to have it.  It may seem impossible sometimes to get out of that bed, but PUSH yourself.  Eat a snack outside with your kiddos for 20 minutes.  Nothing special, crackers, cheese and apples.
• EAT HEALTHY Ha, this I’m still working on.  I do stay away from greasy food.  I can really tell how much it weighs me down.  My weakness is bacon, but I usually try to pair it with an apple.  Um, is that bad?  Oh, and chocolate.  SO, I do have my downfalls, but I make a conscious effort to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables…and I pass that on to my kids.  They don’t need to know about my chocolate stash in my sock drawer, now do they?
• CUT BACK ON CAFFEINE this is another one that has been really hard for me.  I am actually in the process of trying something called Yerba Mate.  Its supposed to have the same benefits as Green tea, but can be found in “coffee ground” form.  So I will soon be giving that a whirl.
• KEEP A JOURNAL  just something you can keep your thoughts and emotions in…make it your own.  It took me awhile and I’m still not  100% consistent, but I have kept a journal for the past 10 years..I have books and books of my own thoughts.  It helps just to write out your frustrations, joys..etc

I know that everyone is different.  These are things that have helped me so far.  My journey is still new, and my course is constantly changing.  I really feel that adopting and keeping a healthy lifestyle is key.  Surround yourself with upbeat and positive people.  Don’t lose yourself, take care of yourself.

Grocery shopping and dinner can be very daunting at times. Is it because my kids are picky or they like to stick more things up their nose than in their mouth? Hmmm, not really. My twin boys are allergic to eggs and peanuts.  I never realized how bad it was or how serious I needed to take it until each one of my boys had to be rushed to the hospital two separate occasions, one child had to stay overnight.

This is when I got into serious mommy mode.  Take it from me, this is NOT something you want to mess with.  This is one issue you take time out to address no matter how busy you are.  This can be a life or death situation.  I’m not trying to scare you, I’m just trying to educate you.

First of all, this isn’t the end of the world for the kids.  There are a zillion foods that kids can eat.  There are many cookbooks and recipes out there that can cater to the allergy needs of your children.  I’ve made the most delicious chocolate chip cookies, cheesecakes, pancakes..all without the use of eggs.

Here are some steps I took to address my kids allergies and keep them safe.

• Consult a Doctor - If you suspect that your child may have an allergy to something consult his or her doctor.  This doctor will most likely refer you to a specialist that can pin point these concerns.  Keep notes on the foods that your children react to and be specific about the symptoms, this will help the doctor determine the right steps.
• READ LABELS – I honestly never really read what was in the foods I ate.  That is why Iwas VERY surprised to know that egg whites were in my vanilla ice cream I like so much.  The first few times you go grocery shopping you should do it alone.  Give yourself time to read the labels of EVERYTHING you are buying.  The FDA makes it easy. Food products are required by law to point out the trigger allergy ingredients in their products, either by highlighting or seperating at the end.  I won’t even buy products that are PROCESSED in a factory containing eggs or peanuts, it’s just too risky.
• Pass the word – Make sure that anyone and everyone that is involved in your child’s life knows of this allergy -  teachers, babysitters, friends and their parents, the cafeteria workers at your child’s school.    Also make sure they know what to do in case of a reaction.
• Action Plan – Make sure YOU know what to do incase of a reaction.  Carry the epi Pen with you at all times. Be sure you know how to use it correctly.
• Eating Out - Eating out doesnt have to be a nightmare.  Try calling ahead and talking to the chef or manager, ask them about their menu and tell them about your child’s allergies.  Make sure they are able to cater to your child’s needs.  If you can’t call ahead, ask a manager when you sit.  Ask a manager or chef. FYI, I once asked our server if the chicken fingers had egg in them. She said no, but once they were delivered I could tell by the batter that my kids could not eat them.  Also, talk about cross contamination. Make sure that your child’s food is not prepared with the foods they are allergic to.
• Be creative -  The one good thing about all this is that I make a lot more from scratch.  That way I know every single thing that goes into the foods.  My kids eat a lot healthier too.   Also, always have alternative snacks when your kids have play dates, preschool, etc in case the snacks served aren’t friendly for your kids.

Alright, so, I’m not proud of this, but the other day we were rushing through the store and my son  picked up a candy bar and said does this have eggs in it…and, well, in order to avoid a melt down I said “yes.” He put back the candy bar.  Hey, I don’t always do the right thing, and I’ll probably do the wrong thing again. Case closed.

The past couple days haven’t really been that smooth. I got in a fender bender … fully my fault. While making dinner yesterday, I sliced my finger on my newly sharpened knife…to the bone, I might add. The roast ended up being tough, the blueberry pie concoction turned into soup.

I can’t get my son Dylan to eat.  Tonight, it has taken me 1.5 hours to get my kids asleep. I did everything I usually do – bath, brush teeth, read book…but something about the universe isnt right. OHM, “I curse you Universe”…So, here I am on my blog thinking “I’M supposed to give YOU advice?!”

Then, I take a deep breath and realize I DO tend to be a bit overdramatic … sometimes I even think I missed my calling as an actress.  Honestly, i have a higher percentage of good days versus bad.  Blogging about all this though, has made me think of those good days…it usually involves a mini-adventure created by yours truly.

I’m always trying to come up with quirky things to do with my kids.  Here are some fairly inexpensive adventures.

• Drive-in movie theaters -  This site gives you locations and prices for theaters in Indiana.  This seems cheaper than trying to go to the INDOOR theaters anymore … bring your own snacks, wear pajamas, shoes optional…
• Museums -  I like to take my kids to Peru, IN to the Grissom Air Museum.  They love planes and it’s free for them to get in and $3.50 for adults.  There are picnic tables so pack a lunch.  LaPorte indiana has a train museum that is free admission. It is called the Hesston Steam Museum.  The Indianapolis Childrens Museum is free on certain holidays (be prepared for it to be crowded..Trust me, I took the kids on Presidents Day!)
• Take advantage of the many parks in Indiana. Missinewa is a great place to take kids.  It has a beach, places to grill, trails, country store.  It is only $4 on the weekdays and $5 on weekends for each vehicle.  Pack a cooler and make a day of it. Dont forget the sunscreen.  Take advantage of the In.gov site to  find out all the great parks in Indiana.  It doesnt even have to be a fancy park.  For small children, taking them to a new swing set on the other side of town can be good enough.
• Festivals - most festivals offer free entertainment and free admission.  Take advantage of this.
• Do something cooky. Plan a trip to see the Biggest Ball of Paint in Alexandria, IN.  Get your picture taken with this giant ball of paint.
• Make use of your Public Library.  I’m not just saying this because I work in one either.  Most libraries have programs that caetor to small children.

Sometimes, even the price of gas can be daunting.  So, don’t leave the house!

• Picnic outside. For some reason my kids eat better when I tell them we are eating outside.  My kids are 4, you can basically turn ANYTHING into an adventure.
• Movie night. Pick one of your old time Disney favorites and watch it with the kids.  Make popcorn, cuddle and enjoy the time together.
• Cook together. I LOVE to cook.  So, sometimes we make homemade pizzas, bread and all.  The kids LOVE to pick out their toppings and watch it come together in the oven.

I remember that first ultrasound. What a sight i must have been, walking into that room, alone, but as confident and cool as ever. After a few minutes, the technician pauses and says “congratulations, you are having twins.”

WHAT?! Um, no, please check again. I think I cried a millisecond after she said that, and rambled and babbled. What was I going to do? How was I going to do this on my own? There was NO WAY I could do this, right? Things don’t always go as we plan.

Fast forward 4 years and I am the proud parent of twin boys. I did it. Not only have I managed to raise these boys to FOUR years old, I am slowly learning to raise one of them with special needs. It’s not easy, nothing is, but I would not trade my boys, even on their worst days, for anything else in the world.

My son Aidan has an unknown disease. This disease prevents him from walking, has some developmental delays, and we deal with some minor breathing problems. None of this has stopped me from feeling blessed and grateful about my life. I really believe my sons and I are soul mates.
How do I do it?

I reach out for help. I am not too proud to know that I can’t do this on my own.  I was VERY fortunate to have a lot of angels come my way.  Make these people a part of your network.  Being grateful, thankful and kind will keep these people in your life a very long time.

I take better care of myself as a mother…I used to be a smoker, drinker, unhealthy eater, never exercised…you know, basic mother of the year…I’m changing, and I feel better than ever. (BTW I did take good care of myself WHILE pregnant)

I ask questions. I was in the Doctor’s office the other day and I KNOW my doctor was trying to explain to me in the SIMPLEST of  terms, but I still did not get it.  I did not leave that office until I did.

Find a support group. This is really something I have not done, and it IS on my to do list.  I find a lot of support through my church and friends.  Since my son does have an UNKNOWN disease, it’s hard to find a specific one that can relate to our situation.  I know, excuses will get me nowhere.  I am on it!

Take advantage of resources. My son has speech, physical and occupational therapy once a week.  I RARELY miss an appointment.  These people are wonderful educational resources.  This is what they do for a living, use them.

Keep things normal. What I mean by this, basically my twin boys have the same bed times, same rules, same discipline.  We have routines.  We read books.  We go to the park.  Keeping certain parts of our lives “normal” has really worked for me.

I honestly feel we are never given more than we can handle.  My kids were given a bath, I read them 3 books, put them to bed and asked each of them to tell me about their day.  Aidan told me he “went to the city, climbed a ladder, saved a dog on a roof.”  Hmmm, How was my day you ask?…I just completed another day of raising twin boys…all in a day’s work.

Four years ago when my children were just fetuses in my belly, I witnessed every temper tantrum thrown by toddlers.  They usually occurred right in the middle of stores, kids on the ground stomping their feet, screaming like wild banshies.  The mothers were usually helpless and gave into these wild children.  I bet you at one point thought or said these words “My child will NEVER be like that.” or “I would NEVER give into that.”

Fast forward three years, I am in a store and I witness a child meltdown.  Only this time, I don’t roll my eyes or say that “my children would NEVER do that.”  I actually have sympathy for this mother.  Why, you ask? Well, because I AM THE MOTHER.  Yep, it happened.  The very idea of handing my out of control child WHATEVER he wanted didn’t seem all that wrong, if only to make it all go away.

Rewarding my childs temper tantrum didn’t seem so bad after all.  The very thing that had us shocked and appalled not so long ago now makes perfect sense.  Alright, alright, we know that realistically this is NOT the best way to handle the situation.  I’ve done it, yep.  Bought them both a DVD  just to make it ALL go away…um, does it matter that I ended up taking them back?  NOPE, not to the kids…I only taught them that throwing a temper tantrum means a reward.

Just so you know, i no longer do this.  NO, i dont keep them locked in the basement away from the public eye.  NO, they didnt completely quit throwing fits.  It is something that just happens, and usually it’s just bad timing on my part.  To help, I watched a lot of Nanny 911 and read a lot of blogs from other mothers and found what works for me and my kiddos.  Remember, this is just what works for ME.

• PREVENTION - Make sure your child is not tired or hungry when doing an errand.  Even I’ve probably been known to throw a tantrum or two when I’m tired and hungry.  I understand that sometimes this isn’t possible, just be prepared for a meltdown
• DONT LOSE COOL remain calm.  Try to NOT focus on the people around you and their response.  Stay in control.  If YOU, the adult, the parent, loses their cool…the situation is in deep trouble.
• QUICK DISTRACTION if possible. Try and distract them when you can feel it coming…WOW, DID YOU SEE THAT?!
• REMOVE CHILD from public eye.  Take the child outside on a bench or better yet to the car, buckle them in and let them calm down.  I understand that if you are in the middle of checking out with a cart load of groceries, maybe this is not possible.  Most likely the cashier will be moving a little quicker for you.
• DO NOT GIVE IN Never, never give in, because the child will think that his behavior warrants a reward…IT DOESN’T
• TALK once your child calms down. Let them know the behavior was not appropriate…have a real talk with them.

These are just a few things I’ve picked up from other parents, talk show hosts and tv shows.  This may not work for you.  All situations are different and require a much analyzed approach.  I wish you luck in your next child tantrum experience.

My intentions for my first bloggity blog were to write about  Budgeting for Single Parents. Well, seeing that my bank just called and said i was “x” amount of dollars overdrawn, I think we’ll work on that another day.  Hey, it happens, and YES I am frustrated.  Here is the thing though, after 3+ years, I am FINALLY off assistance.

Needless to say things are tight, hectic and I mess up here and there. I’ve learned to give myself some slack.   But, overall, I’m doing it…we’re doing it.  The real kicker is that I’m happier, calmer and broker (more broke) than I have been for ages.  Sane?  Now that is another story.  Basically I feel it’s overrated.  I will, however, lend to you some advice on keeping a quasi-sane life.

Tips on Staying Sane:

• Bedtime, EARLY, kids not you…it took me about a week of sleepless nights to get my kids to realize I meant business…but I stuck to my guns and don’t regret it at all!!! Now I rarely, if at all, get any arguments when I say bedtime.  (Keep in mind, this usually means getting up early in the morning, but it is completely worth it!)
• Establish a Routine – This sometimes is not an easy task, especially if your schedule is as hectic as mine.   BUT, bedtime means we have the same routine everynight, brush teeth, each one of my two sons picks a book that I read to them, they each tell me about their day, tucked in, kisses, prayer and gooooodnight.  I rarely, if ever, stray from that ROUTINE.
• Network with other single moms -  These ladies get it. They know what you are going through.  This has been very valuable to me for a number of reasons, and not just because you just gained a free babysitter…(of course you reciprocate the gesture)
• Accept Help - Never be too proud to accept help if you need it.  In the end you will be better fit (mentally, physically AND emotionally) to care for your children.  If you need assistance, get it, that is why it’s there.  Yes, I’m talking welfare.  You wont be on it for ever. Think about the writer for Harry Potter, yep, she was on welfare.
• Separate Need from Want - Be a good example to your children.  De-value material possessions.  Start this early.  It may be rare, but if you ever have “extra” money…spend it on “adventures” not “things”…the kids really will be much happier, take my word for it!
• DONT GET CABLE. – I’m telling you DON’T do it.  Turn the TV off.  Put that money aside for something else.  My kids will rarely see me watching tv. I either have a book in my hand or I’m writing.  Teach the kids to play.  Nix the word “bored” outta their vocabulary.  It does not exist.
• Find a good church.  And go. – I never considered myself a religious person..nope NEVER.  But this has been such a saving grace.  I actually love going to church.  It is an amazing support system, and and unbelievable comfort.  Spirituality is so important to me AND my kids.  When you think you have no one…you have God.  That’s all I’m going to say about that… done.

Well, as an introduction blog, I think that should do it.  I wouldn’t want to overwhelm you or myself.

Remember, Sanity…IS overrated.