[boys with circumscribed interests, principally screen-based...]

Ok, after the 13-pound baby thread, I didn't read circumscribed right..... :lol:

 

Phew, glad I'm not the only one that wondered what circumcision had to do with screen time! :D

[Anyone missing the toddler days?]

I was just thinking the other day how much I enjoy the ages my kids are now. I do enjoy watching videos of them at the adorable toddler stage, but it was so. Much. Work.

 

My advice, take lots of videos and keep your sense of humor. This too shall pass.

[If your kids went from HS'ing to PS]

I found out that the middle school, where DS13 and DD will go, will do math and writing tests. I am waiting to enroll them until I get their standardized test results back and until they get physicals, which will happen in the next few weeks. I also decided to wait because things are crazy at the school right now as they do end of the year stuff. Graduation is next week. There is an orientation day in August where they will do testing and meet with counselors.

 

I don't know what will happen with DS9, but we are going to request a meeting with the principal just to let them know that he's already had testing with the school and he has some difficulty in certain areas. DH doesn't seem concerned about them giving us trouble with holding him back. I hope he's right.

[How quick did you finish TT?]

I mapped it out to last a whole year and it lasted from Sept to mid-April. We followed the PS schedule, so there were breaks in there.

[If you could go anywhere in the US for your anniversary where would it be?]

San Diego.

[Is this even possible???]

I remember my brother grew 6 inches in one summer. My mother swears he would literally grow overnight.

[Settle something between dd and i please]

If you can, I would take her in to a salon that knows what they're doing with AA hair. Take their advice on how to care for it. If that is not doable, go in to a Sally Beauty Supply if you have one in your area and ask them. Get specific shampoo and conditioner for her hair. It will be reasonably priced there and if only she uses it, it will last a long time.

 

I have very tight, curly hair (though I am caucasian) and if I put too much leave in conditioner in, my hair feels gross. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. ;)

[Can we discuss contact lenses?]

Yes! There are many different kinds. Discuss your concerns with your Dr. and she should be able to help you. Mine lets me try out different ones before ordering them.

[What are your favorite literary "places"?]

Wild Cat Island in Swallows and Amazons.

[Non-Alcoholic beer and teenagers]

It is my understanding that NA beer does have a tiny bit of alcohol. You'd probably need several to equal one regular beer, but just thought I'd throw it out there.

 

I would not allow my teen to have NA beer. Beer is something for adults. It's just how it is. My DS could easily sit around with his dad and uncles and chat without having a beer.

[Is anyone else getting texts from strangers acting like they MAY know you?]

I can block numbers thru Sprint, no charge. I'd call your carrier and ask.

[I did it!!! Remember that elephant's penis I talked so much about?!]

Great job!!

[Do you consider coffee unhealthy for a 14yo?]

I wouldn't have a problem with my teen drinking a cup a day. But if my DH did, he wouldn't be allowed to drink it. FWIW, it goes both ways in our family - if DH thought it was ok and I didn't, DS wouldn't be allowed to do it.

[A little stressed getting 5 dc ready for school this fall.]

Renee - Thanks for answering. That makes sense, I guess. I don't really agree with it either. I have a different philosophy of early learning. I really think there is a developmental component that gets pushed aside. After teaching 3 very different kids to read, it seems clear to me that some kids just aren't ready in K. They can be taught phonics and blending, and so on, but it will take longer to "click". And I think that's ok. I've had experiences with teachers that agreed with me and those that did not.

 

My kids were in private school, then brought home, and now they will be going to PS next year. I understand the transition is difficult. Good luck with everything, including your CPA exam!

[A little stressed getting 5 dc ready for school this fall.]

Sincere question here, I'm not being snarky at all--I'm not understanding how being in a wealthy district translates to kids reading earlier. Several posters have commented that this is the case. I just can't figure it out. What does socioeconomic status have to do with developmental readiness in a child?

[Funny conversation with DD 16]

My kids have had bologna a few times but it's not their favorite. I'm wondering what kind of bologna you've had to think a skunk smells like it! :ack2:

[Why the negativity about tattoos?]

:D Maybe etch the sleeves in bean dip and kilt print?

 

:D

 

It needs to be cut such that my shoulder tat shows.

[Why the negativity about tattoos?]

Wow. I had no idea this was such a hot topic. I need a t-shirt that says:

 

I have tattoos

I wear perfume

I like crock pots

Shoes are okay inside

 

 

Susan

 

On the back it says: I don't return my cart to the corral.

[Reader recommendations, grade 2-3 level]

Henry and Mudge, Cam Jansen, Magic Tree House.

[How do you hold teens accountable for screen time?]

Mom? I think given her context (homeschooled, in country, an "only"), her age (teen and getting away from childhood) you need to give her some space.

 

I would not put a screen limit on a child who is not prone to screen addiction, who is completing their work, who is respectful, and who has interests in addition to screens.

 

I think trying to monitor her at a higher level would introduce more disconnect and frustration than it would offer in terms of good parenting.

 

:iagree:

 

We have no limits on screen time for DS13 for the above reasons.

[Do your kids share bedrooms?]

Right now we have 4 bedrooms so the kids each have their own rooms. We have lived in 3 bedrooms before, where the boys shared a room. I think that's pretty common and your kids will be just fine.

[Today is a big day in NH!!!!!]

Have fun! I'm on the seacoast! :001_smile:

[Can I get some input on my planned menu for a graduation open house?]

How about veggie lasagna?

[Can I get some input on my planned menu for a graduation open house?]

I second the chili and I'd do the rolls, too.

[What is considered a "good" (or "bad") standardized test score?]

Just out of curiosity, what happens if they don't?? Are they legally ordered to go to public school?

 

The homeschooling program is put on probation and if sufficient progress is not made after one year, they may not be allowed to continue. There would probably be a hearing. I'm not really sure beyond that. Thankfully, I've never had to worry about it.