[How much screen time do your kids get?]

My kids watch a movie on the weekend and we will watch a show together maybe once a week. Otherwise the tv is tuned to the classical musical station. They play on the computer, maybe an hour or so a night. My son loves mystery type games and my daughters love webkins. They go in spurts for video games - the Wii was a big hit this summer when it was too hot to go outside. I would limit video games to 30 minutes a day and they can not bank minutes (my son's idea). I don't really watch tv much either so it is a natural fit for our family.

[DH wants to enroll DD in school right now...]

If you have the money for a private school - consider using some of that money to reduce your stress in other ways. Hire a house cleaner, enroll your daughter in some fun programs that inspire her, take a yoga class (for you), hire a tutor twice a week. My nine year old daughter acts the same way ALOT. My husband has said the same thing - worried about our relationship, I have said to him - if she is gone all day dealing with hormones and girl stress, we will only get the leftovers. Pray about it.

 

Also has your daughter read any of the American Girl books on growing up. I have also seen some books on Christain Book.com about daughters and mothers written for the daughter to read.

 

Good luck and keep us updated.

 

Linda

[New update doctor report...]

Good luck. I will pray for you. I had surgery (nothing scary) with a long recovery - 6 weeks in a wheelchair. My kids grew up (in a good way) fast. I am proud to say that they can all do laundry - even the 6 year old! I started reading Pollyanna aloud to the kiddos and am trying to adopt her game of finding the best out of every situation.

 

Best of luck!

[Need advice on how to entertain a 9 year old boy on a 11 hour plan ride.]

A deck of cards and you can play a ton of different games. We let the kids listen to our Ipods, you can download books and even audio tours of a place you may visit.

[Plantar fasciitus... life after diagnosis?]

I tore a tendon in my right foot back in April and have gone through all (physical therapy, drug therapy, a cast, etc..) only to end up with surgery. I am unable to drive or walk for 8 weeks. The good news is that my kids have learned to laundry, clean the house, walk the dog, and cook. Sometimes it take an injury to keep a good woman down. Take this time to rest and let others pitch in and do more. Good Luck! Linda

[practicing an instrument]

Our teacher wants the kids to practice each new song five times a day and three old ones. This takes about 15 - 20 minutes.