Hand Holding...She Said

Daniel's blog about hand holding was to give others a clear answer to what he does and to make that definition clear enough for others to follow. Today it occurred to me that I should really do the same since my work affects other people. And more importantly, what is instinct for me -- is really not for him. So here goes...

When you are caring for the kids you cannot ignore them. You can't sit with your back to them, front to the computer and expect that they will not get into things. If you would rather sit at the computer -- then you have to be willing to deal with the ensuing mess, chaos, etc. If you want to sit at the computer try a "Daddy's helper" approach. Give the kids small jobs. At the completion of each they must report to you. You will both get a lot more done this way and although you will have to deal with frequent interruptions -- you will also have less to clean up.

If it is mealtime, feed the children. Do not wait for me to come home because you are worried about "ruining my plans." My plan is always for the children to be fed. Just feed them. Popcorn for dinner? Okay. Just toss in some fruit and milk and you're almost to healthy. Chocolate cake for breakfast? Just see if you can get a banana in there too. I'm not that picky -- just feed them! If the kids look like they could use a bath -- or you are not sure what to do with them, bathing them is always a great idea. It gives them something to do and relaxes them (and you.) Do not leave a toddler to bathe herself -- PLEASE. If you simply can't be on hand, get her older sisters in there with her. Do not leave her alone. If she doesn't drown, she'll baptize the bathroom, and you really don't need to clean up that mess. And it will "ruin my plans" if you leave it for me to clean up.

When the baby wakes up from a nap you have to change her. It doesn't really matter that you changed her before you laid her down. She is wet again and she has soft, delicate skin and she needs a clean diaper. If you don't change her she'll 1) stink, 2) run a higher risk of blow-out, 3) get a rash, and 4) tell her mother -- who will be unhappy about it. The upside of all this is that her older sisters are all really helpful with this task. Solicit their help -- you won't be disappointed.

Videos and kids' shows are great -- but try to limit them. If you put the kids in front of them too often, they will lose interest and walk away. Use this as your ace in the hole. If you are really at a loss for entertaining them and you are losing your patience -- take a handful of pennies and nickels. Walk the kids out into the backyard. Throw the coins into the air. Tell them to find them. When they have found all they can find, walk to Carvel. I'll be home soon.