"Kids First Mom"
The results of The Balancing Act indicate that you are a "Kids First Mom." You are the type of mom that chooses to be very involved in your children's life and development. Although you want your children to be independent, you like to have an active role in the decisions and choices your children make. You enjoy planning activities for them to do alone or for you to share. You carefully monitor their choice of TV shows, friends, and extracurricular activities. You are the type of mom that is likely to be homeroom mother, scout leader, Sunday school teacher, or PTA president. You love to be involved all aspects of your children's life, and they love all of the fun you have together! You enjoying running them from practice to practice, fixing their lunches, and being there to welcome them off the bus when they get home from school.
Your children are the most important thing in your life. You are the type of Mom that regardless of whether or not you currently work, you would probably rather be home and a homemaker. You would be happiest being at home, spending all of your time with your children and nurturing your family. You realize that staying home may have some monetary sacrifices attached, but it would be worth it to you.
However, putting your children first can have some negative consequences. If you choose not to work, you may not have the monetary means to provide your children with certain extras like sports, dancing lessons, or scouts. Also if you are the type of mom who becomes so involved in spending so much time with her children, when your child begins to be independent, you may develop the "Who am I?" syndrome. Without your children being the center of your attention, you may have to struggle to regain your identity as a person.
Children of "Kids First" Moms are often very secure and more willing to take risks because they know they have the support of their parents behind them. They often get excellent grades in school because mom is always there to help them study or get their homework done. You really enjoy knowing what they are learning at school. Best of all -- your children are proud you are there and care so much!
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There are many resources geared to Kid's First Moms who have younger children. Younger children love being with you, and doing things with you. Children as young as 20 months can "help" pick up toys, clean cabinets, etc. Simple, educational, and fun activities are plentiful on both the Internet, and in bookstores. Other ideas include: libraries, museums, etc., that often have "story times" providing interaction for your child with other children, and also some adult interaction for you. Once your child reaches 2, there are many "Mother's Day-Out" programs that for one-three days a week for several hours, provide both interaction with other children, and a break for you.
Pre-Schoolers are also interested in being with you. As their world expands, so can the activities that you enjoy together. They can be of even more help to you around the house, Children as young as 4 can make up a bed, help with vacuuming the house, etc. There are also online activities and educational software available from approximately 3 and up. Preschoolers love crafts of all kinds, "making things", etc. Again, libraries, museums, etc., offer many programs geared to pre-schooler age, and are a great source of education and interaction with others.
Early school-aged children, while not at home with you all day any longer, also need your help and support. The habits you help them establish in their early school years will be appreciated throughout all their school years. This age child needs structure. Many kids find a well-established routine after school helpful to them. During summer months, a routine of a different nature is usually necessary and helps to ensure a "happier" summer.
These books were selected for your particular type and for excellent resources in general to help you be a better Mom. You can order them online through Online Psych and Amazon.com with complete security. Click on the title for more information (and often reviews of the book):
All Mothers Work: A Guilt Free Guide for the Stay at Home Mom, by Cindy Ramming
20 Teachable Virtues: Practical Ways to Pass on Lessons of Virtue and Character to Your Children, by Barbara C. Unell, Jerry L. Wyckoff
1001 Things to Do With Your Kids,by Caryl Waller Krueger
1001 More Things to Do With Your Kids, by Caryl Waller Krueger
Parenting A to Z : A Guide to Everything from Conception to College, by Irene M. Franck, David M. Brownstone
Parenting With Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility, by Jim Fay, Foster W.
Parenting For Dummies-- the manual that we all wish our kids would have come with!, by Sandra Harding Gookin
Mom! He Hit Me: What to Do About Sibling Rivalry, by Elaine K. McEwan
Solving School Problems: Kindergarten Through Middle School by Elaine K. McEwan