Welcome to July’s Q&A episode! Today I dive right in with some excellent questions about whether to allow “sexy” dolls like L.O.L Surprise Dolls in imaginary play, being aware of which franchises and marketing campaigns your children are exposed to, and how to encourage your child to play independently. I break down the relatively recent phenomenon of children expecting their parents to play with them and keep them entertained all day, and what you can do about it, even if you have an only child. Boredom is the basis for creativity, and it’s okay to establish boundaries for time together versus adult time for you. I share the two simple, but powerful words you can use to stop a rude or sassy attitude in its tracks, and what to do if your child is “acting out” in physical ways but not necessarily melting down. 
Finally, as we slowly return to our busy lives after the pandemic, remember that work, relationships, and parenting demands can drain our energy resources quickly. I offer my perspective on why it’s so important to rest, slow down, and pay attention to what activities feel restorative to you and your soul (reading, limiting social media, going for a walk in the woods) in this sometimes draining season of life.
Thank you for your listening, and I appreciate your patronage more than I can say. For more information on my potty training and parenting resources, please visit the links below.
 
The Finer Details of This Episode:

Reminder to do strength training as it helps your body to heal itself

Question about L.O.L Dolls, and whether to allow “sexy dolls” in imaginary play

Make a conscious choice about which franchises and marketing campaigns your children are exposed to

Watch your child’s play for any signs of inappropriate behavior, and keep in mind that most of the time, these types of toys or images are not sexualized for the child

When you absolutely do not allow a certain toy or word, it may just make it all the more desirable 

Sitcom zingers and one-liner jokes may seem innocuous, but they can be hurtful or create huge attitudes in real life

Kids are normally meant to play with other kids, and it isn’t our job to make sure they are entertained and occupied all day

Make it very clear that there will be time when you play together, and time when they can do things by themselves

Having “Reading Time” together is also a great way to not only encourage reading, but also for them to learn how to be with you without expecting to be entertained the entire time

Boredom is the basis for creativity

When your child is being rude or sassy, you do not need to point it out - simply ask them to try again


When they are acting out, you don’t want to give in or engage in negotiation - instead, acknowledge how they’re feeling, give them the emotional vocabulary to explain why they’re upset, but maintain that they still do the thing you asked them to do and thank them for it

They may be acting out because they don’t have the language to express how they feel, or they are afraid you may get mad at them if they do voice their feelings

Work, relationships, and parenting can drain your energy resources quickly

It’s very important to rest, slow down, and pay attention to what activities feel restorative to you and your soul in this sometimes draining season of life

 
Links:
Jamie’s Homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/
Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU
Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - 
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738
Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki?