Christmas seems to have come around so fast, don't you think?

This is our first year with 2 children and it's more fun now he is older and understands the things that go with Christmas, like decorating the  tree and watching the lights on it.

We want to start some of our own family Christmas traditions so this week we will be making a tree decoration for Daddy, Mummy and self.  We will make Daddy's for him because he is at work.  The baby can maker her own when she turns 3.

I have a 3 year old and a 2 month old now and find the 3 year old is frustrating me.  He is not doing what he's asked and in the mornings he is asked if he will nap today and says yes, then come nap time at home and he refuses to nap and behaves very naughty.  And yet he will nap at day care with no problems.  Which also brings another thing we are teaching him - keeping his word and trust, these are different topics though.

He seems to know the times to pick to be naughty too, when I am busy on the phone or feeding the baby.

Is this developmental or is it because there is a new baby around?  He loves he new baby and adorns her with kisses and cuddles often.

Is there any tricks or best ways to deal with this?

We clearly state expectations and acceptable behaviour (which is consistent no matter where we are) and consequences of not behaving in that way, but this seems to be ignored.  It is very challenging to communicate with him when he seems to be ignoring the parent.

Not that long ago we had a power battle as he thought he could dominate and make things happen the way he wanted most of the time.  You know those times that they have power, when you are tired or unwell.

One of the things I have a challenge with is finding things that are not routine to use as motivation and tracked on a chart, such as treats or special outings.  What can we use that I can fit into our routine and fits with our philosophies.

I came across the link below (in the image) but haven't tried it yet.  If anyone has please let me know your thoughts.

Cheers

Zara

www.ecobubnappies.com.au

I recently had a visit from a friend I hadn't seen in very long time.  She was surprised to find that I have this business and another, a nearly 3 year old and another on the way.

She said "You seem so organised, my place is always messy and dinner is thought about an hour before it needs to be ready".

It seems that many people have a different definition or understanding of what being organised means or is.  For some it is having everything decided and planned well before it is required and for others it is about planning one day at a time, for some it is going with the flow and seeing what happens.

Magazines, books and classes all share information about the logical things to baby proof your home in preparation for the new baby.  What about all the stuff that is not logical or common knowledge, things that could be dangerous in your environment, including the air and surroundings and products you have used everyday.  Keeping your home toxin-free is an easy thing to do, and one of the most important gifts you can give to your little ones.

Here is a quick reference guide to 10 things you can do to ready your home for your new baby:

1) Prepare your baby’s room as early as possible in your pregnancy, especially if you plan to paint or buy new carpeting or furniture. You want to give new materials plenty of time to off-gas any hazardous vapors they might emit. And don’t forget—you’re pregnant! So get someone else to do the painting and stay away from those fumes.