Hello MOPS Friends,
We were a small but mighty group on May 2nd, and with only ONE MEETING remaining, we hope you all will come and celebrate our wonderful time together next Thursday, May 9th.
Judy’s Devotional:
“How many of you would describe yourself as “chill” or calm?”
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NO HANDS are raised
Psalms 29:11The Lord gives strength to his people;
The Lord blesses his people with
Peace.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with life, children, etc.
If yes, you are NOT ALONE. These things can exhaust you, and if you are
into the details, these things can literally drive you crazy…IF that is what
you are focusing on. YOUR FOCUS needs to be back on GOD. “The Lord
blesses his people with Peace” if you CHANGE your focus, trust in HIM, and
thank HIM for taking care of your worries/concerns so you DO NOT have to worry.
Nothing you deal with is too small or big for Him!
How do you stay in constant communication with God? It’s EASY.
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Find something beautiful everyday and view it as
a gift from God. For instance, the interesting cloud shapes that look
like animals, or objects that your children can also imagine. Turn this
gift back to God!
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Music in the car, especially if children are
with you, can be helpful in communicating with God. Contemporary
Christian music, music without lyrics, or children’s music are ALL
acceptable! Be wary of music that contains harmful language that can be
repeated by our small and impressionable children!
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As you run errands with your children, TALK
about HOW WONDERFUL it is that we have these places to go to buy food!
Turn your daily routine into a blessed activity!
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When you hear a SIREN, PRAY with your children
for that person who is in trouble. Pray out loud. Make this a HABIT
so your children will learn how to pray for others, and continue this practice!
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TURN OFF, or TAKE OUT the video screens in your
cars! These are NOT helping your children as they do not inspire any
thought or creativity. Your children are focused on the screen and not
you. Talk to your kids in the car, make them talk to you! Before
long, there will be no communication unless you cultivate this habit now.
Numbers 6:24-25
“The Lord bless you
And keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you
And be gracious to you.”
MaryAnn Girard
“The Brain Gym Lady”
“What is the
purpose of the brain?”
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It helps us TO SURVIVE! The brain
enables us to form patterns of protection based upon the perception of what is
“hurting”us. Through the DEVELOPMENTAL SEQUENCE, we are teaching our
brains to learn behavior that is essential for survival!
In a baby’s first year of life, it is very important for
them to develop their motor patterns, which then develops into language
skills. This is part of their developmental sequence. Babies
when AWAKE, should be on their stomachs to help them strengthen and develop their
core and neck/shoulder muscles. There is some evidence that swaddling
prevents the development of some of these reflex patterns.
Infant reflex development can be assisted without fancy or
loud toys, playmats, etc. All you need is a crib, high chair and a car
seat that is LEFT in the car to help your baby with their development.
CARRY your baby in your arms as often as possible for him/her to feel the
effects of gravity. Lay them on their tummies on a blanket and have
them “work” on their core. Interact with your babies. Many of the
gadgets we buy often do not accelerate or help our babies’ development.
Often, loud environments (noisy restaurants) or bouncy chairs OVERSTIMULATE our
children at a very young age. Give your children opportunities to be
creative and imaginative. Let them develop NATURALLY.
Children are concrete thinkers. If you can describe it by drawing a picture, then you have been successful in conveying your message to your child. If it is too abstract, then your child will not understand. The concept of “being good” is abstract for kids. But if you can demonstrate what is “being good” and give them time to PRACTICE it, then they will start to understand what you mean. Children will sometimes make mistakes, and you will have to reteach it (this will happen often), but keep repeating it.
In order to teach behavior to your children, you must MODEL it for them. They do what we do! It is not good enough to say it.
STOP comparing yourselves and your children to others. You will be doing a great service to your children if you understand each child is their own unique person made in the appearance of God. Each child may have their own genetic predisposition to meeting certain milestones (i.e. sitting up, walking, reading), and you know your child. Keep this in mind and understand what is “normal and expected.” For example, boys are WIRED for violent play (toy guns, sticks, etc). LET THEM play in a controlled setting, let them wrestle, go outside and experience rough and tumble play, this is NORMAL and part of their developmental sequence. This is a way for them to be non violent later in life, is to PLAY first and understand limits in this capacity.
Ms. Girard concluded that we all do the best that we can for our children. We often learn “on the job” and this is normal! But, what we can take away is now knowing more and being more deliberate with our time with our children; focusing on having fun, playing and teaching, interacting, and being present. This never sounds old or repetitive and we all need regular reminders of our primary role and responsibility as a mother!
We hope you all have a great weekend and see everyone next Thursday, May 9th!
Debra Bochow
Discussion Group Coordinator
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