I don't have many suggestions.  But I like all the ideas in this thread.  I have a 4yo girl with a penchant for whining, and a 15mo old.  When I say "I can't hear girls who whine," sometimes it causes her to whine more.

One thing you could try, is modeling back to her what whining is- sometimes I think that my daughter whines so much, she thinks it is normal conversation : )  But model to her what whining sounds like- she may think it is funny to hear you do it.  Then say, big girls talk like this....  and have practice conversations.

Giving jobs... first try giving jobs that they are interested in.  My daughter loves washing dishes (large pans, tupperwear, etc.), feeding the dog, folding socks(matching skills!).  Give lots of praise!  Love and logic likes you to progress to giving chores that they aren't interested in.

We are reading the L& L books too- just went to a conference last week.  It is hard to be consistent.  You may not see results right away, I hear.  But it does help independent reasoning.  Keep trying energy drain.  All this whining makes me tired, how are you going to replace my energy?

Good luck!

Angie

Thanks for sharing.  My 4yo loves starfall.  I have a 15mo old- I'll have to try it with him too.  Thanks for the book list- we love books, and can request them online through our library too.  I love doing that.

Angie

Hi all,

I found this wesite- it has free printable worksheets for preschool through grade school- reading, spelling, math, counting, shapes, problem solving etc.

They use these at my daughter's preschool.  They do ask for a small donation if you use it frequently.

http://www.tlsbooks.com/

Angie

Yay!  Much thanks to GloriaD for suggesting this!

Angie

Ayesha,

Thanks for the update- I love hearing others' stories.  You have double the challenge, but it must be neat to see them learn in different ways.I was curious to learn how long you have been doing the program?

Angie

Gloria,

Thanks so much for your reply.  How much time did you spend doing the doman math with her?  Just the recommended time?  You are so dedicated!  I love all your post- great links too.

An older kid forum would be great- I'll be there!

Angie

Gloria,

Thanks for your info about your daughter.  Did you do Doman Math or LM with her?

Angie

I like the book "Healthy Sleep habit, happy child."  It was really helpful to me when learning about my baby's sleep rhythm and getting into a natural routine.  Sleep begets sleep, is the books motto, which I fully believe in.

"Baby 411," is a great resource book on all things health & baby.  It is an easy read, organized into sections feeding, sleeping, illness, etc.  They also have a "toddler 411," but I haven't read it.

"Happiest Baby..." by Karp is great too.

Love the gripe water as noted above.  My daughter had refulx and colic, and it helped.

A good LC and breast pump can work wonders.

Hylands teething tablets are a great homeopathic teething remedy.

I wish I would have found this site and all it's wonderful resources when my kids were younger!

Angie

I know that when I was at the library, I saw several childrens books that explain the process of sex, pregnancy, and birth. One book had some cartoon sperm and a cartoon placenta. It was done very professionally, and I was quite impressed with it. I think that the name is Baby on the Way
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Way-Sears-Children-Library/dp/0316787671/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i

Love that book.  We checked it out from the library multiple times when I was pg with ds.  We also liked "What baby needs," by Dr. Sears.  Both were very open, and I liked it's natural approach to breadtfeeding, as I knew my daughter would have questions about that.

I agree that honesty is the best policy- not to make up white lies to make it easier for the parent.  I'm a nurse, so I guess I view it as all very natural and matter of fact.  I think it is good to talk about it so the child does not grow up ashamed or embarrased about it.

My daughter asked recently "how the baby came out of Mommy's belly."  I told her that baby brother was born in the hospital, that the doctor made a small cut in Mommy's belly and pulled him out (c/s for breech.)  Then she asked if she was born the same way.  So we had to have the whole vagina discussion, where it was located etc.  So of course, she had to find it on herself- which is OK for her to know what one is now, than at 13.  We've talked about the whole good touch- bad touch.  We haven't gotten into sex talks- that can wait until a little bit later.

Our local children's hospital has a great class called "Growing up girl/boy," for the pre-pubescent age kid to attend with their parent.  It may be helpfeul for parents who are embarrassed to broach the subject.

Angie

DadDude,

I'm with you on #3&4.  I don't have LM, but I wondered if it changed the configuration of the dots each time?  I know you are supposed to show groups of cards randomly to avois the memorization factor.

I've not started LM or Doman math.  I wonder about the time and effort, since my kids are older(4yrs, 15mo), past the best time for subitization and right-brain learning.  The 15mo old won't sit to see more thean 2-3 flash cards at a time.  And given the higher "failure rate" at doman math, is it worth my time?  Doing other methods and learning games with counting and math may work better.

DadDude, are you using any particular method to work on math?  Just curious.  I love to hear what others are doing for teaching/learning.  I love all the ideas I get from this site.

Angie (actually from MO : )

I also wanted to say that "Love and Logic" series has books specifically geared towards age 6 & younger and teenagers.  They have conferences all over the country and we are going to a seminar held by the authors this weekend.  They also have a podcast.

Both "Love & Logic" and "Magic 1,2,3" are also used by teachers at school.

I will say that Magic 1,2,3 really has to be used properly.  You count 1,2,3 and if the behavior hasn't changed, they get a consequence.  My Mom counted when I was a kid, and I hated it.  You have to always be consistent- no 2&1/2, or counting over 3.

Angie

DadDude,

Thanks for the summary.  Those do sound like fun games.  I wonder what age he started his kids on that.  My 4yo would enjoy it.  But my 15mo would just eat the beads : )

Angie

We checked it out from the library.  I'm glad I didn't spend money on it.  My daughter liked Dora better, hence she learned more spanish words.

Angie

Zoe,

That's great about your son.  Can you tell me what type of teaching you started with him at age 4?  My daughter is 4, and I've started to do the Doman style flashcards.  It is a struggle to keep it words she is interested in.  And she likes the computer ppt with pics better- she lovesstarfall.com too.  What kind of math teaching did you do with him?

I've got a 15 mo old who doesn't like to sit still.  I really wish I would have known about this when he was an infant.  I would have flashed him cards during his marathon nursing sessions!

Angie

I just read the word myself when we are doing the slideshow.  I feel it is more personal and interactive.  I do like the animal sounds though.  Somehow, I feel I am not as authentic : )

Angie