Number one (the BIG one) you’re not an idiot.

When it comes to toys, kids rule! Even at three years old. They know every toy that’s on the shelves and what isle they’re in.

Don’t try to beat them, join them. You’ll learn a lot.

I received a digital camera as a gift (1st time with digital for me) and showed it to my grandchild. Next thing I knew, she was outside taking pictures. Turned out good too. Asked her to show me the basics. I didn’t even know how to turn the thing on. Since then have read the small pamphlet of directions. Still had to ask her to remind me again a couple of times. She’s 13 yrs. old and doesn’t own a digital camera.

She took short course at her school. They remember.

So, if you think you are an “idiot” what does that make me.

I have one up on her though, I’m older and still know more than she thinks. She knows all about these things. She programed my cell which I use in emergencies. Live in the north woods.

So go with the program. They can teach you a lot, but you can teach them more.

Grandchild knows all about such things, now she has to learn to “crack the books.”

Think of it this way, your 3 yr. old will know what kind of batteries to get and show you where they are. This could save you time. There are some benefits with our “dinks.”

We “wing” it through life, we “wing” it with the kids.

I agree with making special time with your son so he doesn’t feel threatened by the new baby taking away your attention. When my son was born, my daughter was 1 and most friends and family members would bring her a little something when they came to see the baby with a gift. Everyone congratulated her on being a big sister and made a big fuss over how important her new position in the family was. She was very excited about being a big sister. I also got her very involved in helping with the new baby. Perhaps your son could help with some of the preparations. Let him know how invaluable his help is. He can help pick out crib bedding or a special toy he can give when his new sibbling arrives. As far as the spooky men are concerned, I would definitely get him a night light. Maybe have him lock up with you before he goes to bed. Check all the doors, lock his windows, etc. Don’t be so quick to dismiss his fears out of hand, though. When I was little, we lived on a corner lot. The street light on the corner would cast very strange shaddows in my room at night. It was very spooky. Then there were sounds I didn’t understand. Cats or raccoons squabbling or yeowling. At one time we had squirrels in the attic and for weeks I thought something was trying to claw it’s way through my ceiling! My parents thought I was imagining things until they finally heard it for themselves. Rather than banishing him to his room when he’s frightened, maybe you could keep a toddler size mattress under your bed. Then if he needs to be near you, he can pull that out and sleep on the floor next to you. I have 3 kids of my own now, but I still remember quite clearly how awful it was to lay in bed, alone and scared of all the sights and sounds I didn’t understand. I’m afraid of the dark to this day and have night lights all over the house! It sounds silly, but I can’t help but wonder if it would be different had my parents had been a little more understanding when I was small. Good luck!

Never call yourself an idiot!!! I’m sure you are doing a great job, and you are only human–you are doing the best you can. It sounds like you’re a little nervous and still trying to get a grip on being a parent. But it’s okay. Besides, most children always seem unnaturally bright when they reach that age. And most of the time, they are bright, but in order to fully manifest and utilize his intelligence, brightness, whatever you want to call it, he needs to be taught how to use his smarts from you, from teachers (at preschool and beyond), and from being around other kids. He also needs his mother to be there for him to catch him if he falls. It may seem like you are failing now and that you might be behind, but I can assure you, in the end, your son will love you and cherish you and thank you so much when as he grows and gets older. In the meantime, don’t be so hard on yourself. Good luck!

You are not an idiot. He may be smart but YOU are the boss and in control. Take control of the situation. If you dont want him to have the torch then tell him and explain it to him. If you say No, then thats the rule and its final. If he throws a fit then ignore it or send him straight to time out.

take control of the situation and let him know it!!!

good luck

well i just graduated college and had a newborn 5 months ago. My cousin though, in the third grade did probably the simplest math in the world and since we are know more advanced thinkers it seemed very difficult, and he retaught me how to do it. which leads me to my conclusion to your worries: dont worry!!!! you will be amazed how much these little guys can teach us, also th einternet helps alot know a days too!! askjeeves is just a click away! good luck and you are blessed to have a lil genius 🙂

I find it fun to learn with the children in my pre-school class, find books or educational shows that he is interested in and read or watch them with him. We also enjoy looking things up on the internet together. If they ask me a question and I don’t remember or never knew the answer we go together to find it. Then they learn how to find answers in books or online.

you are not an idiot. so you had one brain fart. its ok. try to keep one step ahead of your son at all times. write sticky notes to remind yourself of small things (like where you put his torch). and be consistent at all times!

Stop hiding his toys until you’re ready to explain why he can’t play with it. Treat him as the intelligent child he is and you and he will both benefit and learn from it.

Enroll him in a pre-school program and let the professionals evaluate him. They will put him in advanced classes where he can excel.

put him in advanced classes when he’s older (if you can). as they say, they can learn A LOT from you, as you can learn a whole bunch from them!

best wishes

~bethany~