Brad Pitt was once quoted as saying: “Breakfast is my favourite time of day.  With all 6 kids at the table and everyone talking at once, it’s chaotic.  I like to just sit back and enjoy the chaos”.

Well - it turns out that Brad and Angelina likely have a good thing going there, with a family that eats together.

Maybe you would like to see a return to the “good old days”?  A simpler time.  A time without kids being programmed every single waking minute of their little lives.  A time when food was prepared … cooked even … in something other than the microwave or a takeout container.

Well, believe it or not, a recent study has shown that a return to these simpler times my not only boost your child’s brain development, but help them make smart choices about drugs, alcohol and smoking.  Impossible!! you say?  Not … says I (and an article in the Globe & Mail).

The number one thing that you can do to help your kids grow into self-assured, balanced, smart youth is to eat supper together.  Yes.  Really.  It’s that simple.

“Eating as a family can protect children from all sorts of harm, experts say the bonding and connectedness that comes with regular family meals may positively influence the brain development of kids”.

When was the last time your family ate together?  This is really important folks.  And something that requires a bit of organizing (gotta love that crock pot), commitment, and cooperation - but it IS possible.  One of our boys has now started competitive hockey [yes, I caved.  and yes, he made the team - but that's a blog for another day].  Last week he was out the door for hockey over our regular supper hour, SO, we ate supper as a family at 4:30.  Impossible?  No.  Worth it?  Definitely.

Sure our kids are getting tonnes of developmental opportunities to learn every sport known to humankind AND art classes AND music and, and, and … but what they really need is THEIR FAMILY.  My sister-in-law once told me that as long as you keep looking your kids in the eye when they talk to you, you’ll always know where they’re at (physically and psychologically).

Ok -maybe it can’t be every single night, but let’s commit to our future generation of parents, leaders, business people, caregivers … who are our KIDS TODAY - have supper together more often in the week, than not.  It’s been proven.  Everyone will benefit for it and in a big way.  They are worth it.

Chewing Over the Benefits of a Family Meal - Globe & Mail article

As we come into the Fall Season and September (September!!??) I am shocked at how fast time is going by.  I can remember in Mr. Helseth’s class in grade 6, how it felt as if it would take forever for the time to pass from 3:00 - 3:15 … and now, I blink and it’s not July - it’s September!

So, back to school it is.  A time of year with such promise - new teachers, new grade.  My middle boy starts school - the beginning of his academic career that will likely span at leas 18 years! (yikes).  He is bright and eager and ready to learn.  We do the best we can with matchmaking with our kids’ teachers and are involved with the school to help as much as we can.

My husband and I drop him off at his little JK class, video camera in hand and a tear in my eye (ok - like a few tears in my eyes).  It’s hard to believe this sweet little boy is big enough to go to school - BUT - he is.  And, like every little boy, so very attached to his mom, our parting at this monumental stage of his life was … well … easy.   He basically rolled his eyes at me with a soft smile (at my unshed tears welling up in my eye).  Gave me a big hug and was off, without scarcely a glance back.

He is so ready to be in school, make new friends, and discover new challenges.  I guess, as his mom, I have a little catching up to do - but I’ll get there - eventually.

As my hubby and I walk back and reminisce about the day he was born and all his mini-life major milestones, we are astonished at how fast this has all happened.  And yet, I know, we will blink and it will be Christmas.  The older we get, the faster it goes.

Only 104 more shopping days til Christmas (just in case you’re keeping track - you need to get busy!)

Have I mentioned lately that we live in a lovely neighbourhood?  Great neighbours.  Helpful.  Supportive.  We are even blessed enough to live literally around the corner from my best friend.

When I had my third baby - the neighbour-women got busy:  cooking, baking and walking - all in the effort of making sure that my family ate and that I had a break as they took one or more kids out of the house for some fresh air and exercise.

My one girlfriend  in particular is sensitive to the weight and responsibility of raising three boys.  Well - she’s the mother of three boys herself (though her boys aren’t tiny anymore.  They are a strapping and handsome bunch at 11.5, 15 and 17 years old).  She really understands the challenges of getting three children under the age of 8 to bed in an evening - by yourself (my hubby was at work).  She’s walked that mile in my shoes.  She is the source of parenting advice and one that I have listened to through all the years we’ve been friends.

However.

I now have a piece of advice to share with this girlfriend of mine — and to all those other well-meaning friends:  take heed to what I am about to say (with a smile on my face and just a smidge of an “I told you so” tone of voice) …

LET SLEEPING BABIES LIE … in their cribs … on their own … in the dark … when they are sleeping.

I know that when you pop over, it would be oh-so-nice to have that sweet-smelling baby snuggle.  Feel those chubby little arms around your neck.  All that good stuff - yes, I get it.  But - when the mommy says:  he’s sleeping … he’s sleeping!

Funny story because my girlfriend (oh - let’s for the sake of this story call her The Godmommy) … The Godmommy popped by for a visit, mere minutes after putting not one BUT three of my children to bed, by myself (no small feat - let me tell you!).  The Godmommy asked, with those big blue eyes and that sad, pouty face … “Oh really?  Can I just pop up and say goodnight?”

Well - let me take you to the Coles Notes ending … baby woke up to have a lovely snug with his Godmommy … baby did not go back to sleep.  Party baby fussed and fussed until The Godmommy had to go up and release baby from the confines of his terrible crib AND … party baby was up until 10:00 PM!  (yes, 10 PM). Well intentioned - yes.  But I can definitely milk this one for a very (very) long time

So, I can finally share some parenting advice with my dear and experienced friend and mother of three boys:  (please) Let Sleeping Babies Lie!