Hello Jamie & Welcome to Mommy Monologues! Jamie is great-she has a phd (she explains in what further in the post, I don’t want to give it all away), she leaves amazing comments that make me feel so uplifted, & she writes a great blog! I hope that you will all leave her some AMAZING comments today! Thank you Jamie for writing over there today!
Instead of writing a whole post, I thought I’d give you a glimpse into who I am and what goes on over at my blog, Avant Garde Parenting.
I’m Jamie. I’m a Psychologist and researcher- I study parents and kids. I study lots of things about them but one of my favorites is kids’ self-regulation. I try and find about how 2 and 3 year-olds learn to wait for things they want, listen, and follow directions. I do this in really mean funny creative ways, like 1. putting an M&M right in front of them and telling them to wait to eat it until I ring a bell and 2. Putting a wrapped present right in front of them and telling them not to touch it until I come back from ‘getting a bow’ to put on top.
My blog, though, is about all things kids and parenting. You name it: listening, lying, loving, eating, playing, cleaning up, art, the list goes on…I even feature a weekly Parent of the Week! I offer parents tips, ideas, and most importantly, encouragement. Being a parent is the hardest, most underpaid and underappreciated job in the world and you deserve a pat on the back. I’m here to give it to you.
1. What is your favorite blog?
I’m going to try and answer this one without sounding like a creeper. My hands-down, no-question, favorite blog is The View from the Johnsons. It’s by this hilarious mom, Ali, whom I’ve never met and have no connection to. I don’t even remember how I found her blog. Here’s why I have a girl crush on her: She’s funny. I know what you’re thinking. But guys, this blog is lean forward in your chair, spit your drink out of your mouth, accidentally snot on yourself funny. And she is one of those people that you think ‘We could so hang out. We could be besties. She would totally like me. Right? I think she would like me. Don’t you think she would like me?’
Having said all of this, I’m fairly certain that if she reads this, she will be freaked out and her blog will mysteriously be set to ‘private’ the next time I check it.
2. What is your best blogging tip?
Ha. Like I would know. I think I’ll answer this one based on what I like about other people’s blogs. You know what I love? When people respond to a comment I make. I really try to make good comments with substance and I love when the blog author either emails me back or responds to my comment in their own comments section. It gives me that ‘Wow! She read what I said! And she had something to say back!’ feeling. You know the one. Feels good. I like it.
3. Why do you blog?
As a researcher, I’m constantly around brilliant minds with great ideas. These people have devoted their lives to studying parents and kids and yet it seems like they have a tough time getting the information to the ones who really deserve it- parents! So about 8 or 9 months ago, I started writing about different parenting issues and ideas- everything from art to bedtime to discipline. I would just write my thoughts in a word document and save it to my computer. I thought it could be a blog, but I was scared that no one would read it or, if they did, they wouldn’t find it useful.
Honestly, I think what pushed me over the edge into actually going live with a blog was graduating. I have a PhD in ‘parenting.’ Really, it’s in Developmental Psychology, but my specialty, if you will, is parenting: I study parents and kids and the relationships they have with each other. For some reason, after I had those letters after my name, I felt more legit. So I gave it a shot. As of today, I have been blogging for one month and 23 days (but who’s counting?). I’ve gotten really great feedback and I think people are finding my ideas useful. Plus, I’ve met tons of cool mommy and daddy bloggers!
She sounds interesting! And for someone who really is just winging it in this parenting gig, I'm eager to learn. Thanks for introducing her to us Kate! Heading over there now. 🙂
Ah, to be a grown up and have graduated to being the one messing with the kids instead of the one being messed with! Sounds pretty fun with the M&Ms. I mean for the researcher.
I love when bloggers respond to comments! 😀
The M&Ms thing is cruel… at least it would be for me 🙂 hahaha
Thanks for featuring me, Kate! I feel so honored!
Jamie – i LOVE you. we would TOTALLY be besties in real life!
and, speaking for this mom, my family is very blessed that you decided to start a blog. i've gotten some great insight from your posts. thanks to you, i remember to stop and TALK to my kids and actually LISTEN to what they have to say. i was also grateful to you for your post on talking about tragedy.
the blogging world is much better for having you in it. xoxoxo
Oh I love this …. I am ALWAYS in need of ideas on how to manipulate…i mean teach… Emma how to do the right thing! We aren't supposed to crumple up computer paper and shove it in the printer, oh thats silly Emma thought that!!
Thanks for sharing her with us all haha!
Great post, Jamie. I just love following your blog and always picking up a tip or two.
I am SO checking out your blog. I have a 4 year old who wants Mommy all night long. As in, when he should be sleeping!! I'm also checking out the Johnsons.
Great guest post, Kate! : )
Great job Kate and I enjoyed the interview Jamie. I'll have to try putting M&M's in front of Ava and telling her not to eat them. You know, for research. 😉 I'll have to check out your blog!