About two years ago I took a baby-sitting course that was given by the Red Cross at our local YMCA. In that class I learned a lot of valuable information that I use when I baby-sit my little cousins, my neighbor’s daughters and of course, Gracie. Since I started babysitting Gracie over a year and a half ago I have always remembered a lot of the basic information that was taught to me in the baby-sitting class and practice it every time I look after little children. Below are a few Do’s and Do Not’s when it comes to staying home alone to... more

Since my parents have me baby-sit Gracie when they leave the home I have to know what to do in case of an emergency. Maybe it is time for you to start caring for your younger brother or sister or maybe you have been babysitting them for a while and need to be refreshed on what to do in the event an emergency where to happen. Let us hope one will never happen but it is smart to be prepared. The most important thing to remember is to stay calm. It will not do you or your bother or sister any good if you panic. Remember to keep a cool head!!!... more

I do not think I have ever waited so long for something as I did for my little sister. The thing was once we got Gracie’s referral we had to… what? WAIT MORE?! I could not stand it! I had to wait over a year for the paperwork to be completed and when it was I was left holding the picture of my sister in my hands. I would then have to wait a few more weeks until I could actually hold her in my arms. Needless to say, I had a hard time with patience. So, how did I deal with all that waiting? Here are a few ideas that might help... more

As part of the Chinese New Year celebrations for 10 days I thought I would share some more interesting facts about Chinese legends. As I shared in my last post the Chinese legend about the animals is the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. A contest was held and it was agreed that whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish. The gods were asked to decide. The twelve animals gathered... more

Looking up facts on the Chinese New Year has been fun and exciting to learn more about my little sister's culture. Although I do not believe in fortunes or horoscopes, the research I did on their holiday was very interesting. In the Chinese culture the people celebrate their New Year for 10 days. The concept of the New Year is that there is a 12-year cycle used for dating the years. The animals represent a cyclical concept of time. Here in America we have a linear concept of time. The Chinese lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon. According... more

Sunday marked the Chinese New Year. The Chinese New Year is known as the Lunar New Year. The appearance of the new moon marks a new month according to the Chinese calendar. Each Chinese New Year is symbolized by 1 of 12 animals. The 12 animals are the rat, ox, tiger, dragon, rabbit, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. 2007 will be celebrated as the year of the pig. Chinese folklore is said that if you are born under this sign then you are a splendid companion, an intellectual with a very strong need to set difficult goals and... more

Xin nian yu kuai (Mandarin) or Sun nienfai lok (Cantonese)! Happy Belated Chinese New Year to everyone. As I have said in many posts before, we adopted my sister Gracie from the country of China. I have added a new section in the Adoptive Siblings called “Plugging Into Siblings Culture.” In this section I will write about ways siblings can interact with their brothers or sisters by doing activities that involve the country they were adopted from. I would really love members of Adoption Blogs and our readers to tell... more

Have you ever been left in charge to look after your little brother or sister when your parents were out and he or she would not listen to you? Have there been times when you told them to do something and they say back to you “You are not mom or dad! You cannot make me do a thing!”

Little brothers and sisters! At times they are your best friend and other times they drive you absolutely nuts. Especially when your parents leave you in charge of your sibling. It is not always easy to get along together but as long as there is good communication then that is the essential key to a good relationship with them.

Gracie will generally listen to me well when my parents have left... more

Snow day, snow day, snow day! Oh what joy! Those are the two most beloved words in the wintertime for many students because in our region it generally means… NO SCHOOL!!!!!! Yes! My area finally had its first snow day. Because of the hazardous road conditions our most wonderful administrator’s cancelled school for the day. Gracie being as curious as she is, looked out the window with a big smile and said “‘NOOOOOW” (snow)! She was so excited to see the snow and when I asked her if she wanted to go out and play in it she said yes right away.

I... more

I have heard my friends on occasion say their mom or dad never hear their side of the story when they get into a fight with their younger sibling. They say their sibling always blames them when they fight.

I have always heard that adults sometimes expect the older sibling to be more patient and understanding with their younger sibling. As the older sibling I am already hearing this from my own mother and father. This is so hard sometimes.

There is eleven years difference between Gracie and me and Gracie is only 2 years old... more