Relax

Months ago we ordered the Dog Whisperer's book on dog training and were both really impressed with his philosophy. There was nothing revolutionary about it really- it all boils down to recognising what a dog is (or is not- dogs are not little tiny cute baby people- they are animals that have a distinct biology and a surprisingly simple psychology) as well as the power of calm, assertive energy during interactions; something that has nothing to do with training the dog and everything to do with training the person.
I was struck then at the similarities with the best advice (from books and people) that we had found on raising children. Even with a toddler approaching two, the effect of calm assertive energy can make the difference between out of control melt-down and a child happily engaged in the world. Another basic similarity is that training a dog (as raising a child) takes a real investment of energy; you cannot expect results if you are not focused. You may need to do a million other things but your ward (dog or child) will not respond well unless you are conscious about parenting/training. Just as dogs are not special little baby children, little baby children are not people yet- its your job to give them a chance to be people and the stages they go through to get there can (according to my father) last until they are about 25 years old. So have patience; and relax.
It is amazing how it works (on dogs or babies). If I do not take the dogs out until they are submissive (sitting in front of me calmly)- they are incredibly better behaved. If I remain calm and confident when James cries for something (a playground we pass while biking, one more cookie at snack time) he will completely accept my explanation. It still surprises me.

Our two favorite parenting authors are the Supernanny and Penelope Leach (though she can be, for lack of a better term- a little hippy-dippy). What we like about them is that they provide a pretty modern (i.e., taking into account recent studies on eating/sleeping/role models/play etc.) outlook on child-rearing while maintaining the importance of discipline and manners.
My whole point in mentioning this, besides just wanting to catch up on posting, is that we know all this (i.e., the incredibly effective power of calm assertion) but it is extremely difficult to remain calm and retain some sort of sane perspective when both parents are working their tails off in their respective fields and dogs, child, the kicking of future child, and the imminent sale of unfinished house in foreign country all refuse to be brushed aside.
In two weeks we all leave for the States (except the dogs, who will be kenneled, thank you Kathy) and all our lists will be checked off (or put off) but for the moment it feels like there is just not time enough, or 'us' enough, to deal with all of these things.

Take deep breath. Calm assertion.
Can you tell by my grammar that I've been reading too many policy texts?

I did get a new camera recently (spending that text correcting money before its here on a Father's Day gift) but I am still not sure how to exploit all the bells and whistles. Here are some efforts. The best thing about this outing with the "mechanical" horse is that James does not yet realize these do anything yet when your parents don't have the correct change. He was happy to just sit on it without motion.