How To: Live With Your Opposite

The old adage says: Opposites Attract. So how do you live with your opposite?

Every couple experiences the little things about the other that rub you up the wrong way. I’ve found that it’s better to find a way to live with your spouse’s funny little quirks instead of fight them.

1. She wants to talk/ he fains sleep; If you find him asleep - write it down and talk about it later when the time is right.

2. He likes to sleep in pitch darkness/ she likes a light on – buy a small nitelite.

3. He wants to turn off the light /She likes to read in bed – torchlight/flashlight under the covers or a comfy reading chair in the lounge room.

4. He likes the fan/she does not – cover yourself with a blanket and face away from it.

5. He likes watching sports on TV with the boys - serve the drinks and snacks, or buy/or borrow another TV and watch a girlie movie in another room; or arrange timeout with the girls at the same time.

6. He prefers meat / She prefers vegetables – when eating out share a plate instead of
buying two. Have different ‘favourite’ restaurants? All you can eat buffets are great for picky eaters; or alternate.

7. If you find you are playing ‘tug-of-war’ with the blanket at night – buy two and
have one each.

8. If she prefers the toilet roll topside and he likes it under – put two roll holders near the toilet (one topside; one under)

9. If he squeezes the toothpaste in the middle/ she at the end – get a pump tube
instead.

10. Toilet seat (up or down) designate a ‘his’ and a ‘her’ bathroom.


The best alternative is to talk through all these ‘little’ things together calmly well before they become an irritation and an issue.

Copyright 2006. Rebecca Laklem.

How to: Travel With Kids

Here are just a few tips:

1. A must when traveling with kids is plenty of bite-sized snacks, such as small packs of dried fruit, popcorn, granola bars, soda crackers. And drinks, preferably just plain water or milk, or even juice. Zip-lock bags are great for this.

2. A change of clothes for you and baby. (Including Nappies/Diapers for infants and toddlers). I have found Pull-ups serve well for underwear for 4-5 year olds in an emergency.

3. Plenty of Baby Wipes. These are good for adults too. Wet wipes are great for getting spots out of ties and lapels etc.

4. Pack an activity pack yourself. Most airlines supply activity packs, but they are only sufficient for a short time. Include: Small toys, travel games, pen and paper, crayons, a good book.

5. Face cloth and soap, for sponge baths; toothbrush and toothpaste.

6. Have some form of identification. Give each child an ID bracelet with their name on the top side and on the reverse side – Mum and Dad’s names and mobile numbers. Give them also a business card of your accommodation (preferably laminated). Some parents may choose to dress all family members the same. Same t-shirts and hats etc, for easy identification in a crowd. The brighter colours are best.

7. It is advisable to use a safety harness on little ones to avoid losing them in the hustle and bustle of busy airports and stations. Keeping a hand on the kiddies while juggling, tickets, passports and hand luggage is no small feat.

8. Use the 'buddy' system. Everyone has a buddy, to go to the toilets etc. That way no one is ever alone. It is best to team an adult or older child with the younger ones.

9. Do a head count or roll call frequently. Always check you have everyone with you.

10. Give each of your children instructions what to do if they ever get separated from you. Memorise by song any important details they need to know. Give them each coins for a phone call or a phone card.


Copyright 2006. Rebecca Laklem.