The Charbonneau Villager Newspaper 2019 May issue Villager newspaper | Page 10

10 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER SpringRidge at Charbonneau By KERRY PHILLIPS SpringRidge seniors share motherly advice At SpringRidge in Charbonneau, residents have a wealth of motherly advice to share with first-time mothers. The seniors at the active retirement community — many who are now grandmothers and great- grandmothers — all agree times have changed since they raised their children. However, the fundamentals of parenting such as love, communication and acceptance are at the heart of raising a well-rounded, successful child. Gerry Kuskey, 91, encourages mothers to be aware of the importance of communication from the day the child is born. She recommends creating a safe environment where children are able to be open and honest about their feelings, without fear of judgment or repercussions. “A parent has to establish the foundation where the child feels most comfortable approaching them with a problem,” she advises. “Often, parents end up hearing things about their child through the ‘grapevine.’ Should this happen, you have to keep your cool and handle the situation May 2019 properly so your child knows he or she is still loved and can confide in you next time.” Kuskey’s SpringRidge neighbor Susan Hand, 81, says it is important moms spend quality time with their children instead of stressing about household chores. “I spent all day with my two boys but I used to sweat the small stuff. I was much too fussy, requiring that everything be kept in its place,” Hand said. “Looking back, that was ridiculous. There should have been a happy medium.” Her advice to first-time mothers is to prioritize daily chores and stop worrying about those at the bottom of the list. “Don’t focus so much on laundry or dusting,” she added. “Instead, spend the extra time with your child doing a meaningful activity. If the laundry doesn’t get done today, it can get done tomorrow.” Both Gerry and Susan also point out the importance of mothers finding time for themselves. While the kids are certainly a priority, self- care is of the utmost importance. Their SpringRidge neighbors also shared these words of wisdom: ■ “Teach love, kindness, understanding and patience so that your child will do the same for others.” — Gloria DePietro ■ “Always plan things you and your child can enjoy together. Try making a schedule, start with small doses of time together and then increase it.” — Annie Larson ■ “Enjoy your children while they are young as they grow very quickly and you want to always have those memories.” — Cyd Kines • Panel Changes • Hot tubs • Remodels • Generators • Lighting Additions 503-780-6207 “Single Source Electrical Solutions” 17937 SW McEwan RD Ste 200A Tualatin, OR E-mail: offi [email protected] www.pro-tech-power.com Merged with Lighthouse Electric and continuing with their same great service. 503-582-9600 ■ “Tell each child at least once a day ‘I love you!’” — Ruth Corcoran ■ “As your children grow, find time daily to play with them. Let them pick the activity. Some of my fondest memories are of the time spent as a family playing games.” — April Lewis ■ “Trust your instinct.” — Marcia McQueston ■ “Keep your sense of humor!” — Jeanette Johnson ■ “Let each child do what is important to him or her.” — Pat Foster ■ “Pick your battles.” — Janice Boals ■ “Give your children opportunities to experience new adventures. Be sure to tell them about your childhood and share family traditions.” — Sarah Prasoloff The grandmothers also encouraged today’s mothers to use technology to bridge the gap between generations if their families don’t live close by. Social media, video conferencing and even smartphone apps are often embraced by older adults and are great tools for staying in touch. “There are only 24 hours in a day,” said Hand. “Mothers should delegate that time the best and smartest way they can. Everything else will fall into place.” The SpringRidge Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options including CARF-accredited independent living as well as assisted living and memory care services. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call 503-446-6250 or visit SpringRidgeatCharbonneau.com. ■ Charbonneau Book Club By DOROTHY HOCHHALTER Evoking great discussion In 1921, it took five days to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean liners were luxurious floating palaces. DANA GYNTHER tells her story “Crossing on the Paris” with three women from different walks of life. In first class is Vera, an elderly, wealthy woman returning to New York after living 30 years in Paris. Constance is a young matron in cozy second class traveling alone for the first time and enjoying freedom from family life. In the servants crowded quarters is Julie, a French teenager who is starting her first job. Their paths cross accidently and what follows are life changing events in their journey. We will be reviewing this novel May 14. It is always iteresting to compare the difference in our lives today with those of 100 years ago. BARBARA DEMICK, a newpaper journalist, reveals the plight of the ordinary North Koreans in her book “Nothing to Envy.” DEMICK spends 15 years, during which there is a devistating famine that killed one-fifth of the North Korean population, interviewing defectors and following the lives of six families. It isn’t easy to defect and life afterward is very challenging. After leaving a life in North Korea that has not progressed with the rest of the world, the bright lights and noise are a shock to their senses. The personal stories are deeply moving and give insight to the totalitarian psychology. With all of the current news about North Korea we should have a great discussion at our May 28 meeting. Feel free to visit our friendly meetings that are held on the on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Charbonneau Country Club from 1-2:30 p.m. ■ ➤ Canby’s Premier Location for Family Fitness 365 S Redwood St. Canby, Or 97018 503-266-6166 “0” Joining Fee Mom gets 1st Month FREE - Standard Monthly Rates Applies to the annual full service plan. Door Access Fees and Class Fees not included. Family qualifiers, cancellation policy and contract terms apply. Can’t be combined with other offers or coupons. Details apply. Expires 5/31/19 www.ClubFitHealth.com