LilSugar

School Year's Resolutions: Eco-Friendly Backpacks

LilSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 05:00:14 -0700

Send them off to school with the right pack on their back. When selecting the prefect bag for lugging books, art projects and supplies to school, eco-conscience parents know that avoiding knapsacks with shiny plastic designs will help limit their child's contact with PVC and lead. Selecting an eco-friendly backpack does not mean forgoing style for function. Take a look at some of our favorite selections:

Dante Beatrix's "Big Kid Eco Pack" is made entirely from recycled plastic drinking bottles with naturally biodegradable canvas trim. Available in three designs, the bags are the perfect size for elementary school kids.
Bazura's small messenger bag is 100 percent lead-free, made from non-biodegradable juice containers. Each bag saves landfills from being clogged by the foil juice containers.
The Fleurville Kids Backpack is lead, PVC and Teflon-free, and includes a removable lunch tote to help keep everything together when not in use.
Ecogear's Ecozoo packs are perfectly sized for younger schoolchildren and feature adorable designs. Made from organic cotton canvas with non-toxic dyes and sustainable wood components, kids will want to take these "pets" with them wherever they go.
Known for their durability, Land's End's eco-conscience knapsack is made from 100% recycled fabric.
Though it costs a pretty penny, the Reactor Solar Backpack is integrated with a solar charging unit that can be used to power cell phones, iPods and more. Designed for older elementary kids, the backpacks will provide a whole education on the power of solar energy.

Enter to win a $1,000 wardrobe for your child from Tea Collection!

Babysugar's Best Bets: Backpacks

babysugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:00:50 -0700

It's time to get your tots ready for the new school year! No back-to-school ensemble is complete without a backpack. And, of course the satchel isn't just a fashion statement, but useful in carrying those books! Check out the slideshow to see some of the latest hot trends. Click Start Slideshow.

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A Few of Lil's Favorite Things: August

LilSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:00:05 -0700

School's out for Summer, but soon it will be back in session. Whether it's your child's first day or they are returning to the hustle and bustle of another busy year, set them up with a bag that will help them lug all those books, papers, and art projects home. Available in messenger, rolling duffel and backpack styles, these must-haves will ensure your lil scholar is set for school. To see where to purchase these goodies, read more.

Dante Beatrix Monkey Toddler Backpack ($37). Who says wee students can't monkey around? This pack allows them to have a playful friend that they can tuck away in the coat room
Rocker Messenger Bag ($45). For the kid who's ready to rock, this bag has some soul.
Biker Backpack ($35). The lil rebel without a cause may ride his bike to class, but he can boast his hog on his backpack.
Mr. Men and Little Miss Messenger Bag ($25). Your wild child can out themselves before they end up in the principal's office with one of these cheeky totes that also carts their math notes.
Roxy's Zip Code 24 Rolling Duffel ($136). Made of coated canvas, this bag is fit for the girl who has flowery fashion flair and a whole bunch of books.

Ecotot: Back to Basics

babysugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:00:48 -0700

School may be out, but the learning doesn't have to halt during Summer. Teach your kid a valuable lesson - being green is easy, and cool. Allow your tween to strut her eco-friendly style with this Dante Beatrix ($50) backpack crafted from PETE - 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. The bag also spurs conversations about recycling so her friends can go green too.

Which eco-friendly items does your child have?

Trendtotting: Airplane Backpacks

babysugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:00:59 -0800

Some of the first things that children become obsessed with are planes, buses, motorcycles, and trucks. Whenever my lil one and I are out walking and a plane flies overhead, her tiny little fingers jets up and she grins with excitement.

Feed your little one's interest with a silver vinyl airplane backpacks made by Zid Zid Kids ($38). Both boys and girls will believe that they can fly away while wearing one of these.

Do You Tutor Your Kids Yourself?

babysugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:22 -0800

With the school year back in full swing and youngsters' backpacks filling with papers and projects, many parents are finding themselves seated next to their offspring as they make their way through a growing mountain of assignments. For some, the evening ritual is a time to bond and show off their knowledge of specific subject areas. For others, it is an uphill battle. Patience wears thin for both parties as the child declares that mommy's way is not in line with the teacher's method. For this reason, many families hire tutors to help their budding scholars with their work. Do you?

Krazy For Kokopax Carrier!

babysugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

My weekly trip to the grocery store can be harried with a two-year-old and an infant, but if I can put one of them on my back then life is easier. When Kokopax sent us a backpack to review, I jumped at the opportunity to test it out and lighten my load. A fan of the classic Baby Bjorn, I wasn't sure that Kokopax would make chores any simpler than the front baby carrier. Certainly the Bjorn and other models like it allow for closeness and warmth, but the Kokopax gives mom the freedom to hold a full load in her arms while baby sits pretty behind her.

The Hecks Are Perfectly Imperfect on The Middle

LilSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:00:10 -0700

For every woman that has ever had a haggard mom moment, you'll find a new hero in Frankie on The Middle. ABC's new comedy debuted last night offering viewers equal parts laughter and a reality check. Patricia Heaton plays a stressed out Midwest mother of three who balances her work as a used car salesman (who has yet to sell a vehicle) and raising her odd offspring. While lots of ladies dream of their kids becoming the best and brightest, Frankie who questions her maternal skills with Axl, Sue and Brick, would just appreciate a day without upset.

As the middle aged mama and her husband, Mike, parent the eclectic trio you can't help but crack up. Axl trudges around the house in his underwear, Sue is a mess who fails at everything and Brick's backpack is his best friend. While all of the characters are lovable, Brick's creepy habits from talking in a low voice to "soothe" himself to copping feels on his teacher make him the center of attention. Just when a viewer's skin begins to crawl, the youngster tells his mom that she's his hero and it's impossible not to melt. The Middle showcases all the things that go wrong in life and makes us appreciate them. After a long day of real life, mothers will find comic relief (and perspective!) while watching this sitcom.

if you've got strong opinions on other moms of the small screen, mosey on over to the Television Moms group on the LilSugar Community, a place to discuss the parenting styles and practices of the small screen's matriarchs along with the topical issues from recent episodes.

Photo courtesy of ABC

Mommy Dearest: Should Parents Intervene in Kids' Argument?

LilSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:30:24 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

When is it time for parents to step in and handle a situation? We are raising our kids to speak up for themselves when they feel they have been wronged rather than crying to mommy and daddy all of the time. Since school went back in session, my 7-year-old son has come to us with a problem that he is having trouble handling. A friend of his appears to be taking things out of my son's backpack and then denying that he is the culprit. We know that he is the one taking them because we label everything with my son's initials. My boy has asked him to stop doing this, but the child denies taking the things. Should I speak to the kid myself or call his parents about the situation?

– Crossing the Line Mommy

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Crossing the Line Mommy,

Part of parenting is showing your child right from wrong. I agree with your stance on having kids handle their own problems, but since your son has addressed the issue several times to no avail, you might consider sending a note to their teacher since it's happening in the classroom. Teachers often have experience in dealing with these minor situations, which is better than having to involve the youngster's parents.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on our new Community page.

UFO Cap Umbrella: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

babysugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:15:51 -0700

From backpacks to lunchboxes, school books to cleats - kids have a lot to juggle these days. When dark clouds start to rumble, an umbrella may be the best idea, but it can also be tough to manage with a full load. Have no fear, the UFO Cap Umbrella is here! Appearing to be straight from space, these futuristic Korean-made inventions are said to keep heads dry and arms free. They are apparently pretty handy when fishing or hiking in the rain, too! Tell me, would you put one of these on your tot?