LilSugar

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Confidence

LilSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:00:30 -0700

I wish I could bottle my daughter's confidence. That way when she grows into a tween or teen that doubts herself, I would have it to hand back to her. She recently informed me that she's trying out for her school's talent show. When I asked if she'd be performing with friends or by herself, she told me she's going to do a "solo in front of thousands of people."

Whether or not she makes the cut or bails because of stage fright at the tryouts really doesn't matter. It was just priceless to watch my five-year-old who didn't know anyone when she started kindergarten last month decide if she should sing or play guitar because she's "good at both." My girl isn't a vocalist and has never had a music lesson, but no matter how off-key she is while belting out her homemade tune - I will beam with pride because my child completely believes in herself.

We want to hear your shocking, funny, embarrassing, and insightful pregnancy and motherhood stories. Join our Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? group over in our LilSugar community and share your tales and tips.

Would You Have Your Son Get the HPV Vaccine?

LilSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Lots of mothers have given permission for their daughters to get the Gardasil vaccine, but it may soon be available for their sons. The human papillomavirus (HPV) has become so widespread that many pediatricians are administering the preventative shots (given in three doses within six months) to their patients. According to one report:

A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee voted Wednesday to recommend that the vaccine be made available to boys and young men aged 9 to 26 for protection against genital warts caused by HPV.

The vaccine protects against four types of HPV, and two of those are believed to be responsible for 70 percent of cervical and anal cancers, and HPV-associated penile and throat-and-neck cancers. The other two cause 90 percent of genital warts cases, researchers say.

Would get your son vaccinated?

Tools to Get Kids Cookin' in the Kitchen

babysugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:00:10 -0700

Got a picky eater? Instead of tricking babe into eating healthy meals, try engaging him in the cooking process. Youngsters love to help and when they see their finished product on a platter, they'll be tempted to try their creation. Before too long, mama may have a mini Wolfgang Puck on her hands who prepares five course meals for the entire family.

Start with some kid friendly tongs and spatulas. They get children in the mood for some cuisine fun. Have them stir up batters or pat down wet lettuce. A personalized apron will give extra incentive to keep things cooking!

Jardin des Fleurs Kids’ Apron - $39.00	Dino Sandwich Cutter - $9.95
Apple and Pumpkin Pocket Pie Molds - $9.95	Butterfly Spatula - $12.00
Heart Sandwich Cutter - $9.95	Twist And Press Cookie Cutters, Set of 2 - $39.90
Chesapeake Picnic Table - $149.00	Ladybug Spatula - $12.00
Martha Stewart Collection Tea Cake Pan, 30 Cups - $31.99

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?

Mommy Dearest: Family Vacation Interferes With School

LilSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:00:48 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

My husband's parents' 50th anniversary is coming up in December and they offered to take the entire family on a trip to celebrate. They selected a cruise that does not return until the 5th of January. While the trip works for the rest of the family, it means my preschooler and kindergartener will miss the first two days back to school after Winter break. My mother-in-law says that I shouldn't worry because the children are young. Though I am grateful for the vacation, I am wary of the kids missing class. Should we skip the trip?

– Cruisin' in Lieu of School Mama

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Cruisin' in Lieu of School Mama,

It's your in-laws' 50th anniversary - a once in a lifetime event that your children are lucky enough to be a part of- I say take them on the trip and don't worry about the two days of missed class. While the vacation is a generous offer, the experience is one your kiddos will always remember and likely means a great deal to your husband's parents. Prior to leaving, sit down with your children's teachers, explain the situation and see if any assignments need to be completed.

– Mommy Dearest

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

Keep the Bullies at Bay With These Tips

babysugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:00:02 -0700

We all know children can be lil angels, but there are bullies that like to add mischief to the mix. At some point, almost every child comes face to face with a bully. When that moment arrives, it is helpful to know some tips on dealing with the situation. Even better, give your child the advantage by talking about it before he encounters Mr. Bossy.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, children should take these steps when confronted with a bully:

Tell an adult: parent, teacher, coach or neighbor.
Stay in a group - there's security in numbers.
If it is safe, stand up to the bully.
If receiving written communication from him, don't reply.
Join clubs or make other friends where confidence can be gained and safety can be found.

To see what you can do if your child is the bully, read more.

While bullies tend to seem confident and strong, they are often the opposite. Ask them why they tease other children - does it make them feel better about themselves to put others down? Have them put themselves in the other child's shoes and discuss their emotions.

For further tips and videos to demonstrate acts of bullying, visit Stop Bullying Now!

My Sleep Method: Tire Your Children Out

LilSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:00:00 -0700

I never could stomach letting my children cry it out. Despite friends who swear by the method and have logged enviable amounts of sleep, I can't imagine hitting the hay while my infant whimpers.

In working staggered schedules, my husband and I came up with our own method - tire them out. It wasn't something we discussed, it just happened. Before going to work in the afternoon, he'd take our tots on outdoor adventures to museums, exhibits, parks, and playgrounds. Then, when I leave the office, I run errands, meet up with friends, and plan play dates with the kids in tow. Our arrangement exposes our children to lots of places and people, and they get shut-eye in the car. Sometimes it means late nights and other times early mornings, but we have never had a real schedule.

Until now. This week my daughter started kindergarten and we had to bid our go-where-the-day-takes-you attitude goodbye (well, it's tabled until the weekend). The 6:30 a.m. wake-up call has gotten our best rester out of bed before the sun comes up and back between her sheets by 8:30 p.m. Our son is about to begin preschool, and already the lil wild child is tucking himself under the covers at a reasonable hour. I suppose we've discovered a new sleep method - enroll your kids in school. At night in the moment of peace I have before I crash, I savor it, knowing that it will be a distant memory when our new baby arrives next month.

Have you used any unconventional sleep methods?

Source: Flickr User lovelypetal

Would You Tell the School to Spank Your Child?

babysugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:00:00 -0700

A child of the 70s, I clearly recall some of my elementary school teachers using physical means to get some students to behave. Things are much different in the 21st century, or at least one might think. Though only legal in some parts of 21 states, Principal David Nixon of Calhoun Hills, South Carolina, has taken to using his paddle to discipline his pupils. Oddly enough, it was one of the parents who tipped him off to the idea. His first day on the job, a father told him, "I want to give you the authority to whip my son's butt." As the new boss at a severely struggling public school, the 31-year-old head honcho literally started taking matters into his own hands and began spanking mischievous pupils when he deemed necessary.

Fortunately for the youngsters, he didn't find it mandatory all that often, but many teachers and parents credit his practices for putting the school and its students on a better path. Not always the image of doom, the young authoritarian also knows how to celebrate the kids' accomplishments. He throws pizza parties for good test scores and arranges school pageants.

Consistent with the state law, Nixon gives parents the choice to allow or deny corporal punishment by school officials. Since 73 percent of lilsugar readers are admitted spankers, I'm curious to know, would you give your child's school permission to pop your child?

Flickr User crayolarabbit

Things to Make Mom Smile

babysugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:30:18 -0700

Try as we might, moms know that sometimes we just can't do it all. That's why we get by with a little help from some rad baby and mommy products. For starters, I'll buy just about anything that promises to make me rest well so that my parenting capabilities are top notch every morning. I have found the Beauty SilkZzz pillow helps me do that. And while I can make a decent Rice Krispie treat with the basics, the Milk and Krunchies desserts are far superior and I don't even have to clean up. Check out my other picks!

View Slideshow ›

Parent/Child Contracts Put It All Down in Writing

LilSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Sign on the dotted line please. We sign contracts for our homes, our jobs, and even for our child care providers, but will signing one with our children help keep them in line?

Some parents use parent/child contracts to keep the communication path more open, while others see it as a way to keep order in their household. The contract can serve as a visible way to ensure that kids are aware of the house rules and the consequences of disobeying them. They also help children understand what their parents' roles are in helping them achieve their goals.

For families looking to put things in writing, this pad of contracts ($10) will help get the process started with 30 fill-in-the-blank sheets that outline the terms of the agreement and penalties for breaking them.

What's your opinion of drafting contracts with your kids?