LilSugar

Mommy Dearest: Do I Have to Play With Friend's Nanny?

LilSugar — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:35:51 PDT

Mommy Dearest –

I'm a SAHM, but plenty of my daughter's friends' have two working parents, which means that they are cared for by nannies and babysitters. Now that my daughter is in preschool, she is asking to play with specific friends, rather than the ones I set her up with, and that often means that it is the nanny and me hanging out while the girls play. While the nannies are certainly nice enough, I find us both to be uncomfortable with the situation. Should I just not schedule play dates with these kids, or is there another solution you might suggest to avoid the awkwardness of the situation.

– Playdate Problem Mommy

Keep reading to see Mommy Dearest's response.

Annabel Karmel's Cooking Playdates: Power Meals For Mini Chefs

Guest Writer — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:00:54 PDT

Editor’s note: The following is a guest post written by Annabel Karmel, the British children's chef and kiddie cookbook author. This week Annabel shares some kid-friendly recipes ideal for a cooking playdate.

I have three children of my own and some of my happiest memories have been spending time with them in the kitchen. It became clear early on that one of the things that my children loved was helping me in the kitchen and so from the age of 3 I involved them. The delight and pride they showed in baking something themselves gave me a huge feel-good factor . . . and I also knew that they were learning many skills that would stand them in good stead later in life.

A great way to maintain children’s interest is to have cooking playdates. Invite their friends round and have them choose a recipe they would like to cook. Remember children have short attention spans, so offer them recipes that are easy and provide reasonably quick results. Be prepared for mess and repeating simple instructions frequently, but the end will result in proud, happy children, willing to try new foods!

Where to Find Like-Minded Mommies For Playdates

babysugar — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:00:36 PDT

It's like the first day of school all over again - only this time, you're an adult looking for a new friend. Even if mama has a gaggle of friends before giving birth, chances are she'll seek out other moms with tots once she enters motherhood. Spending time with moms who are experiencing the same baby milestones and setbacks makes the journey easier but requires some effort. I've rounded up some of my favorite ways to meet fellow moms.

New mom exercise groups: Group exercise programs like Stroller Strides and boot camps help burn the weight and gather women in a central location.
Pediatrician's office: Check the bulletin board in your doctor's office for new-mom playgroups. If there aren't any, post something yourself.
Hospital birth clubs: You know that mom giving birth in the room next door to you? Her tot is the exact same age as yours. Many hospitals help coordinate "birth clubs," which bring new mamas and their tots together for parenting workshops and breastfeeding support.
Playground visits: Your tot may not be old enough for the monkey bars yet, but a walk around the playground with your newborn may make you a magnet for other moms looking for some fresh air and friendship.
Gym babysitting area: Mamas who turn to their gym's babysitting services while sweating away their weight already have something in common. Coordinate your babysitting/workout schedules and watch your friendship blossom.
Mommy and me classes: Yes, baby yoga and newborn music classes are meant to stimulate your lil one, but they're also prime opportunities to befriend other new mamas who are feeling their way around the class.

How did you meet other mothers?

Hold Me! Has Hugging Become the New Handshake For Kids?

LilSugar — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:32:03 PDT

Kids have replaced the handshake with a hug in many situations. The world has become a more modern and casual place, and some children wrap their arms around each other instead of saying a simple "hi" or "goodbye." From the park to playdates and the schoolyard to the sandbox, children exchange an embrace as a sign of affection or friendship. Has your tot bought into the trend?

Mommy Dearest: Fast Food Playdate Dilemma

babysugar — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:00:55 PDT

Mommy Dearest –

Yesterday, while toiling away at work, I received a phone call from my son's nanny. It seems the friend he was playing with had been promised a lunch at McDonald's and had invited my kindergartner along. I try to avoid fast food restaurants at all costs, so our nanny called to ask if it was OK to go for lunch with the friend. In the background I could already hear my son discussing the cartoon characters he saw on the restaurant's windows and rather than subject his caretaker to a meltdown, I acquiesced.

I am not some food-crazed mom (I give my children plenty of chicken fingers at home, albeit not fried), but I really don't like my children eating all of that fried food and thinking that food comes with toys. Would it be inappropriate for me to ask his playmate's mom to not promise such "treats" on days our kids play together?

– McDonaldless Mommy

To see the response from Mommy Dearest,

read more. Dear McDonaldless Mommy – You are certainly entitled to your thoughts on fast food, and you are welcome to voice them to anyone you wish, but you may want to think twice before imparting them on your fellow moms. Each mom is entitled to her own opinion and you wouldn't want to cause a rift in your lil one's friendship over such a small thing. Perhaps you could consider limiting their playdates to non-meal times or suggest having everyone over to your home where you can have more say over the meal they eat. In the meantime, I would chalk this up to a rare "treat" and let your son know that it won't be an every day occurrence. – Mommy Dearest Have a question you need answered? Submit it to the Mommy Dearest Group in our Lil Community.

Encourage Your Child to Befriend Kids With Cool Parents?

LilSugar — Wed, 05 May 2010 14:15:36 PDT

When your kid makes a friend, a relationship between the children's parents also evolves. Last night on Parenthood, Adam and Kristina encourage Max to make friends. The eight year old skips out early on the first get together, and his mom and dad are none to happy to cut the loony parents loose as well. But when a couple they really like do the same thing to them, it frustrates Adam. He says:

So now we're relegated to the short bus? We have to hangout with people like the Lessings instead of cool people like the Genatasios?

To which Kristina says, "Maybe it's not about us right now, maybe it's about Max." And Adam replies, "Can't it be about us just a little bit?" Do you meddle in your children's friendships?

End Child's Friendship If Parent Hit on You or Your Partner?

LilSugar — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:11:39 PDT

Playdates aren't just for the kids. On last night's Parenthood, Crosby takes Jabbar to his friend's house, but the boy's mom wants to hook up with the single dad more than hang out. During last week's episode, Joel tells Julia that Sydney's best friend's mom tried to kiss him. In both cases, friendships between children are involved so the parents are put in an odd position. If you ended up in this type of a situation, how would you react?

Seven Products to Jump-Start a Playdate

babysugar — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:00:03 PDT

Kids' playdates are not just an opportunity to get lil ones together to play but for the mamas to catch up on each others' lives and discuss their parenting questions. While most parents agree that unstructured play will allow the tots to be creative and work together, sometimes they need a lil push to get them going. Having a few joint-play toys on hand may provide just the right amount of encouragement to get the wee ones up and playing. Here are seven products to kick off your next playdate.

What's Your Secret For a Successful Playdate?

LilSugar — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:00:25 PST

Playdate is a fancy way of saying a child is going to hang out with a friend. Some moms carefully plan activities, and others just go with the flow. What's your tip for keeping the peace when kids get together?

Eco-Conscious Playdates Make a Splash

LilSugar — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:00:36 PST

Imagine a baby's first sentence including words like "reduce, reuse, and recycle." As we raise a new generation of eco-conscious citizens, it might not be too far-fetched an idea. With playrooms stocked with eco-friendly wooden toys, nursery closets filled with organic cotton clothing, and freezers stocked with homemade, all natural organic purees, our lil ones are learning about their impact on the earth from the moment they enter the world.

So, it's no surprise that the green movement is now invading tot's playdates. Companies like the NYC-based Unplugged on a Rug host eco-guided play sessions that feature toys, songs, and activities designed to teach even the youngest kids about the importance of living a green lifestyle. Using recycled toys such as yogurt containers and cardboard boxes, age-appropriate storybooks, and cute songs about eco-conscious living, the playdates aim to educate through play.

Would you seek out a green-oriented playdate for your baby?