LilSugar

Mommy Dearest: Rude to Tell That You Returned Gift?

LilSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:00:49 -0800

Mommy Dearest,

I sent my godson a scooter for his birthday and just received a thank-you note saying that he returned the present because he preferred something else. I don't mind that he exchanged the gift since I just guessed that the ride on was something a nine-year-old would like, but I thought mentioning it in the note was rather rude. We live in different states and I never would have known had he not told me. Am I right?

- Didn't Need to Know About Returned Gift

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Didn't Need to Know About Returned Gift,

I think the sole purpose of a thank-you note is to acknowledge a gift that has been given and show appreciation for the kind gesture. Mentioning a gift was returned or exchanged for whatever reason is not necessary unless the giver inquires about it.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

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Mommy Dearest: Second-Guessing Childcare Choice

LilSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:00:39 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

I am about to return to work following the birth of my first child and am investigating my childcare options. After interviewing some nannies and visiting daycare centers both home- and program-based, I thought I had settled on a daycare center with low student to teacher ratio, clean rooms and a great daily schedule. After sharing my plans with family and friends, they started presenting me with horror stories about day care - children who are more aggressive, constant ear infections, lack of attention, etc. Should I just ignore my friends or should I reconsider my decision?

– Clueless About Childcare

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Clueless About Childcare,

Childcare decisions are never easy and there are vast generalizations that can be made about any option you choose. Your decision must be made based on your personal situation - financially and otherwise - and the quality of the care you believe your child will receive. There are good and bad nannies and good and bad day cares. If you feel that you have done the research and are comfortable with the choice you made, stick with it. Don't let the naysayers convince you otherwise.

– Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

Ecomomics: Five Ways For Santa to Stretch His Budget

LilSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:00:48 -0800

Tough financial times are cause for even the jolliest of fellows to cut back on expenses this Christmas. If you're looking for ways to make the most of your money this holiday season and still celebrate to the fullest with your children, consider these tips!

Cut back on presents by having “Santa” hide them so your children will delight in finding them. Excited about the new tradition, the kids won't notice there are less packages under the tree.
Divert your tot's eyes from the big toy items with whopping price tags by making a rule that all gifts have to fit in their stocking. Kids will love discovering that good things really do come in small packages.
If you find yourself without funds, gift coupons in place of a few goodies that can be cashed in throughout the year. Christmas keeps on giving and your budget won’t be drained.
Traveling for festivities? Buy two gifts for your tots. One they can have prior to take off and a second that they will receive once they return home.
How about a one gift wonder? Leave a letter under the tree from St. Nick that gives kids kudos for being so good and grants them any single item they want (within reason).

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Mommy Dearest: No Presents for Babe's Birthday

LilSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:00:34 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

Our daughter has too many toys so we wrote, "No presents" on her third birthday invitations.

Most of the guests brought them anyway so now we are in a pickle with no place to store them.

Should we return the gifts to their givers?

- Piles of Presents

To read the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Piles of Presents,

This is a tough one. I've been invited to "no present" parties in the past and the request always makes me feel awkward.

Not comfortable with my tots attending another child's celebration empty handed, I usually opt for a book or gift certificate.

Have you considered donating the toys to children in need? I think that might be the best gesture in this circumstance.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

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Kiddie Soiree: Baby Shower Gift Opening Tip

babysugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:00:30 -0800

Unlike some kiddie birthday parties, it's completely kosher to open the gifts at a baby shower.

But, some full bellied women shun the spotlight when it comes to fawning over bottles and diaper bins. So take some of the heat off the mama–to–be and engage the guests with a present opening game that livens things up. To learn about the time saver, read more.

When it's time to open the gifts, ask everyone to sit in a circle and have the hostesses pass each one a present. Each person opens the gift she is holding at the same time. Then the expectant mom goes from person to person, holds up the gift and announces who it's from.

While this speeds up the present process, nothing is lost since everyone sees the adorable onesies, bunny chair and silver spoons. It just allows for a quick return to the sparkling cider and mimosa bar!

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