LilSugar

Is There Such a Thing as a Spoiled Child?

LilSugar — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:15:16 -0800

What is "spoiled" to some may be "spirited" to another. While some parents expect their children to march to the beat of an adult drummer, others delight in watching kiddos pave their own way with their defined personalities. Is a child who pitches a fit late at night in a toy store tired or spoiled? Is a tot who runs in the opposite direction than he's been directed a free thinker or spoiled? Is a 2-year-old not wanting to share a developmental issue, or is she spoiled? LilSugar readers had very passionate views as to what constitutes a spoiled kid, and this made me wonder - is there even such a thing?

10 Ways to Unspoil Your Child

babysugar — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:00:00 -0800

No parent sets out to intentionally spoil their child, but inevitably it happens. Frequently over-indulged tots can turn a temper tantrum here and there into significant behavioral issues as they get older. If you could identify with several of the signs of a spoiled child, its time to take control of the situation and start "unspoiling" your lil one. Here are 10 tips to get you started.

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10 Signs That Your Child Is Spoiled

babysugar — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:00:27 -0800

Spoil me rotten! They say you can't spoil a baby with endless amounts of holding, rocking, and cooing, but once that child passes the toddler years, over-indulgence can make for one ill-behaved tot. It's easy to pick out the spoiled kid on the playground, but much harder to turn a critical eye on ourselves. Here's a checklist of 10 signs that indicate that you may have a spoiled child on your hands.

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Would You Spend $10,000 On Your Tot's Birthday Party?

babysugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:00:25 -0700

Call me old fashioned or what you will, but I rather enjoy the birthday parties with pin the tail on the donkey, sheet cakes, balloons, and cellophane wrapped party favors.

To see what some mothers are spending on their tot's celebrations, read more.

While birthday festivities should focus on the child being celebrated, the trend of outlandish bashes seems to do just the opposite.

Instead of highlighting the five–year–old, crazed mothers spend oodles of money to enter the "look at me" competition amongst the mommy clan.

Over the Top Productions is a company that encourages this behavior by planning extravagant fetes for lil ones. Some parties cost parents up to $10,000. I'd rather put that into a savings account for my wee one.

When I heard that Moses Martin had a fiesta at a Mexican restaurant in NYC, I was proud of Gwyneth and Chris for providing their son with some sort of normalcy in a not–so–normal life.

But then I heard that Suri Cruise had a $5,000 birthday cake for her second birthday (pictured above). Now really, can you honestly tell me that Suri prefers fondant to butter cream frosting? I think not. But amongst her pals, Katie Holmes might get "Mommy of the Year" for her billable efforts.

Would you ever spend a lavish amount on a birthday party for your child?

Pacific Coast News Online

Chocolate Cheerios: Ga Ga or Gag?

babysugar — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 06:00:49 -0800

Oh no they didn't. Look out moms 'cause chocolate-flavored Cheerios are heading to a store near you. The old favorite is getting a makeover in one of nature's finest flavors - chocolate. If mommy thinks the standard "o" shaped bites are addictive, she may need to check herself into Cheerio rehab. Sure to be a hit with the young population, moms may not be too thrilled to introduce their wee ones to the newest member of the cereal family for fear of spoiling their tiny taste buds.

Will you treat your child to the chocolate Cheerios?

Name Brand Threads or Makes No Difference?

babysugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:00:13 -0800

Growing up, I remember begging my parents for a pair of Guess jeans when they were all the rage.

These days, you see babies decked out in True Religion, Joe's Jeans, Juicy Couture and other designer duds that all cost a pretty penny.

Of course, the babes look darling in their "couture" threads, but wouldn't they look just as cute in less expensive outfits?

How much do you care about labels?

The Gifted Child: Gifts For a Newborn Baby

babysugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:12 -0800

The best holiday present of all is a newborn baby! While you can't go out and buy a baby, you can buy things to doll them up in and entertainment tools to light up their wee eyes. Spoil babies rotten with some of these wooden treats, musical toys, and sassy threads. Baby may not get what's going on, but he'll love the attention being paid to him.

If you like it then you should put a name on it. Make it known that he is one unique child by giving him a present with his moniker scrawled across it. A baseball bat, a train, or a fuzzy topper will make for precious gifts with extra meaning. Snugglers will appreciate a cuddly blanket for a posh snooze in the crib while snowbound babes will enjoy a sled made just for them.

The Gifted Child: Hip Holiday Gift List For Grandparents

LilSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:00:52 -0800

Ask most grandparents what they want this holiday season and they'll tell you time spent with the next generation. Ask any kid what they want from grandma and grandpa and expect the world. Each family's relationship with grandparents takes on its own form, but mas and pas are known to spoil their little darlings at birthdays, during the holidays and any given day of the week. Take control of the gift giving this holiday season by setting some ground rules and giving them a short list of items your wee ones would love and need. Classic toys like the Radio Flyer Little Red Wagon ($19) allow grandparents to celebrate vintage toys of the past - just don't say "vintage"! - and will be loved for years to come. Here are some other hip holiday suggestions to share.

For a full widget of adorable gifts any child would be lucky to receive from grandma and grandpa, as well as a guide to making a wish list you can share with family and friends, read more.

Want to make a holiday wish list for your tots and share it with the family? Log in to ShopStyle, hover over items and click "wish list." You will create a wish list just like mine that you can share with family and friends.

Serena and Lily Bring the Swank to Everyone

babysugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:00:17 -0700

Mamas who want to spoil their wee ones rotten should be introduced to the fabulous interiors of Serena and Lily. The ladies who started out designing crib bumpers and bed skirts have added onto their nursery collection, and like their original audience, are creeping into the master bedroom. For a pretty penny, the Sausalito based bedding company has made living in the lap of luxury attainable for mamas, papas, and youngsters. Check out the gorgeous guestrooms and vibrant, youthful bedrooms in the gallery below and tell us which one suits your fancy best.

To see the rest of the bedrooms, read more.

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When a Shower Isn't Appropriate, How About a Sprinkle?

LilSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:00:25 -0700

While every baby deserves to be celebrated, some mamas-to-be are uncomfortable with big bashes hosted for their subsequent children. I am one of them. Four fetes were thrown in my honor when I was expecting my daughter. Awaiting the birth of my son, a close circle of friends treated me to an unexpected, festive brunch. Now, nine months pregnant with my third child, I've again been spoiled rotten. First, my fabulous co-workers treated me a sendoff complete with one of BabySugar's incredible diaper cakes, and yesterday, a few friends threw me a surprise sprinkle!

A low-key alternative to a baby shower, a sprinkle is a casual get together. Three friends hosted the lil soiree for me, and the guest list rounded out at six as my daughter and a friend's baby also attended. We enjoyed mocktails and munchies - fruit salad, spinach dip, and miniature cupcakes - while chatting about the impending babe. I was gifted lovely presents from practical velvet space-saving hangers to postpartum hospital pajamas. If you want to make a mother-to-be feel special without all the hoopla of a formal affair, a sprinkle expresses the perfect amount of sentiment.

Source: Flickr User BL1961