LilSugar

Parenthood: Tips For Talking to Young Kids About Sex

LilSugar — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:15:13 PDT

Sydney popped the question at the park on last night's episode of Parenthood. Joel and Julia fumbled for an answer when the child inquired about her origins, asking if she "came from a vagina." The couple uncomfortably confirmed that they all came from vaginas, but their daughter's probe continued. Kids often initiate the birds and the bees conversation well before their parents anticipate it. To ensure that you aren't caught off guard when your youngster broaches the subject, here are a few tips for keeping the impromptu and G-rated conversation as low-key and comfortable as possible.

Don't freak out. Your reaction sets the tone for future conversations.
Ask your tot what she knows and where she got her information. Then go from there. There's no need to break out charts and graphs for a 3-year-old.
Tell her an age-appropriate version of the truth.
Don't scare your kids by getting overly serious. Relax!
Encourage her to come to you in the future as she has further questions and/or thoughts.

Chime in with your own tips in the comments section!

Comfortable Way For Families to Talk About Tough Topics

babysugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:00:15 PDT

There comes a point in life when a mother must broach a subject that she's not sure how to approach. Some mamas may get straight to the point and fire away while others sit and brew waiting for the perfect moment to arrive. Instead of mulling things over and making the situation uncomfortable, mom and dad can help create an open line of communication with a question box. Take an old shoebox and let the youngsters decorate it as they see fit then cut a slit in the top of it. During the week the kids and parents can toss in their questions in and the conversation will start to flow on Sunday night at dinner when the parents pull slips of paper from it to discuss. Eventually, the box can be tossed and mealtime becomes a time of free flowing discussion.

Tips For Talking to Your Young Kids About Sex

LilSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:00:52 PST

Carrie Bradshaw didn't do me any favors. Thanks to the title of her famous movie, my daughter broached the subject of sex. As parents we know the time will come, I just didn't think it it would be so soon - at four and a half! From watching movie trailers and catching bits of playground gossip, she deduced that sex is sleeping with someone naked and kissing on the lips. In the course of of our impromptu and G-rated conversation, I realized that keeping the chat as low key and comfortable as possible opens the lines of communication.

Don't freak out. Your reaction sets the tone for future conversations.
Ask your tot what they know and where they got their information. Then go from there. There's no need to break out charts and graphs for a three-year-old.
Tell them an age-appropriate version of the truth.
Don't scare your kids by getting overly serious. RELAX!
Encourage them to come to you in the future as they have further questions and/or thoughts.

Photo courtesy of New Line Cinema

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Talks

LilSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:00:06 PDT

They say kids grow up fast, but lately I'm blown away. Last week, my art obsessed daughter told me she can't wait to get a "needle" tattoo. I knew this was coming ever since she noticed mine as I stepped out of the shower a couple years ago. With wide eyes, she blurted out, "I want one," but I talked her in to waiting until she's 25. A couple days ago, she told me she "really needs a pink wig." I thought the conversation was headed toward Halloween, but she explained that it's because she's tired of having messy hair on the mornings I'm at work and my husband attempts to style it. "That way I can just put on a wig and go out," she explained. I'm considering caving on this one so she doesn't try to dye her hair.

Yesterday, she surprised me with the latest topic - sleeping with the opposite sex. A classmate told her he slept in the same bed as his girl cousin and they had a pretend wedding and kissed on the lips. In disbelief she said, "He doesn't even know that you can't marry your cousin. And, you're only supposed sleep with your boyfriend or girlfriend and kiss them on the lips!" My daughter is four and a half, I wonder what the topics of our conversations will be at 14?

Are you ever surprised by what your child talks about?
Source

Ed Helms Talks Up His Rivalry With Taylor Swift and a Possible Office Spinoff

Katie Henry — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:05:21 PST

Ed Helms lends his distinctive vocals to an all-star cast of voices starring in Dr. Seuss's The Lorax. We sat down with Ed recently during the film's LA press event where he explained his musical rivalry with Taylor Swift and shared his personal connection to the Dr. Seuss tale. Ed also gave us a progress report regarding his new managerial responsibilities on The Office, and touched on rumors of a possible spinoff starring his pal Rainn Wilson. Check out our interview and catch The Lorax in theaters on March 2.

Savvy Ways to Talk Money in Your Relationship

Emily Co — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:03:44 PST

Money is a dicey issue, and whether you're just "withholding" information about a small purchase or lying about the amount of debt, deceiving your partner can hurt the relationship.

Insecurities about your money situation might be holding you back from the money talk, but there are smoother ways of introducing the topic. For example, couples can take advantage of tax season to bring up money questions that they were holding back. My suggestion for other times to do it is the year-end bonus period, when either one of you is checking your credit score, making a major purchase, or paying bills. Another way of casually introducing the money topic is to talk about a finance article that pertains to your question. Remember, there's nothing wrong about talking frankly about serious issues with your partner, so don't be afraid to bring it up even without these conversation starters!

Sugar Shout Out: Jenna Lyons on Sequins, Hidden Talents, and a Manolo Blahnik Collaboration

Lauren Turner — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:55:29 PST

Angelina Jolie Debuts In the Land of Blood and Honey With Brad Pitt on Valentine's Day

Katie Henry — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:53:22 PST

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt celebrated a very special Valentine's Day in Sarajevo tonight at a screening of In the Land of Blood and Honey. Brad and Angelina arrived in Bosnia earlier in the day fresh off a layover in Berlin where she was honored last night with the Cinema for Peace award. The pair are back together after being apart while he traveled to London on Sunday for the BAFTA Awards. Brad didn't take home a new trophy, though he did get to hang out with fellow nominee and close friend George Clooney.

The Jolie-Pitts are traveling without their six children at the moment; however, Brad says the kids love joining them on the road. During his recent taping of Inside the Actors Studio Brad talked about traveling as a family, and that each person is responsible for packing their own bag. Award season will bring Brad and Angelina back to LA soon enough for the Feb. 26 Oscar ceremony where he is among the leading men in contention for year's best actor.

Jennifer Lopez Stops by The Tonight Show to Chat Idol, Her Coconuts, and Valentine's Day

Katie Henry — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:58:00 PST

Jennifer Lopez, wearing a chic black dress, stopped by The Late Show last night in LA to chat with Jay Leno. Jay began by getting Jen's thoughts on the passing of Whitney Houston. Jen described her voice as "the pinnacle" of greatness in the music industry and called the entire situation "sad." The conversation switched to a lighter subject when Jay asked about her latest TV projects, American Idol and ¡Q'Viva! The Chosen. As for Idol Jen said her job on the panel is to "keep it fair" when her fellow judges Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler get distracted by pretty contestants. Meanwhile, in regards to working with her ex Marc Anthony Jen said they "had a lot of fun."

Jen and Marc have moved beyond their breakup and both seem to be moving on with new relationships. He's been spotted on the arm of Shannon de Lima and Jen's been enjoying romantic beach dates with Casper Smart. She wasn't sure about her Valentine's Day plans, but did mention receiving a necklace in the shape of coconuts, which happens to be her nickname for twins Max and Emme.

7 Things That Annoy Your Yoga Instructor

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:59:40 PST

Yoga instructors are some of the kindest, most caring, most forgiving people on the planet, but that doesn't mean they can't get bothered by a student's behavior in class. Here are seven things you don't want to do in front of your yoga instructor.

Talking during class: It's disruptive and inconsiderate to the other students in class trying to focus and relax, but it also means you're not giving your own practice the attention it deserves. If you feel the need to catch up with a friend, make plans to do something after class ends.
Ringing cell phone, or worse - answering it: Everyone is quietly moving through Sun Salutations and all of a sudden a phone rings and shatters the serenity. Always remember to turn your ringer off. If you're expecting an important phone call that can't be missed, place your phone on vibrate next to your mat and be sure to take the call outside.
Coming to class sick to sweat out your germs: No one wants to breathe in your germs. The teacher especially doesn't want to assist you if you're sick and absolutely can't stand when you leave your snotty tissues on the floor next to your mat. Take this opportunity to explore your home practice; return to the studio when you're healthy.

Keep reading to find out what else annoys your yoga instructor.