LilSugar

Tell Us Your Best Baby Home Entertainment Trick!

babysugar — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:00:18 -0800

The pile-on continues against videos that claim to educate babies. Following a University of Washington study that found the Baby Einstein videos to be of "no value," a new study out of the University of California Riverside confirms that the DVDs don't help babies learn words featured throughout the programs.

In a column over at Newsweek, Kate Dailey suggests that while we know that children under 2 should not watch TV, in reality, parents often need a break – be it to go to the bathroom, prepare dinner, or draw a bath. She said:

The kiddie-DVD industry hasn’t made her into Einstein-but it has made sure she’s properly fed, clothed, and bathed even at the most harrying of times. That, in its own way, is genius.

How do you keep wee ones occupied so you can take care of other matters at home?

NBC's Parenthood Addresses Asperger's Syndrome

LilSugar — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:09:29 -0800

We've been anticipating the premiere of Parenthood, and it was well worth the wait! Though the first episode packed quite a punch covering everything from frozen sperm, biological clocks, and quasi-engagements to divorce and dating as a newly single parent, it was a scene about Asperger's syndrome that left me with a lump in my throat. Both the words "Asperger's" and "autism" have become so viral in recent years that many people have become almost immune to their impact. But Ron Howard and Brain Grazer's new series doesn't talk about the developmental disorder so much as it shows its effects in a single compelling scene between three generations of Braverman men - Craig T. Nelson (Zeek), Peter Krause (Adam), and Max Burkholder (Max) - when Adam tells his father that there is "something wrong with his son" outside a school event when the child is puddle jumping. Perhaps the scene seems so authentic because it's been reported that writer/executive producer Jason Katims has a son with Asperger's. What did you think of the way it was portrayed?

LilSugar Challenge: Top 10 Children's Television Shows

LilSugar — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:00:36 -0800

There are a ton of children's shows bottled up inside of your boob tube, but when it comes to choosing which ones your kids watch, what does your Top 10 list look like? Here's mine - it's a compilation of the shows my children love to view and ones that don't drive me crazy! Share yours in our Mom's List group over at the LilSugar Community for a chance to be featured on our site!

Arthur
Secret Agent Oso
Imagination Movers
Postcards from Buster
Chuggington
Dinosaur Train
Zoboomafoo
Handy Manny
Fireman Sam
Sagwa

More Moms Join Dancing With the Stars Roster

babysugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:00:00 -0800

Bring out the dancing shoes! As the 10th season of Dancing With the Stars gets underway, the just announced celeb lineup continues the show's tradition of giving moms a place to work off some steam. Joining a long line of mamas who've taken to the stage will be reality mom star Kate Gosselin and Playboy playmate Pamela Anderson, which could make for some interesting backstage conversation! Check out the other mommies who have kicked up their heels in the past few years.

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MTV's 16 & Pregnant: Just Fame For Expectant Teens?

LilSugar — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:30:39 -0800

Season 2 of MTV's 16 & Pregnant is off to an explosive start! In the first episode, we watched baby mama Janelle disrespect her own mother and then expect her to care for the newborn so the teen could go out partying. Last night, 16-year-old Nikkole shrugged at the father of her infant's disgraceful behavior toward both her and her supportive mother. I was initially horrified by the first season, but quickly warmed up to the show and its stars - even rooting for them as they made their ways as Teen Moms. Do you think 16 & Pregnant offers an invaluable education to its viewers, or is it just giving pregnant teens an hour of unwarranted fame?

Mommy and Me Designs Straight Off Project Runway

babysugar — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:00:39 -0800

The "mommy and me" matching clothing look has a dedicated following in some circles. Pint-sized versions of grown up clothes can make a lil one feel sophisticated while allowing mama to dress her daughter in clothes that truly reflect her style. On last night's Project Runway, the designers were tasked with creating looks for little girls – a challenge that sent some contestants into a tizzy. Throwing a last-minute twist into the episode, Tim Gunn then told the designers to create complementary outfits for the girls' mothers. Take a look at the designs and tell me which you like best. I'll tell you which one won and which designer had to say "auf Wiedersehen." Photos courtesy of Lifetime Television

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Yo Gabba Gabba's Got Some Big Name Guest Stars

babysugar — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:00:56 -0800

Are you watching Yo Gabba Gabba yet? If not, it's probably safe to say that your kids are. The hit Nickelodeon show has won over preschoolers, teens, and parents alike since its premiere two years ago, with its catchy tunes, retro-style graphics, and lesson-teaching characters. DJ Lance Rock has a celebrity following that already includes Brad Pitt (who dressed up like him for Halloween last year), the Klum/Samuel family and Christina Aguilera.

The celebs are not just tuning in with their lil ones, they are guest starring on the program too. As Yo Gabba Gabba enters its third season, the celebrities stopping by for a party in their tummies will include Sarah Silverman, Weird Al Yankovic, Jack McBrayer, Paul Scheer, Weezer, Anthony Bourdain, Mos Def, Devo, Fred Armisen, Erykah Badu, Flaming Lips, The Killers, Solange Knowles, Mix Master Mike, Angela Kinsey, and Marissa Jaret Winokur.

Which celeb guest star are you most excited to see?

Do You Let the Rules Slide on Snow Days?

LilSugar — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:00:52 -0800

Snow day! Two words that have lil ones jumping for joy can send parents into a state of panic. The snowmageddon that has hit much of the East Coast over this week has led to consecutive days of school closures with no end in sight.

Though kids may plan out days of sledding runs on the biggest hills and snowball fights that bring out the whole neighborhood, the blizzard-like conditions have kept many families inside their homes. When all of the board games have been played, cookies have been baked, and books have been read, mama needs a break. The TV and cable box can beckon even those moms with the strictest television policies.

With all of the snow, have you found yourself humming Nick Jr. tunes or have you managed to keep the boob tube off?

10 Hilarious Modern Family Valentine Moments

LilSugar — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:30:54 -0800

They call it funky love. Last night's "My Funky Valentine" episode of Modern Family sure beat a box of chocolates and a vase of roses. It was full of familial situations that would make any mom laugh to the point of tears. Here are the highlights:

Cam dresses Lily up as cupid and Mitchell dismisses her costume as a cut-up boa. Cam replies, "We re-purposed it. It was a Bob Mackie meets Martha Stewart project."
Dylan hands Claire a rose and says, "All women should look as tasty as you when they are old."
Phil and Claire realize that Dylan's gift to Haley isn't a painting, but a scanned photo of him shirtless lying with her turned into one.
Claire suggests that she and Phil spice up their date with some role playing and he tries out a few characters - Reginald Applebee, an English gentleman in town for a polo match, an honorable businessman from Hong Kong and a tiger trainer.
Phil arrives at the hotel bar with a nametag that says "Clive Bixby."

To see the rest of our picks, read more.

When Manny walks into Mitch and Cam's house and announces, "The universe is cold and loveless" as he pours himself a San Pellegrino straight.
Cam says to Manny, "It's Valentine's Day. It's not the day you run away from love. It's the day you track it down, tie it up, and take it home." before they head out to woo Manny's love Fiona.
Noting that he hasn't eaten any, Cam offers Mitchell a chocolate. Mitchell says, "There were two levels - you know it and I know it."
Gloria asks Jay if he would leave her if she gained 100 pounds. He pauses. Then replies, "That's not fair. I have to get old. You don't have to get fat."
When Phil is awed by Gloria's ability to swap coats with Claire without anyone noticing she's naked. Jays warns, "Take it down a notch Clive."
Claire is driving around with the kids when Phil calls to apologize for the previous night's oil mess not knowing he's on speaker. Luke asks why they had oil and Phil says, "We were making french fries."

A Few Reasons Moms Should Watch The Middle

LilSugar — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:00:35 -0800

Patricia Heaton is hysterical as Frankie Heck, a midwest mom of three who tries to make ends meet by selling used cars in ABC's sitcom The Middle. Though the show is relatively new, it already has its share of memorable moments and situations to which any harried mother can relate. Check out a few of my favorites:

Despite being near-broke and constantly pulled in different directions, Frankie is still head over heels in love her husband Mike. They celebrate their anniversary with a road trip to the carpet remnant store and shack up in a cheap motel.
Sue believes a pair of cool jeans will change her life, and even though she needs a lot more help to blend in, Frankie breaks the bank and buys her the dungarees . . . then accidentally shrinks them.
Brick is sick, so Frankie (being the working girl that she is) bundles him up and puts him in the back of one of the cars on the lot to rest - only an unknowing customer takes the vehicle out for a spin.
Frankie grabs 15 minutes of me time by locking the door of a public bathroom, painting her toe nails, putting on a maxi pad mask, and turning off her cell phone; in that time, everything goes awry.
Short on time and resources, Frankie steals sugar cubes from the work coffee table for Brick's school project, a model that he was building just for fun.
When Frankie (or any member of the Heck family) "makes dinner'" they pick up takeout. Then, the fivesome sit down on the couch and watch TV while eating burgers and fries out of their paper bags.

What's your favorite The Middle mom moment?