LilSugar

Maybe We Should We All Move to France?

babysugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:00:56 -0700

If you want to spark a debate, just gab about America's health and child care systems. While many countries offer new mothers a year of maternity leave, most American women get three months maximum. And in regard to financial benefits, there are few. The child tax credit offers parents a small relief, but for most, it is negligible. In France, however, it's a different story.

Even two of the world's most famous and wealthy movie stars, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, are eligible for relief from the French government. While I can only assume they would reject it, People reports:

They are technically eligible for a "nanny payment" of $975.84 a month, not to mention an "orphan allowance" of $508.97 for each of their three adopted children. The grand total, $2,592.81, would be payable by check each month.

The total of their child care assistance is high due to the number of children they have, but I am still impressed that people of their stature would qualify for such aid. In addition to noshing on baguettes, wine, and cheese, France sounds like such a nice place to raise a family.
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Is Your Fearless 3-Year-Old Destined For a Life of Crime?

babysugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:30:20 -0800

Mamas of fearless children often encourage their wild child's eager behavior, but a new study may have them trying to instill a lil fear factor into their lives. Results from a 20-year study show that children who lack the ability to fear may have a dysfunction with their amygdala - the part of the brain linked to fear conditioning, emotions, and one's mental state. Researchers found children who showed no fear were often more likely to go against authorities and find themselves in trouble later in life. In cases where children may show a lack of respect for rules or even the law, parents can help coach their child into a more stable state. According to the study's research associate Yu Gao:

Some at-risk children between the ages of 3 and 5 who have benefited from those programs, which include sound nutrition, adequate physical exercise, and cognitive brain stimulation, had shown an improvement in brain functioning by age 11 that reduced the chances of criminal behavior by 35 percent 20 years later.

While it is not a black and white determining factor, it does bring some interesting insight into the workings of lil brains and what we can do to help steer them clear of harmful habits.

Would You Feed Your Child Breast Milk That's Not Yours?

LilSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:36 -0800

Doctors always tell you that breast milk is best, but is someone else's breast milk just as good? My pal recently told me that she just gave a friend, who has a younger baby, all her frozen breast milk, since it was going to go bad before her son could consume it all. Known as liquid gold in some circles, breast milk is a valuable commodity to a nursing mama and could be even more valuable to a mother who is lacking in that department. Salma Hayek nursed a newborn that was not her own, and many mommies donate their frozen breast milk to a milk bank. In both cases, the milk benefits babies in need even if it is unusual.

What if your child was the one in need? Would you feed your babe someone else's breast milk?

Did You Take Advantage of Full Maternity Leave?

babysugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0800

Before an expectant working mama checks out to welcome another baby to the world, she usually has a good idea of how much time it will be before she settles back into her desk. In some countries, mothers take the entire first year of their babe's life to stay at home and get to know them. In the States, it's a bit different. While some women have the luxury of taking months off to recuperate from their life welcoming event, others have to jump right back into the game leaving little time for bonding and resting up. While finances, benefits, and childcare are usually the decision makers, many mums are eager to get back to the job for the adult companionship it provides.

So tell mommy, did you take full advantage of your maternity leave?

Are Working Moms Making Women Less Attractive Hires?

babysugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:20 -0800

There's hardly a more exciting time in someone's life than when they discover they are willfully pregnant. Most mamas-to-be want to scream it from the mountain tops but there's usually one ear they'd like to shield - their boss's. Many women try to hide their expectant status until it is blatantly obvious to co-workers and their higher-ups because they don't know how their news will be received. Before she can give a due date, employers' minds are ticking: Who can replace her? Will she come back? Do we even need her? While those are all valid questions, it is often up to the childbearing woman to make those decisions, which is why some are wondering if motherhood is making women more unemployable.

The Vogue UK Editor Alexandra Shulman has sparked a debate that will leave many moms angry and others nodding their heads in agreement. Worried about Britain's maternity leave laws, she believes new mothers may be doing themselves a disservice if they take a year-long leave and then expect to return to the same benefits as before but with lower professional expectations. British designer Anya Hindmarch supports her view. She quips:

If we are not careful (and I speak as a mother and an employer), maternity leave and benefits will become too biased towards the mother and not considerate enough for the employer... In which case, it can start to work against women as it becomes too complicated and expensive to employ them. To me, it shouts of shooting ourselves in the foot.

Do you believe that longer maternity leave and flexible work schedules are working against women in the workplace?

Prenatal Exercise Benefits Mom and Baby

LilSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Let's get physical! The benefits of prenatal exercise have been linked to easier labors, faster postpartum recovery and improved mental health for the mama-to-be. Now, we can add healthier birth weights to that list.

The latest edition of Obstetrics and Gynecology features a study in which researchers have discovered a direct link between exercise during a first pregnancy and a decrease in the odds of delivering a larger baby. According to the study, women who exercise at least three times a week in the second and third trimesters of their first pregnancy reduce the odds of delivering a baby weighing more than 8.8 pounds by as much as 28 percent. Exercise habits before pregnancy did not appear to affect the baby's birth weight.

Many Hollywood mamas-to-be, including Ellen Pompeo, have been seen strutting their post-workout bodies around town throughout their pregnancies and with more performance-based maternity clothes on the market, it is easier than ever to follow suit. How long did you maintain your exercise routine while expecting?

Will You Do Pumpkin Carving With Your Kiddos?

babysugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:30:10 -0700

Whether the faces are spooky and scary or goofy and giddy, children love to carve out their pumpkins for the Halloween season. Everyone benefits from the fun family time, some even make it a team event. Decorating tools and and creative stencils have allowed wee ones to go wild with the gourds while some keep it simple with a knife and spoon. And while the cut-out mugs may be the end goal, many mamas don't mind the innards that can make for delish pumpkin bread and toasted pumpkin seeds.

Does your family crave carving time? Join our The Mommy Club over in our LilSugar community and share your carving tips! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

Photo courtesy of sara.atkins

Motherhood Isn't Always Instinctual, Sometimes It's Learned

babysugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:00:30 -0700

Sadly not every child can claim that their mother loved them unconditionally and with every ounce of their being. Many women will gush about that immediate affection and connection when they hold their babe in their arms for the first time while others know that it comes with time. Still some moms have to learn how to love their children, as it is not instinctual for everybody.

Author Peg Streep spoke with Robin Roberts about her lack of motherly love during her own childhood and how she has overcome it to be a better parent to her own child. In her book, Mean Mothers, Peg shares stories of other women who struggle with the mother-daughter relationships. While it is the darker side of motherhood, some may appreciate the voice on the taboo topic. Do you know someone who could benefit from a lesson on the subject?

Do you have a treasure trove of parenting tales? Join our The Mommy Club over in our LilSugar Community and share your tips! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

Has Your Child's Weight Ever Been an Issue?

LilSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:00:08 -0700

Everyone knows that babies come in all different shapes and sizes. That's why it was so odd to hear of a healthy but chubby 4-month-old who was recently denied health insurance coverage. His 99th percentile ranking for height and weight for his age made him ineligible for coverage. The industry standard is to deny a policy for any new patients above the 95th percentile, including babies.

On the flip side, a friend of mine was given a stern talking to about the need for red meat from her mother-in-law because her daughter, a perfectly happy and healthy 9-month old, fell below the 10th percentile for her age group's height and weight. It's hard for any parent to hear that their child does not meet "national standards" and even worse when they are judged or worse, denied health benefits for it.

Thankfully, the Colorado company has rectified the situation and the lil boy is now protected. Has your child's weight ever been an issue?

Mama's Hiding Her Pregnancy For a Raise

babysugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:00:04 -0700

Pregnancy is to be celebrated but there are rare occasions when a woman tries to hide her expectant status to reap the benefits of a vacant womb, especially in the workplace. In the "Never Judge a Lady by Her Lover" episode of Desperate Housewives, Carlos gives Lynette a promotion that she initially tries to reject knowing she has two babies in her belly. When the boss man mentions the salary increase, she quickly takes the offer and keeps her mouth shut about her impending arrivals. As he walks out the door, he admits he is giving the job to Lynette because the other candidate appears to be pregnant, making Lynette the more attractive option of the two.

Did you try to hide your pregnancy for job reasons?

Video courtesy of ABC