LilSugar

Do You Let Your Children Eat Off the Floor?

LilSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:00:41 -0700

Every mother knows about the ten-second rule, but what about shaking your child's Cheerios on to the floor? Some parents forgo the plate or bowl because lil butter fingers have a tendency to drop the cereal on the carpet so they serve their kiddo's snacks straight on ground. Other moms and dads shun that practice, but don't flinch when a cracker or piece of fruit drops and their tot picks it up to munch on. What's your opinion?

Dad Tunes Out of Family Feast With a Pair of Headphones

babysugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:04 -0700

Most everyone has witnessed a child tuned into an electronic device at a restaurant. Some find it appalling while others appreciate the gadget's ability to keep a tot tame during a meal. But, have you ever seen a parent tuned out while their children peacefully ate their dinner? Such was the case at a local family hot spot I recently visited. A father sat with his two elementary school aged boys who were perfectly mannered while dad listened to his headphones. Maybe he had classical music playing or perhaps he's learning another language, but to those sitting near him - it struck us as odd. Have you ever witnessed anything like this? And, do you think it's appropriate?

When Kids Aren't Invited to the Wedding

babysugar — Tue, 05 May 2009 05:00:04 -0700

The last few weddings I attended were kid free. While many parents are bothered by such restrictions, I appreciate the limitation. I understand why the engaged couple wants all eyes on them while they exchange vows and not on a screaming infant. Not all children misbehave at such events, but unfortunately there aren't guarantees when it comes to kiddos at adult events so the safest bet for brides-to-be is to deny them the opportunity all together.

Why as a mama of two do I like the "no kids" rule? I appreciate the bride and groom making the decision for me. All I have to do is find a caretaker for my children while I dance the night away with my husband. Depending on the location, relatives or family babysitters have watched the tots. In rare cases, I have used care services like Sittercity to provide me a nanny.

I look forward to enjoying marital festivities with my babes one day, but until they are officially invited - they will sleep well knowing mommy and daddy are enjoying each other and other adult company.

Tell Mommy: Should We Reinstate Etiquette Classes For Tikes?

LilSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:00:02 -0700

There was a time, not so long ago, when etiquette was not only taught at home, but in classes outside of school. Parents sent their lil ones to seminars to learn about proper salutations, placement of eating utensils and everyday social graces. A dining experience at a restaurant recently made me wonder if our generation of parents should seek out such classes for our kids. As I watched tots of all ages running around the restaurant - some throwing food to get their parents' attention - I could only imagine what Emily Post would have said if she were alive to have witnessed the scene.

A colleague recently told me about the etiquette classes her grandmother sent her to at Lord and Taylor as a child. She learned the proper placement of silverware at the table, where to put her napkin at different points in the meal and how to excuse herself from the table. While she may have learned these nuggets at 12, she carries them with her today and tries to instill them in her preschool-aged son on a daily basis. While he still has his moments where he is almost swinging from the rafters, he knows that noodles must be eaten with a fork, rather than his fingers.

Aimee Symington recently introduced an etiquette board game, Blunders, to teach manners and polite behavior in a fun and exciting way. Would you buy it or send your child to etiquette class?

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Mommy Dearest: Sick Baby Etiquette

babysugar — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:00:00 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

Isn't the number one rule of play dates not to bring your sick child to another family's house? I recently hosted a play group and invited six other mothers and their babies over to play and have lunch. I was happy to have them all accept the invitation, except one. A 6-month-old little girl came over coughing, sneezing, and crying her little red eyes out. Everyone could tell how miserable she was, including her mother. She told us, "I'm sorry she's sick. I just had to get out of the house!" We tried to keep our children as far from her daughter as possible, but it didn't make any of us at ease with the situation. I wanted to ask her to leave, but was afraid she would be offended and not return to future gatherings. What should I have done, if anything?

- Sick About Sickness

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Sick About Sickness,

It sounds like your friend should have gotten out of the house and gone to the pediatrician. The child doesn't benefit at such a soiree since she was unofficially quarantined from the healthy children. She would have been better served at her own home with some rest and recovery time. However, if someone arrives with an ill child in tow, you might try a little honesty with a soft edge: "Maybe today isn't such a great day to play. It's pretty obvious that she's not feeling well. We'd be happy to have you over for another play group when she's up to par." If that doesn't work, you could ask her to keep her child in another area so that the other children are less exposed.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.
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Are Drinks at a Baby Shower a Do or a Don't?

LilSugar — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 06:17:39 -0700

I caught up on this season of The L Word this weekend in time for the series finale and was enthralled by the episode where Jenny throws Max Sweeney a baby shower (yep, you read it right, they went for the pregnant man plot!).

It was a touching and painful episode to watch because Max was in the process of transitioning from being a woman to becoming a man when he got pregnant and is completely and utterly overwhelmed by the prospect of motherhood and very female changes happening to his body. Despite all the drama, and the tears that welled up when I considered his trauma, I was distracted by the fact that everyone at the baby shower had a Bellini, beer or glass of white wine in their hands.

I've been to my share of non-traditional showers (heck, I have even been to one in a rented out lounge), but I happen to think it's a lil awkward for guests to knock back a six pack or shots while playing diaper games. I'm curious: do you think drinks at baby showers are a do or a don't?
Photo courtesy of Showtime

Do You Think Women and Children Should Go First?

LilSugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:00:21 -0800

Among the stories that came out of the US Airways plane crash in the Hudson River yesterday was one about the orderly conduct in which the passengers escaped the floating fuselage. According to one survivor, women and children were the first to leave the wreckage.

Do you believe such courtesies are outdated, or should men stand back and allow women and children the chance at safety first?

Is It Your Pediatrician's Place to Monitor Manners?

LilSugar — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:00:15 -0800

Teaching a child manners is the parent's responsibility, but is it appropriate for a pediatrician to track that development? Though we rely on our kid's doctor for advice on physical ailments from sore throats to earaches, are we comfortable getting their feedback on our tot's etiquette?

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Mommy Dearest: Is It Okay For Tots to Pee in Public?

LilSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:00:00 -0800

Mommy Dearest,

I was downtown shopping with my friend and her two-and-a-half year old son, who is being potty trained. We were in a communal area admiring the city's Christmas tree when he announced he was about to have an accident. My friend knew he wouldn't make it to the department store across the street (where the closest restroom was) so fearing he would soil himself, she pulled down his pants and let him pee in the shrubbery. It took me a minute to realize what she was doing, but after he was finished and we continued on our way, I told her I thought it gross to let him pee on public property. She said I'd understand once I become a mother that it was an emergency and since he was wearing underwear, it was the only option other than letting him wet his pants. What do you think?

- Timid of Tots Tinkling in Public

To read the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Dear Timid of Tots Tinkling in Public,

As a mom, I've encountered a few of these close calls myself so I sympathize with your friend. I have allowed my kids to pee on the rare occasion and in times of emergency in the trees when we were out in a rural area. But in a metropolitan situation, I always make a mad dash toward the nearest restroom. That said, I think we'll open this one up for our readers' feedback. Please chime in!

- Mommy Dearest

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

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Do You Prefer Traveling With Kids or Family Flocking to You?

babysugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 06:00:00 -0700

The holidays are always magical and exciting for children, but let's face it: they are downright agonizing for parents. The ever increasing cost of airfare and gas makes planning and budgeting for the holidays an added stress storm, but mapping out visits to both sides of the family can feel like a hurricane.

Do you prefer to forgo the monotony of home, pack up all your travel gear, toys and activities and head to visit family, or do you like having them come to you (after you clean every nook and cranny of the house, obviously!)?

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