LilSugar

Kiddie Wellness: Seizures

LilSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0800

Jett Travolta, the beloved teenage son of actors, John Travolta and Kelly Preston, died of a seizure. While it is impossible to be with your offspring at all times, you may want to take precaution in the wake of this tragedy if your child suffers from seizures. Dr. Marie Savard explained that though it's unlikely, there are two reasons the episodes can prove fatal.

How to Help Parents Grieving the Loss of a Child

LilSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:00:36 -0800

Actor John Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston suffered a devastating loss on Friday when their 16-year-old son, Jett, died. Being predeceased by a child is a parent's worst nightmare. The mere thought of losing one's offspring is enough to bring a mother or father to tears. The reality is difficult to fathom so finding the words to appropriately comfort someone who is grieving such a loss can be hard. Here are some tips to use in coping with the sensitive task of supporting a parent whose child has died.

Behave naturally
Show genuine concern
Offer love patiently and unconditionally

To see the rest of the suggestions, read more.

Offer hugs or an arm around the shoulder, as appropriate
Sit next to the person who wants closeness
Make it clear that you are there to listen
Express your care and concern
Say that you are sorry about the loss
Say “I love you” if you feel close enough
Talk openly and directly about the person who died
Cry if you feel like crying
Keep in mind that evenings, weekends, anniversaries and holidays can be extra challenging times.

Our hearts go out to the Travolta family.
Source

Mini Me: John and Ella Bleu Travolta

LilSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:08:06 -0700

Like Dad, like daughter. For the Travoltas, movie making has become a family affair. John Travolta was on set filming the upcoming comedy Old Dogs with his wife, Kelly Preston and their eight-year-old, Ella Bleu. The flick also stars funny man, Robin Williams.

Though Ella may be her mother's daughter, she certainly got her father's looks. The twosome share the same dark hair, brilliant baby blues, wide smile, cheekbones and chin. While daddy's got a laundry list of films on his resume from Grease to Saturday Night Fever to Hairspray, it's his lil cutie that we're excited to see on the big screen.
Bauer-Griffin Online

Lil Links: Getting in the Halloween Mood With Pumpkin Stencils

babysugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:30:40 -0700

Fun and spooky pumpkin carving stencils - Parenting
All the single ladies will love this lil man - TrésSugar
Suri Cruise is a prima ballerina - Celebrity Baby Blog
Remember to nurture your marriage, too - CafeMom
Don't let your kids trick -or-treat at this dad's house - ParentDish
John Travolta opens up about son Jett's autism in trial - Celebrity Baby Scoop
8 reasons to make time for family dinner - Health
Cool canteens for babies - The Mommy Files
Have food allergies gotten out of control? - Momversation

Mourning Mother Kelly Preston Won't Speak About Jett Yet

LilSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:20:00 -0700

To be predeceased by a child is a parent's nightmare that became the sad reality for John Travolta and Kelly Preston when their son died last January. The Hollywood couple has remained out of the public eye as they lament the loss of their late 16-year-old, Jett. In July, it was announced that Kelly would break her silence and speak out about her devastation on a grief and resilience panel at the California Governor's Conference for Women in October. The mourning mother has since (and understandably) pulled out. She said:

"It is with my sincere apologies that I must pull out from speaking at [the] conference. I am sorry, but I truly believed that I could do it. Otherwise I never would have said that I could. But I am still deeply in the process of healing, and it's just too soon."

If you know parents who have lost a child, here are tips for offering your support.

Lil Loves of Our Lives: Peter Hartlaub of The Poop

LilSugar — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 06:00:00 -0800

As part of our Valentine's Day coverage, we've asked fellow mom (and dad) bloggers and writers to share their thoughts on parenthood and the lil loves of their lives - their children - with us.

You may remember the witty Peter Hartlaub, founder of The Poop and San Francisco Chronicle Pop Culture Critic from last year. This year he returns to offer up more thoughts fatherhood. He's the proud papa of Theo, 3 ½, and ten-month-old Milo.

lilsugar: Why didn’t anybody tell me (fill in the blank) about fatherrhood?
Peter Hartlaub: I'd have to remember the name of every “Bob the Builder” character? And just when I think I’ve seen every talking cement mixer, bulldozer and backhoe, some creepy scarecrow thing shows up. (At least my sons aren’t into Thomas the Tank Engine. That habit can cost a parent a few grand per year.)

lilsugar: You know you’re a father when (fill in the blank)?
Peter Hartlaub: You’re making up completely random games just to keep your kids from driving their mom crazy. Our favorite one right now is called “mechanical bull.” I lie on my back, my older son crawls on my knees, and he tries to hold on longer than John Travolta did in “Urban Cowboy.” This is good for about eight minutes of distraction, and untold future chiropractor bills.

To see the rest of Peter's answers, read more.

lilsugar: The best trick my parents taught me was (fill in the blank)?
Peter Hartlaub: To be good with my money. I think I’ve been paying into Social Security since I was 15, and had one or two jobs throughout high school and college. I had to pay my own way from a young age (I was a San Francisco Chronicle paperboy!) and was always able to stretch my money pretty far. I’m hoping these skills serve me well in the next few years, when the entire nation has to start living like the Evans family in “Good Times.”

lilsugar: Helicopter dad or free range kids?
Peter Hartlaub: I’m that guy at the park who is one step behind my kid, following him wherever he goes. I keep telling myself that it’s just because I like to play with him …