LilSugar

Get Ready For Baby: 5 Helpful Baby Planning Guides

LilSugar — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:02:10 PDT

It's time to get ready for baby! During those nine months of pregnancy, mamas-to-be have a laundry list a mile long of things that need to get done before baby arrives - like prenatal checkups, labor and delivery classes, finding a pediatrician, and learning how to properly install a car seat, to name a few. It's easy to get overwhelmed, but mamas-to-be can get some guidance - and get organized! - with the help of these five baby planning guides covering everything from going green with baby to baby gear demystified!

Teen Mom Says She Has to "Babysit," Is That Something Parents Do?

Heather Maddan — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:20:53 PST

Does the term "babysitting" apply when you're a parent? Lots of women say that their husbands are "babysitting" when the moms take a break, but isn't tending to a child par for the course when you are raising a family? Last night on Teen Mom 2, Jenelle talked about having to babysit her son Jace to prove to her own mother, Barbara, (who has custody of the child) that she was on the right track. What's your opinion?

Photos copyright 2010 MTV

Kissing Caretaker: A Welcomed Sign of Affection?

Heather Maddan — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:29:36 PST

Caretakers step in for parents when they aren't around. Nannies are often the ones who shuttle kids to and from school, nurse bumps and bruises, and play at the park with the youngsters. The babysitters form strong bonds with their charges, and many dole out hugs and kisses as a result. Are those expressions of affection (from nonrelatives) welcome in your household?

When Nanny or Child is Sick, Which Parent Takes Off Work?

Heather Maddan — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 06:05:37 PDT

Even nannies get sick days! When a caretaker calls in and has to cancel unexpectedly, mom and dad have to figure out who will tend to their tots. The same thing happens when baby is ailing and can't attend day care. If your family encounters such a situation, which parent stays home?

Lugging Lil Ones: At What Age Can a Child Carry a Sibling?

LilSugar — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:10:08 PDT

Who doesn't love to hold a baby? Fifty-seven percent of LilSugar readers let their older children carry their younger kiddos. In order for one sibling to tote another, there's usually a bit of an age difference. We're curious how old you think a child should be when he starts lugging a lil one?

Bridgit Mendler's Five Teen Babysitter Must Haves!

LilSugar — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:00:51 PDT

Bridgit Mendler is rumored to be Disney's next "it" girl, but in her role as Teddy on Good Luck Charlie, she helps care for her baby sister. We asked the star for her list of babysitting must haves. Here are the items she suggested teens and parents stock up on:

Board games: Bringing over a couple good games for while you babysit. (They) can be the perfect cure for something to do. You'll have the kids' attention and keep them entertained as a group!
Deck of cards: There are so many games to play with a deck of cards. Plus, maybe you can teach them a magic trick or they can show you one of their own!
Markers: Kids love to color with markers! Drawing is a great way to let kids use their imagination.
Books to read: Picture books are good for reading with a younger kid. Older kids might like it if you bring a book they can read on their own.
Ball: A bouncy ball is a good toy for outdoor games. If the weather is nice, there are all sorts of games to play!

If you know a tween or teen that just started babysitting, gift them a bag of these goodies to help them on the job!

Tighten Your Purse Strings, Parents Think Nannies Should Pay!

LilSugar — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:25:59 PDT

Childcare is costly, but in some cases so is being a nanny! We asked LilSugar readers to chime in on who should pay for everything from food to movie tickets, and a number of moms had their nannies picking up the tab. Here's what they said:

Even if the nanny cooks meals for the family, six percent of LilSugar readers said she should pay for her own food.
The nanny may shuttle the kids in her own car, but 26 percent of LilSugar readers said she should also pick up the tab for wear and tear, maintenance, and gas.
Nanny wants a diaper bag? Then six percent of LilSugar readers believe that she should buy one.
Kids love to go out and about to movies, museums, and events, but 14 percent of LilSugar readers said that the nanny should pay her own admission.
When a nanny buys her charges a small trinket or treat, 65 percent of LilSugar readers believe the cost should come out of her own pocket.
There are daily expenses that come with having kids and 24 percent of LilSugar readers think the nanny should cover them and then be reimbursed.

Childcare is Costly: How Much Do You Spend Each Year?

LilSugar — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:00:28 PDT

Parenting comes with a price tag! When mom and dad can't be with their child, someone else fills their shoes. Some families have grandparents or neighbors that step in, and others have to hire help or find a service to care for their kiddos. How much do you spend on nannies, babysitters, daycare centers, afterschool programs or other forms of childcare each year?

Family Has Nanny Sit in Separate Section of Airplane?

LilSugar — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:13 PDT

There's a lot of nanny business going on! Kourtney Kardashian recently blogged about traveling with her son, Mason, and referenced the fact that her family sat in a different section of the plane than the babe's nanny. She wrote:

Also, I noticed a comment on one of my previous blogs about how I sent Mason to the back of the plane to sit "with the masses." I did have a nanny traveling with us on this trip, because my mom and I were flying to Chicago for a work appearance. Mason was a little bored with being in the same spot with us for four hours and wanted a change of scenery, so we had him hang out with the nanny for 10 minutes.

Airline tickets are pricey, so do you think it's understandable if parents purchase a less expensive ticket for their nanny?

Parent or Nanny: Who Should Pay For . . .?

LilSugar — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:30:07 PDT

When it comes to the person tending to their tots, some parents have questions about who should foot the bill for certain things. A babysitter fills in for mom and dad, but does that mean they are entitled to having their expenses covered? A LilSugar reader inquired about forking over food for her nanny and lots of moms had opinions on the issue. Now, tell us what you think when it comes to these other babysitting expenses...