lilSugar -- Mommy's little helper.

Are Firearms Family Friendly?

lilsugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:21 -0800

Loaded weapons and lil ones don't mix in my opinion. I hope my daughter and son never wrap their hands around a gun. Not now or ever. Growing up in San Francisco in the 80s, it wasn't all too unusual to see a gun cabinet at a friend's house or hear a rumor that their father had a gun. My own dad took me target shooting when I was ten. But, times have changed and I'm not keen on my children attending a playdate in a home that had firearms. Why? Because accidents happen and not all people take the proper precautions in storing weapons and as a result, kids die.

We told you about the four-year-old that shot herself when she pulled her grandma's loaded gun from her purse in Sam's Club and a father who forced his six-year-old daughter to pose with a pistol. Yesterday, news reports said a child was shot when her drunk father cleaned his firearms. Though the headlines are few and far between, every fatality is worrisome. Are you a gun free family?

Source

Pregnant Woman Faces Forced Abortion of Her Third Child

lilsugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:00:10 -0800

In America, we have the freedom to reproduce at will, but in other countries that isn't the case. An Uyghur woman who is more than six months pregnant with her third child is facing a forced abortion. Chinese authorities are holding her in a hospital because she is only permitted two offspring. One report said:

China's one-child-per-family policy applies mainly to majority Han Chinese but allows ethnic minorities, including Uyghurs, to have additional children, with peasants permitted to have three children and city-dwellers two.

But while Tursun is a peasant, her husband, Nurmemet Tohtasin, is from the city of Gulja [in Chinese, Yining] so their status is unclear. The couple live with their two children in Bulaq village, Dadamtu township, in Gulja.

The couple is also subject to steep governmental fines. Do you think it's fair for the government to regulate a person's reproductive rights?

Source

Should Dad Who Had Tots Duke It Out Lose Custody?

lilsugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:00:29 -0800

Siblings have their spats, but when push comes to shove most parents step in. This was not the case when one father's 2-year-old tot came to blows with another child his age. The dad, a special operations soldier at Fort Bragg, picked up a camera, egged on the fight, prevented an older child from stepping in, and posted the footage on YouTube. I am not posting the video because it is so hard to stomach. The father only cut the tape and ended the altercation once the boy was bleeding. Do you think this dad deserves to lose custody of his small son?

Should Dad Who Had Tots Duke It Out Lose Custody?

Yes — Take this tot away from his father!

No — The boy wasn't hurt that badly.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Another Good Reason to Double Check the Candy

babysugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:00:01 -0800

Some things in this world just seem too insane to be true, earning them the title "urban legend." In the '80s, parents feared trick-or-treaters would come home with needles in candy bars and wrappers laced with drugs. Alas, nobody I ever knew stumbled upon such horrific findings.

Parents in Ramsey, MN, found one "treat" that turned out to be a potentially lethal trick. Their 7-year-old son was given $85 cash and $200 worth of methamphetamine! Thankfully the tot didn't think it was rock candy and consume it, and told his parents about it instead. His folks suspect an older teenager dropped it in his bucket after asking the youngster if he wanted some candy.

Lesson learned — I'm going home to thoroughly search the rest of our candy stash before my daughter gets her wee hands on any more chocolate.
Source

Woman Only Passed Out Candy to Kids Who Support McCain!

lilsugar — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:57:29 -0800

A Michigan woman in support of John McCain turned Halloween into more of a trick than a treat for Barack Obama supporters and their tots who went to her door. Using the opportunity to push her political agenda, Shirley Nagel handed out packs of M&M's stapled to McCain/Palin collateral only to those voting for the Republican ticket. She said there were no handouts for Obama supporters, liars, tricksters or kids of supporters. Parents and neighbors were outraged.

What do you think about this woman's use of tots in her tactic?

Safe Haven Law: What Should Nebraska Do?

lilsugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:24:28 -0700

Parents in a panic sometimes abandon their infants in unsafe environments. To avoid that practice and ensure the safety of the babies, many states have safe haven laws that allow moms and dads to drop their offspring off at specific destinations like hospitals without the fear of being prosecuted. Nebraska recently instituted such a law in July, but extended the age range to include all minors. And, as a result 17 children including teenagers and one from out of state have been relinquished.

ABC reported:

"Safe haven legislation is designed to prevent infants from being left outside or left unattended," said Nebraska Gov. Dave Heinman. "Safe haven laws were not designed to allow families having difficulty with older youth and teenagers to abandon their children or responsibilities as parents."

Do you think Nebraska should tighten its terms to only infants?

Baby Wellness: Up the Ante on Vitamin D

babysugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

The rules of parenting are constantly changing. Just last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that children should receive a daily dosage of 200 daily units of Vitamin D. As of today, the figure has doubled to 400 daily units. Dr. Roshini Raj tells parents about the importance of the supplement in the video below:

Before making any moves, consult with your child's pediatrician.

Should Children Under 5 Have Hamsters as Pets?

lilsugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:00:34 -0700

Just about everyone has heard a hamster horror story, from the critter that fled its cage and burrowed into the furnace, to the pet who leaped from his owner's lap and found his fate in a collapsing La-Z-Boy. But now, experts are attributing another reason for why children under 5 should not keep the rodents (as well as others like hedgehogs, baby chicks, lizards and turtles) as pets — the kid's health. One report said: About 11 percent of salmonella illnesses in children are thought to stem from contact with lizards, turtles and other reptiles, Pickering said. Hamsters also can carry this germ, which can cause severe diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.

What's your opinion?

Should Children Under 5 Have Hamsters as Pets?

Yes — Hamsters have long been good pets for lil ones.

No — I wouldn't take the chance with my tot.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Are Wee the World? A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

lilsugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:00:47 -0700

As parents, we are protective of our own children as well as others. Forty-five percent of lilsugar parents, are part of the violent toy ban. While these moms and dads worry about their tots playing with plastic, rubber, or paper weapons, let alone play swords or bb guns, there are children around the world toting real, loaded firearms. CitizenSugar wrote a frightening piece about the way children in Gaza celebrate the end of Ramadan. The chilling images make it hard for a mother to imagine how life could be so different for her son or daughter.
Source

Mommy Alert! Check Your Car Booster Seat For Safety

lilsugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700

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If your child has outgrown their carseat and rides in a booster, take a look at this recent report. For the first time, the transitional seats that youngsters ride in were tested. And, the results for some mainstream brands aren't great. To see if your child's chair made the best bets, good or bad list,

Breast Milk the Not So Secret Ingredient at Swiss Restaurant

lilsugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0700

The secret ingredient is mother's milk, only it's no secret! A Swiss restaurateur plans to roll out a new menu with decadent soups, sauces and stews made with breast milk. The owner of Storchen, Hans Locher, does not see any controversy in using the natural ingredient as babies are raised on it. What raised eyebrows is when he started soliciting the services of lactating women. One report said:

Mr Locher attracted the attention of the leading media of the German-speaking world this week after he posted ads looking for women donors, who will receive just over three pounds for 14 ounces of their milk.

The chef said that he blends a bit of cream with the milk for consistency, but only service will show whether or not patrons will indulge. Would you?

Mommy Alert! Laundromat Is No Place for Lil Ones

lilsugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:00:50 -0700

Even the most mundane of errands can end up in disaster if proper precautions aren't taken when tots are in tow. Seven-year-old Timothy Clark and his sister, 5, were playing at the laundromat while their mother cleaned clothes and fed her newborn. Things took a turn for the worse when the boy climbed in a machine that was supposedly broken, but it turned on and trapped him inside while filling with water. With babe in hand, his mother was able to rip him from the machine after the frightening experience. The child, who is now in the hospital, suffered a swollen head, scrapes, bumps and bruises. Let this instance be a lesson to parents — never allow your kids to climb or play with appliances, even those that are out of service.

Wisconsin Mom Stole Daughter's Identity to Enroll in School

lilsugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 06:00:39 -0700

In a bizarre case, another adult has posed as a minor to enroll in school. Career criminal Wendy Brown, 33, stole her fifteen-year-old daughter's identity to enroll in Ashwaubenon High School and join the cheerleading team, but her past caught up with her before she could make the second day of classes. When members of the squad questioned her about looking older, she attributed it to sun damage. First a sex offender fools the Arizona school system into thinking he's a seventh grader and now a woman who looks close to forty passes as a member of the pep squad —do you find these instances alarming?

Kidmazing: Child Delivers Mother's Baby!

lilsugar — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 05:00:48 -0700

Doctor Jaidan, medicine girl! Valerie Lujan was seven months pregnant and at home with her daughter, Jaidan, when she went into labor. The nine-year-old stayed calm and acted quickly to deliver her little brother. Following the directions of a 911 operator, the child tied off the umbilical cord and massaged the newborn until emergency medical workers arrived. Both the mother and newborn are fine.

Mommy Alert! Beware of Your Child's Classmates

lilsugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:00:29 -0700

You can never be too careful of who your child is befriending — even while at school. A sex offender passed as a seventh grade boy and enrolled in Arizona schools. Neil Havens Rodreick II, 30, successfully pulled off the ruse for two years with the help of men posing as his cousin, uncle, and grandfather. According to CNN:

Rodreick attended charter schools in Surprise, Payson, and Prescott Valley starting in 2005, authorities said. They say he shaved and wore pancake makeup to help him appear younger, convincing teachers, students, and administrators that he was a young boy named Casey.

Though no victims of sexual abuse have come forward, Rodreick once grabbed a classmate's rear. A search of his residence turned up more evidence. It said:

When authorities searched the four men's home in Chino Valley, a community northwest of Phoenix, they found more than 600 graphic photos and videos of child pornography and a sex tape that depicts Rodreick and a boy between the ages of 10 and 13 having sex in a motel room.

What are your thoughts on this story — is the school system to blame for not checking paperwork more carefully?

Father and Son Spent Time in Sea Talking Disney

lilsugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:00:43 -0700

It's a miracle that Walter and Chris Marino survived their night in the chilly waters where sharks swim off the coast of Florida. But this latest report sheds light on what got the father and his son through the hours of treading water — repeating phrases from the 12-year-old's favorite Disney movie, Toy Story. Walter continued to call out even when his son no longer answered. Kudos to this dad who kept his son's spirits up despite their bleak situation. It's amazing they both survived.

Dad Saves 3-Year-Old Who Was Sucked Down a Drain

lilsugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:00:02 -0700

A quick-thinking dad was able to save his 3-year-old daughter when she was sucked down a storm drain after the family's English neighborhood flooded. Mark Baxter heard his tot and glanced over expecting to see the lil girl standing with his wife and older daughter. Panicked when she wasn't, he reached down the drain to feel only water and guessed it flowed to the nearby river. The father ran over to find Leona floating face down and, luckily, was able to revive her.

Michael Phelps Donates $1 Million to Inspire Lil Swimmers

lilsugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:00:59 -0700

His mama must be proud! It seems that golden boy Michael Phelps, who struggled with ADHD in his youth and found his focus in the swimming pool, is hoping to pass that passion on to other water babes. The winningest Olympian just established The Michael Phelps Foundation with the hefty bonus his sponsor Speedo awarded him for breaking Mark Spitz's record. A report said:

“I feel it's only appropriate that I continue the momentum that Speedo helped to create by committing my bonus to the establishment of the Michael Phelps Foundation, which I hope will help me inspire others to achieve their dreams, and give back to the sport that has given me so much,” Phelps added in a statement.

The athlete hopes the million dollars will help grow the sport and expose children to swimming.

Diaper Saves Baby's Life

lilsugar — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:00:09 -0700

Never underestimate the power of disposable diapers. An absorbent nappy does more than keep a baby's bum dry and provide postpartum relief for a mother — one saved a life. A Brazilian boy fell from a third-story window, and the Pampers that normally cushion the tush got caught on a spike in the side of the apartment building.

Though the diaper opened after the 18-month-old hung from it, it did slow the speed at which he fell 30 feet. The babe survived and is reportedly in stable condition.

Source

Mommy Spots Cancer in Pen Pal's Child Over the Internet

lilsugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:00:28 -0700

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It seems that almost anything can be done over the Internet. Mothers Madeline Robb and Megan Santos have never met, but since their children were born on the same day, the two became pen pals sharing advice and photos of their tots over email. Madeline noticed a shadow on lil Rowan's eyes in the pictures suggested Megan to take her daughter to get it checked. Her advice likely saved the girl's life.

Baby Wellness: Get Down on Those Tummies!

babysugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700

At one of my daughter's earliest doctor appointments, her pediatrician told me to keep her on her belly for tummy time whenever she was awake. I was in disbelief as my tot hated being on her stomach. The doc said it was important for her development and that the babe would eventually get used to it and may even enjoy it.

I'm glad we listened to her and powered through the initial days of tummy-time agony. The American Physical Therapy Association recently issued a warning telling parents that time spent on the stomach is not only beneficial for the skull's formation, but it also allows the baby's neck and shoulder muscles to develop in a timely manner. Physical therapist Colleen Coulter-O'Berry advises parents:

Increasing the amount of time your baby lies on his or her tummy promotes muscle development in the neck and shoulders; helps prevent tight neck muscles, and the development of flat areas on the back of the baby's head; and helps build the muscles baby needs to roll, sit, and crawl. . . Don't be afraid to put your baby on their tummy for short periods of time while they are awake. After a nap, diaper change or feeding, roll the baby onto his or her stomach, and encourage the infant to find, focus, and follow your face or a toy with their eyes looking up.

Did you practice tummy time with your tot?
Source

Mommy Alert! New Toy Safety Standards Passed

babysugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 06:00:12 -0700

Last year, the 12 days of Christmas seemed more like the 12 days of recalls. Parents were up in arms over what products to deem "safe" for their wee ones. Consumers tired of playing the guessing game will be pleased to know that President Bush signed Senator Mark Prior's legislation, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, passing the law on Thursday morning. The Senator said:

With the stroke of a pen, President Bush today signed my legislation allowing for sweeping reforms to begin taking place that will keep toxic toys and other dangerous products out of our homes.

To see what revisions we can expect,

Donating Eggs to Make Ends Meet?

lilsugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:00:35 -0700

If you were in tough financial straits, would you consider donating your future children? A recent CNN article reported that in a time of recession, more women explore the option of selling their eggs. One woman explained her reason for doing so. She said:

"The cost of living is crazy right now, with two kids, gas prices, and rent . . . I'm living paycheck to paycheck," said the 24-year-old, who did not give her last name to protect her identity. "I just really need the money to finish school."

Egg donation can prove lucrative, paying from $5,000 to $10,000. While some clinics have reported a surge in inquiries, skeptics wonder if it is due to the economy or heightened awareness of the option. And the process is intense, involving physical and psychological tests, hormone injections, blood work, ultrasounds, and possible side effects. It's by no means a quick way to score cash. For one 28-year-old mother, the compensation she got from four previous donations may prove useful in the near future. She said:

"I have two children of my own, and I definitely wanted other families to be able to have that opportunity," she told the Sun Times. "For my family, [the money] wasn't a necessity, but it was a nice nest egg if things should get worse. My husband is in construction and . . . that's not doing so well right now."

Would you consider egg donation?

Source

Pregnant Robber Leaves Son at Scene of Crime

lilsugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:00:33 -0700

It seems some parents think stealing is more fun than taking their tots to the park. In the second case I've come across in the past week, an innocent child became an unwilling accomplice in his parent's illegal activities. A 2-year-old boy was left behind at the scene of a robbery when his pregnant mother and her expectant friend fled after being caught breaking into an apartment. The women have been brought up on multiple charges including robbery, larceny, and child abuse.

Dad Uses His Tot As a Decoy While Shoplifting

lilsugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:05:00 -0700

It's bad to be a thief, but being a terrible father is unforgivable. Twenty-eight-year-old Justin Black is both. He used his 2-year-old as a decoy to steal goods from a Wal-Mart store with an accomplice. While Black was running to avoid security, he fell on his tot and then took off in a car without securing his child. All this for a couple of video games and about $200 worth of merchandise. He was later arrested at home and the toddler is safe with his mother. I hope the judge throws the book at this bad dad.

Pet Dogs Maul Two-Month-Old Boy

lilsugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:00:32 -0700

No matter how docile a pet, parents should always take precautions when bringing home babe. An Oklahoma couple learned the hard way when they left their two-month-old son alone in his swing and it cost him his life. The baby's mother and grandmother were in another room of the house when the infant was mauled by one of the family's two dogs —a black Labrador puppy and a small Pug.

Cell Phones and Cancer

babysugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:00:27 -0700

I never met a baby that didn't enjoy a cell phone. Before you pass your chatty gadget to your tiny one, consider getting him his own fake version. Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, the director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, issued a warning:

Recently I have become aware of the growing body of literature linking long-term cell phone use to possible adverse health effects including cancer. Although the evidence is still controversial, I am convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory to share some precautionary advice on cell phone use.

Numerous other studies on the same subject have come up empty on such similar findings as Herberman.

To see what measures Herberman advises people to take,

Who Is Responsible for 2nd Degree Burns on Kids' Feet?

lilsugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:00:57 -0700

Playgrounds are normally a place for parents and their tots to let loose, but New York City parks have given youngsters something to cry about. Children running barefoot have gotten second degree burns on the bottom of their feet from the black rubber matting that lines the ground of their local playgrounds providing cushion for tots. The flooring can heat up to 166 degrees and as a result children who have taken off their shoes have had the soles of their feet singed. Do you think the park department should replace the padding with a safer material, or is it the parent's responsibility to make sure their kids' feet are covered?

Who Is Responsible for 2nd Degree Burns on Kids' Feet?

Parents — They should make sure their kids have shoes on.

Park Department — Playgrounds should be kid-friendly.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Child with Long Hair Not Allowed in Kindergarten

lilsugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:13:57 -0700

Folks in Needville, Texas are protesting bending the school district's rules to let a five-year-old boy with braids enroll in kindergarten. Keeping with his Native American heritage, Adriel Arocha explains that he has never cut his hair "because it tells me how long I've been here." Despite the family's tradition and beliefs, the school board requires that boys wear their hair no longer than their collar. Locals think that making an exception to this rule could lead to other problems.

What is your opinion?

Mommy Alert! Baby Orajel Can Cause Breathing Difficulties

babysugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:00:07 -0700

Teething can be a nightmare for parents and toddlers alike. Many moms rely on products like Ambesol or Baby Orajel to get them through those droolish teary moments. Before stocking up on those "soothers," think again.

I recently received an email detailing a scary incident involving a mother who used Baby Orajel to soothe her tot's tooth pain. What she experienced was terrifying and all too common. After placing a dab of the numbing gel on her son's gums, her son stopped breathing, turned blue, and became limp.

To see what happened to the young lad,

Mom Tries to Poison Baby Via Feeding Tube

lilsugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:00:19 -0700

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In unthinkable crimes, a Tennessee mother has been charged with trying to poison her infant son while he was hospitalized. The four-month-old was being treated for high levels of sodium in his body at a Pennsylvania hospital, and his condition worsened once 21-year-old Amber Brewington visited. Police found a container of salt and a syringe in the woman's backpack. The baby's father was not involved.

Cops Fall From the Sky to Save Choking Child

lilsugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0700

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Cops literally fell from the heavens to save a babe. Two Huntington Beach, CA, flight officers made an emergency landing while on air patrol after hearing a 911 call from a frantic mother unable to help her choking child who had turned blue. Knowing they could get to the residence before ground units, the policemen answered the call. While the pilot swooped down in a cul-de-sac, another officer ran to the home and took the lifeless tot from his mother's arms. He was able to clear the child's airway after a few cycles of CPR. The lil guy is doing well.

Unlicensed to Drive: Three-Year-Old Crashes SUV

lilsugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:00:35 -0700

The next time your tot says he's going for a ride, don't take it too lightly. A three-year-old Missouri boy who could barely see over the dashboard let alone reach the pedals, took his mama's SUV for a short and unintentional joyride or rather, joy roll. According to a report, when the mother's dismissal of her son's passing words had a smashing outcome. It said:

After telling his mother he was “going bye-bye,” the boy carried the SUV’s keys to the vehicle and evidently turned the ignition key far enough to allow the vehicle’s transmission to slip into neutral.

The car rolled backward until it hit a fence and neighboring home.

Mommy Alert! Keep Reading to Baby

babysugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:01:00 -0700

Many parents blessed with splendid pregnancies and angelic babies fear torrid toddler years and beyond. However a new study published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology says that pleasant tempered babies are more likely to maintain good behavior later in life.

It is well known that teaching your child the importance of reading is one of the most powerful gifts you can give them. Researchers from the University of Chicago might agree after they followed nearly 1,900 children from infancy up to age 13. The findings published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology said:

Children whose mothers gave them plenty of intellectual stimulation in the first year of life — reading to them, talking to them and taking them out of the house — were less likely to have serious behavioral problems.

To see what else may determine a wee one's future behavior,

The Breakfast Club for Fathers

lilsugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:00:43 -0700

Women have their Mommy friends, but what about dads? Fathers may be taking a bigger role in raising their offspring, but many are still given the once over by mom cliques at the playground. One group of work-from-home dads in New York started a get together on their own terms — far from the sandbox and without tots in tow.

The men whose children attend P.S. 234 have formed a breakfast club and the characters don't even slightly resemble Emilio Estevez and Molly Ringwald. The New York Times reported that these men — a photographer, a sculptor, a screenwriter — who have been breaking toast over eggs and bacon for the past four years have nannies, housekeepers and high powered wives. The gathering is a way for the men to chat about current issues, cars and kids. It said:

But the dads have no compunction about taking a leisurely break from diapering and spending some of the family’s hard-earned money in the process. “All these fathers are actually really good fathers,” said Mr. Katz, who recently oversaw the birth of his fourth son (and made it to breakfast with the guys 14 hours later). “We do more parenting than our type-A wives and feel we’re justified.”

Would you encourage your husband to participate in this kind of a group?
Source

Close Case Before Finding Missing Child?

lilsugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:00:33 -0700

My heart leapt into my throat when I read a report that Portuguese prosecutors will examine the police report before deciding whether to drop the investigation or take further inquiries on the Madeleine McCann case. Last May, the 3-year-old disappeared from the resort room where she slept with her two year-old twin siblings while their parents dined out.It's hard to imagine that the case could be closed (though they could reopen it at any point) with a young child's life at stake. What is your opinion?

Close Case Before Finding Missing Child?

They should not stop looking until they find her.

They can't look forever.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Christina Aguilera Rocks the Vote With Max

lilsugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:30:25 -0700

Christina Aguilera may not be vocalizing her support for McCain or Obama, but she is endorsing Election 2008. The songstress lent her singing abilities and her son to the "Rock the Vote" campaign. The 27-year-old mama sang, "America the Beautiful" while cradling her five-month-old, Max Bratman, for the public service announcement. And, having her son on board caused the blond bombshell to be a bit more reserved. She said, "Since I'm holding my son, I'm not going to, you know, belt in his face or anything like that. But it was really, really nice to bring it down to a really intimate moment between me and my son."

Would you allow your child to be part of an election PSA?

Fair to Remove Autistic Tot From Airplane?

lilsugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:00:35 -0700

Maybe I have sympathy for this situation because I am a mother, but I feel for Janice Farrell and Jarrett, her son with special needs. The mother and her autistic two-year-old were escorted off an American Airlines flight on Monday in North Carolina. An ABC report said:

"The child had been crying and screaming uncontrollably, to the point where the child's well being was in question," American Airlines, the parent company of American Eagle, said in a statement. "Though, ultimately, the parent's violation of FAA regulations was the cause for removal, both situations contributed to an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe atmosphere for our passengers and crew."

Janice said the airlines contributed to her son's upset.What's your opinion?

Fair to Remove Autistic Tot From Airplane?

Yes — They should have been deplaned.

No — I feel for the kid.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Mayor Said There's No Evidence of Pregnancy Pact

lilsugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Seventeen swelling bellies aside, the Mayor of Gloucester, Carolyn Kirk, said that there is no evidence of a pact between the pregnant students of Gloucester High School as reported by Time. And, believes that the spike in pregnancies, which is more than four times the normal number, is similar to what's happening in other cities. Despite her claim, an Associated Press report said that some students and residents aren't buying into that belief. It said:

Gloucester resident Annette Dion, a 45-year-old private music teacher, said school and city officials should have done more to find out whether the girls truly made a pact to become pregnant. She said denying such a pact existed is "pretty naive."

Do you believe there was a pregnancy pact?

Dad Stole His Son's Identity

lilsugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:00:22 -0700

Dads are supposed to protect their offspring, so it's unsettling to think that Harold Bray stole from his children. The Arizona man has been charged with one count of identity theft for using his 8-year-old son's social security number to rent his apartment. The father of two children under 12 used his stepson's social security card to open a cable services account in 2006. At the time of his arrest, Harold's wallet contained a blank check from an ex-girlfriend and both of his kids' social security cards.

Teens Make a Pregnancy Pact

lilsugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:00:20 -0700

Seventeen students at Gloucester High School in Massachusetts are pregnant and it appears that many made the decision to have babies based on a pact. No doubt, the girls aged 16 and under, many of who took their confirming pregnancy tests at the school nurse's office, are sure to get a lesson in life. Time reported that the expectant young women plan to raise their babies together.

Four-Year-Old Shoots Herself While Shopping With Grandma

lilsugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:00:44 -0700

A grandmother took her granddaughter and her handgun to Sam's Club. As Donna Hutto Williamson, a South Carolina magistrate with a permit to carry the weapon, shopped at the warehouse store, the 4-year-old sat in the cart with the purse that contained the firearm. According to an Associated Press report:

The child was riding in a shopping cart and playing with a cell phone, then grabbed the gun from her grandmother's purse and shot herself in the chest, Inease Williamson said.

The child's great-grandmother also said the lil girl is recovering from emergency surgery. Do you think the grandmother should be charged for putting the tot in close proximity to the loaded pistol?

Video Messages Sent to Children From Parents in Prison

lilsugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:00:28 -0700

Carolyn LeCroy had two children and a career in film and video production when she lent her storage unit to a friend who hid marijuana in it. In 1994, he fled and she got 55 years in prison. Paroled after serving just a fraction of her sentence in 1996, the former inmate started The Messages Project after seeing firsthand how few prisoners received family visits — just 20 percent, according to the US Department of Justice. The program allows parents to send their children a message, an apology, or read them a story from behind bars. The project was created to help the unintended victims of crime, the children left behind.

Stay-at-Home-Dads Have a Hard Time Returning to Work

lilsugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:00:39 -0700

Women are expected to leave the office when they have a baby, but what happens when a father does? A New York Times article reported that while 160,000 men have left the workforce to care for their children, they have a hard time filling in the gaps on their resumes when they attempt a career comeback. It said:

Acceptance of returning fathers “seems to be generational,” said Brian Reid, 33, who in 2002 founded RebelDad.com, a site about the “stay-at-home dad trend.” “It makes dads nervous knowing that they are not likely to be interviewed by a peer, who gets this, but by a 55-year-old middle manager, who might have a wife or a daughter who has left the workplace and come back, but who doesn’t understand it in a man.”

It's this social stigma that has many fathers taking up freelance or part time jobs so they can continue to build their work history while raising their tots. Other dads volunteer or go back to school for additional degrees so they can continue to talk business with their peers and be taken seriously. While being a stay-at-home dad is a full time job, some employers dismiss it as little more than a trip to the playground.
Source

Daughter's Kiss Deafens Mother

lilsugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:30:52 -0700

What better way to be welcomed home than with a kiss from the kids? This story may make you think twice about puckering up. A Hicksville homemaker lost her hearing after her daughter delivered a deafening kiss to her ear. The 4-year-old child's lip suction pulled Gail Schwartzman's eardrum out towards the ear canal and caused tiny ligaments to disconnect. While this was a rare and unintentional occurrence, doctors caution parents from kissing into their infant's ears.

Father Charged With Criminal Abuse For Son's Sunburn

lilsugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:12 -0700

Lather your kids with lotion or be charged for sunburn. A Kentucky father was arrested and charged with criminal abuse after failing to protect his 2-year-old son from the sun's intense rays with proper clothing, sunscreen or shade. The shirtless tot was outside playing with his dad for at least 90 minutes and suffered second and third degree burns on his arms and back. Bobby Jones, 27, is currently in jail and cannot see his son for at least two weeks while the investigation continues.

Autistic and Proud

lilsugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:30:42 -0700

Who said that everyone was supposed to be the same? While many parents stress about getting their children vaccinated or advocate for funds to find the cause and cure for autism, others are taking a different approach. A group of people who have been diagnosed with the developmental disorder and some parents of autistic kids are saying that more energy should go to setting up services to accommodate those who have already accepted their circumstances and wouldn't have it any other way. They say that there is no one face of autism.

Dad Forces Six-Year-Old to Pose With Pistol For Pictures

lilsugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:00:20 -0700

I grew up going target shooting with my dad, but times have changed and I can't imagine even putting my kids in close proximity of a firearm. One father in central Florida felt differently. The five times convicted felon was under investigation for burglary when law enforcement found pictures of his six-year-old daughter holding a pistol while searching his home.

According to the police, the father found humor in forcing the girl to pose for the pictures that he captured on his camera phone. He is currently in jail for other shots that showed him holding an SKS rifle as it violated his parole that prevents him from possessing a firearm. He also faces charges for grand theft and dealing in stolen property.

What's your take on wee ones and weapons?

International Adoption Sanctions Affect Many in America

lilsugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:00:54 -0700

While international adoption investigations hope to end corruption, what happens to children in need of families? According to a New York Times report placing suspensions and more stringent guidelines on the process has had a major impact on American couples seeking to adopt kids from countries like Vietnam and Guatemala. It said :

A major change in the adoption landscape is the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, a treaty involving more than 70 countries and recently signed by the United States. It establishes new accreditation requirements for adoption agencies and protections against child trafficking. Many in the adoption field expect the treaty to stop the commercial industry that boomed in many countries as demand for international adoptions rose. Ultimately, the regulations are expected to benefit the children and those wanting to adopt them.

The rights of the biological parents and their offspring should first and foremost be protected, but in looking into adoptions on a case by case basis, many potential adoptees and families hoping to welcome them will wait in limbo. It said:

The world began watching as international adoptions more than tripled from early 1990, reaching as many as 22,884 in 2004 in the United States, which registers more international adoptions than all other countries combined. But the number of such adoptions has steadily decreased over the last three years, to 19,400 in 2007, and adoption experts expect the decline to continue for several years.

Source

Dry Drowning, Boy Dies an Hour After Swimming

lilsugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:00:19 -0700

Supervising your children while they swim is a given, but what about once they get out of the pool? A South Carolina boy died one hour after swimming. According to an NBC report, fourth grader, Johnny Jackson died of asphyxiation by drowning, also known as dry drowning after he walked home from his local pool with his mother, had a bath and retired to bed for a nap. Dry drowning, which amounts for about 10 to 15 percent of all drownings or near drownings, occurs after a person swallows fresh or salt water, meaning it can happen even after a tot has been in the tub. And, the child doesn't have to ingest large amounts of fluid so parents should look for warning signs — difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue and abnormal behavior.