lilSugar -- Mommy's little helper.

Baby Wellness: Watered-Down Formula Is a No No

lilsugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:00:55 -0800

The tough financial times have left many pinching pennies to get by. One item that you should never skimp on, however, is your baby's formula. A young mom in Florida recently learned this the hard way. She had been watering down her five-month-old's formula in order to make it last longer and save a few bucks, but her infant ended up being rushed to the hospital, put on a ventilator, and diagnosed with water intoxication.

Luckily the little boy is recovering, but it's important to know that in general a baby's developing body is not ready to take on water. In fact, babies can’t usually handle extra water in their diet until they are at least 10-months-old. Adding too much water to concentrated formula (or adding water to ready-to-use formulas) can cause low blood sodium levels, irritability, coma, and even permanent brain damage.

Avoid potential water intoxication in your infant by carefully following the instructions on the formula's label. If you have any questions, contact your pediatrician.

Source

The Beckham Boys Are Brotherly and Well-Mannered

lilsugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0800

As the Beckham boys learn the ins and outs of being famous, they are also learning proper etiquette. Mama Victoria recently proudly spoke to The Times about her sons' good manners. She said:

"My mum and dad were real sticklers for good manners and so are me and David. People are always remarking on how well-behaved the boys are. They've all got their own headed notepaper for thank-you letters.”

Good manners are a lesson for life and if you teach them to your kids early on, they become automatic. Saying "please" and "thank you" and writing notes goes a long way.

We've all got our own parenting styles, but are you a stickler for manners?

Bauer-Griffin Online

Tell Mommy: What Was Your Biggest Parenting Blunder?

lilsugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:00:59 -0800

There is no manual for raising children, which means all parents are bound to slip up. From losing your tot in the mall on Black Friday to giving a toddler a Sharpie to doodle with, I've heard hilarious stories. New parents are more apt to fumble, but long time moms and pops are not in the clear either — ever forget it was your day for carpool?

Blunders can be embarrassing, funny, and even downright scary, but it's all part of the learning process. Share your biggest one in the comments section below.

Source

Bringing Sexy Back: Write a Love Letter

lilsugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:00:59 -0800

While your children are busy writing their letters to Santa, steal a few moments and put pen to paper for your partner. If you need inspiration, jot down all your husband's qualities that you take for granted or the 10 reasons that make him your better half. Whether you are thanking him for being the father of your babies or making your life more fun, there are no guidelines. The letter can be long-winded and encompass your entire relationship or a be a short and simple "I love you." Seal it with a kiss, pop it in the mail, and you can be sure he'll find you under the mistletoe.
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.

Who Installed Your Car Seat?

lilsugar — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 05:00:15 -0800

For most new parents, installing the car seat is a crucial process that can be pretty complicated, and a lil scary. Some couples choose to tackle the task on their own, while others leave it to the professionals (AAA, local firemen, etc.). Even seasoned parents opt to have someone else install their rear and forward facing car seats, while others whip out the instruction book and get to work. What about you?Source

Who Installed Your Car Seat?

My husband

A friend/family member

A professional (AAA, police officer, fireman, etc.)

Other — I'll tell you below.

Tell Mommy: What Does Your Husband Do Better?

lilsugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:57 -0800

Does the daddy in your life ever throw your parenting skills a much welcomed curve ball? An expectant Sugar staffer recently shared an experience that almost everyone can relate to. She said:

"I've always deemed myself the so-called baby whisperer between my husband and me. But over the weekend while playing with our seven-month-old niece, he was able to bring more giggles and smiles to her face than anyone in the house. As it turns out, my hubby has the uncanny ability to make noises and faces silly enough to drive anyone to laughter, but especially those still wearing diapers. Knowing that he is able to forgo his manliness in an effort to make a baby smile is enough to melt my heart, and it also gets me excited to see him bring endless smiles to our little one when she arrives."

Many women pride themselves in their inherent ways with children, but men do too. Tell mommy what your husband is better at when it comes to the kiddos.

Source

Is Breastfeeding As Much About Mom As It Is Baby?

lilsugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:00:50 -0800

Some women swear that breastfeeding their babies begets a bond unlike any other and for that reason, they continue to nurse well beyond their child's first birthday — sometimes even until their offspring enter school. While other mothers wean their wee ones once they begin to toddle and have reaped the benefits of breastfeeding. Do you think nursing is as much about a mother's need to connect and care for her child, as it is the infant? Source

Is Breastfeeding As Much About Mom As It Is Baby?

Yes — Breastfeeding is every bit about the mother as it is baby.

No — Nursing is centered on the child.

Other — I'll comment below.

Tips For Talking to Your Young Kids About Sex

lilsugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:00:52 -0800

Carrie Bradshaw didn't do me any favors. Thanks to the title of her famous movie, my daughter broached the subject of sex. As parents we know the time will come, I just didn't think it it would be so soon — at four and a half! From watching movie trailers and catching bits of playground gossip, she deduced that sex is sleeping with someone naked and kissing on the lips. In the course of of our impromptu and G-rated conversation, I realized that keeping the chat as low key and comfortable as possible opens the lines of communication.

To check out tips that will come in handy if your youngster happens to pop the question,

Tips for Bringing Home Daddy

babysugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:00:31 -0800

After nine months of physically bonding with your child, it is finally your partner's turn to hold your newborn in his arms. Some say fatherly instincts kick in at the birth while the mother's develop during the gestational period. Help the father adjust to his new role by allowing him to lend his helping hands. It will help him feel needed and appreciated and will take a bit of the load off mama! Source

Would You Dye Your Hair at Your Daughter's Request?

lilsugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:00:19 -0700

Julia Roberts recently sported a lil patch of pink hair and attributed the hued lock to her daughter, Hazel. The three year-old thought pastel tresses would look good on her mommy, so the actress obliged with a few colored strands.If the look wasn't dramatically different, would you do this for your child? INF

Would You Dye Your Hair at Your Daughter's Request?

Yes — What's a few drips of dye to make your daughter's day?

No — I wouldn't alter my appearance even temporarily for my wee one.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Are You "In Love" With Your Children?

babysugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:00:39 -0700

While appearing on Regis and Kelly to discuss her hit show Desperate Housewives, Marcia Cross talked about her twin daughters, Eden and Savannah. She said: I'm so in love. Is it wrong to say "in love" I'm crazy for my girls!

Would you say you're "in love" with your wee ones?
Flynet

Are You "In Love" With Your Children?

Yes — I am totally "in love" with my children.

No — I love them but I don't say I'm "in love" with them.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Talks

lilsugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:00:06 -0700

They say kids grow up fast, but lately I'm blown away. Last week, my art obsessed daughter told me she can't wait to get a "needle" tattoo. I knew this was coming ever since she noticed mine as I stepped out of the shower a couple years ago. With wide eyes, she blurted out, "I want one," but I talked her in to waiting until she's 25. A couple days ago, she told me she "really needs a pink wig." I thought the conversation was headed toward Halloween, but she explained that it's because she's tired of having messy hair on the mornings I'm at work and my husband attempts to style it. "That way I can just put on a wig and go out," she explained. I'm considering caving on this one so she doesn't try to dye her hair.

Yesterday, she surprised me with the latest topic — sleeping with the opposite sex. A classmate told her he slept in the same bed as his girl cousin and they had a pretend wedding and kissed on the lips. In disbelief she said, "He doesn't even know that you can't marry your cousin. And, you're only supposed sleep with your boyfriend or girlfriend and kiss them on the lips!" My daughter is four and a half, I wonder what the topics of our conversations will be at 14?

Are you ever surprised by what your child talks about?
Source

Are Your Children Covered?

babysugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:00:34 -0700

Before the economy took a nosedive, health care was one of the hot topics of the 2008 presidential election. Having taken a backseat on the news front, it is still an issue for many families. While many people are covered through work, some parents cannot afford to add their child on their health plan. A new study found: The Census Bureau said in August 8.1 million, or 11 percent, of children under 18 had no health insurance in 2007.

Do you have health insurance for your tots?Source

Are Your Children Covered?

Yes — My babies are covered.

No — We pay as we go.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Politikids: Why Parents Should Take Their Kids to the Polls

lilsugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:00:44 -0700

You may need to be 18 to cast a vote, but you're never too young to have an opinion. This is why I have brought my kids to the voting booths since they were born. I grew up listening to my mother say, "You can't complain if you don't vote" so I registered as soon as I earned the right. Moms and dads worried about the line at their polling place need not. The upcoming election may be the most important one we vote in and as parents our children will be affected by who we support. To make the experience fun for future voters of America, check out our tips!

Put a "Countdown to Vote" calendar on your refrigerator and have your lil ones tear the days away
Teach them a lil election etiquette — we all have the right to make our own choices, but need to be respectful other others, too
Help them make a button that says, "I'll be voting in 2020!" (or whatever year they are of age) to wear to the polls.
Bring along a makeshift ballot for them to fill out while you cast your vote.
Allow them to pull the lever in the booth
Have your child hand in your ballot
Give them your voting sticker and treat it like a badge of honor

To check out our ideas for older children,

Tell Mommy: Want Your Kids to Take After Your Husband?

lilsugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:00:52 -0700

You can love your spouse, but hope your children do not take after him. Or you can adore just about everything he does. A friend recently told me that she thought certain things her husband did weren't a big deal until they had kids and she realized that he was passing down his less than admirable ways to their offspring. Whether it's qualms about your man being messy or a daredevil, could you live with your husband and his mini mes?
Source

Has Motherhood Been Overwhelming?

lilsugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 06:00:43 -0700

Even the toughest, must organized, levelheaded, multi-taskers can be exhausted by motherhood. Be it the sleep deprivation, the endless energy it takes to run after toddlers or mental strength that's essential in dealing with tweens — raising children can humble even the most calm, cool and collected women. Did you ever experience an overwhelming moment...or month?Source

Has Motherhood Been Overwhelming?

Yes — There have been moments when I was in over my head!

No — I've never experienced any of those.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Do You Consider Yourself an Overprotective Parent?

lilsugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0700

I consider myself a pretty laid back mom when it comes to raising my kids, but when safety is of concern I become a different person. Maybe it's from watching too many movies or newscasts, but I have a paralyzing fear that something could happen to my children if I chance leaving them with a stranger. Did or do you have this fear?

Do You Consider Yourself an Overprotective Parent?

Yes — I'm completely overprotective.

No — I don't worry too much.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Would You Rather Your Children Know Too Much or Too Lil?

lilsugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:30:25 -0700

There's a whole lot of gray area when it comes to raising kids. It seems most parents fall into that middle ground when it comes to exposing their children to the realities of the world. But if you had to choose one extreme, sheltering your children from everything, or the other, having them thrust into the realities of the world, which would it be?
Photo courtesy of Discovery Health

Would You Rather Your Children Know Too Much or Too Lil?

Too much — I'd rather they not be sheltered from reality.

Too lil — Why do kids have to grow up so fast?

Other — I'll tell you below.

Lil Links: Why Some Parenting Books Collect Dust

lilsugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:00:28 -0700

Parenting books you can't live without — The Poop
What are you telling your kids about the economy? — Parent Dish
Travis Barker can't wait to hold his kids again — Celebrity Baby Scoop
Suri Cruise and her mama share a smile — Celebrity Baby Blog
Pregnancy acne that just won't quit, even three years later — Alpha Mom
Vaccine tracker helps mom keep tabs on her tots' shots — The Bump
When kids aren't what mom and dad had in mind — Cookie
What's the best baby carrier — Inhabitots

Tell Mommy: Who Is Your Fountain of Parenting Knowledge?

lilsugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0700

When my daughter develops a high fever at 2 a.m., I call my mom. If I need a good laugh about postpartum appearances, I consult my former college roommates turned mothers. When I am curious as to whether my son is reaching all his developmental milestones, I ask his doctor. The list goes on and on, but like many other mamas, I have amazing resources — people, books, and the Internet — to help me figure out the best way to raise my children. And, of course there's always my husband, my motherly instincts, and common sense. Who is the first person you turn to for parenting advice?
Source

Would You Wish Your Daughter Goddess Status?

babysugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0700

It is natural for a parent to want the best for their child. For Nepali father Pratap Man Shakya, that means sending his 3-year-old daughter away to the country's capital of Katmandu to be worshiped as the Hindu goddess Taleju. There she will be worshiped until she reaches puberty, at which point she will return to her normal life back home.

After performing various ancient ceremonies and testing the physical traits of numerous girls, a panel of judges chose Matani Shakya to be the next kumari, or living goddess. Picked for her perfect teeth, eyes, hair, and flawless skin, the youngster must also not be afraid of the dark. Once she met that criteria, she had to fearlessly spend one solo ritualistic night in a room full of slaughtered goats and buffalo heads. A pretty astonishing feat for such a tiny tot.

Would you be willing to give your child up for such a cause if it required her spending the remainder of her childhood away from you?

Parenting Classes Required for Students in Texas

lilsugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:00:15 -0700

Get Flash to see this player.

Teenage pregnancy costs Texas taxpayers more than one billion dollars annually so the lone star state is now requiring that high school students take a parenting class. As part of the public school curriculum, teens will be taught fourteen one-hour lessons on topics from the price of diapers to healthy relationships and father involvement. Do you think it is a good preventative measure?

Tell Mommy: Do You Hide Fights and Squabbles from the Kids?

babysugar — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 05:00:00 -0700

The recent A Night to Remember episode of Mad Men featured a serious post dinner party meltdown from the perfect on the outside, tormented on the inside, housewife Betty.

Betty's fit was a long time coming (what with Don cheating on her and treating her like a child), but the mom in me empathized with her reaction the next morning.

She sat at the breakfast table with her two little ones, smoking a cigarette (it couldn't have been 8 a.m. yet!) in the dress she wore the night before. Though she didn't say a thing and her husband didn't acknowledge her while the kids happily said goodbye to daddy, the scene presented tension that was surely being absorbed — even if subconsciously — by the tots. Do you and your partner try and hide your disagreements from your children and if so, how do you manage the tension when the kids are around?

Photo courtesy of AMC

Mommy Dearest: When Is It Appropriate to Intervene?

lilsugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:00:43 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

The other day I was at the mall waiting for my ride when a car pulled up to pick up the grandmother, mother and three children standing beside me. The driver, who appeared to be the father, was in a rush and started screaming and swearing at the three-year-old who was slow to get into his carseat. The grandmother and mother chimed in and it sickened me especially because no one was even helping the child climb in. They had six people piled into a compact vehicle so I considered calling the cops to pull them over, but wasn't sure if that would just make the situation worse. What should I have done in this situation?

— Feeling Bad for the Boys

To read the response from Mommy Dearest,

Would You Have Your Child Tested?

babysugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:00:04 -0700

If you had a crystal ball and could look into your child's future and know the probability of her developing breast or ovarian cancer, would you do it? If your answer is "yes," some of your curiosity could be satisfied.

There's a test in the medical community that tells a person if he or she is a carrier of the BRCA mutation, which can indicate a higher likelihood of cancer in the future. Estimated to cost about $3,000, the test is not something every family can afford. Price aside, many families may opt not to take the test, as it could put undue pressure or worry on a youngster who might otherwise lead a happy, carefree life. On the flip side, there might be potential benefits to knowing what a person's chances are for developing such a horrific illness. Having found out they have a higher chance of developing cancer, some people choose to avoid birth control or smoking, as both could potentially increase the likelihood of testing positive.

A moral dilemma arrives when parents make that choice for their minors, giving them no say in the matter. Tell me, if you had free access to such a test for your child, would you do it?
Source

You Know You're A Mother When: You Turn Into a Child

lilsugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:00:01 -0700

I was inside an inflatable house and didn't know if I could make it up the climbing wall with a bunch of kids bouncing around me, but it's not because I was too lil, it's because I was too big. But my two kids were relying on me, so I pulled myself up and dragged them along until we reached the top and flew down the slide. It's funny — you spend your formative years at the playground and then take a very long hiatus before motherhood plops you right back in the sandbox. To see what happens,

Do You Ever Forget Your Children's Names?

lilsugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:00:13 -0700

The other night while accepting his Emmy, Mad Men's Matthew Weiner mentioned his three children, the first two by name and then referred to the third as "the other one" before quickly adding in a proper moniker. Whether the statement was artfully crafted or a memory slip, it's something to which most moms and dads can relate. Do you ever forget your child's name or call them the wrong one? Source

Do You Ever Forget Your Children's Names?

Yes — This happens all the time.

No — Never happened to me.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Do You Know Your Child's Blood Type?

babysugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:00:45 -0700

Soon after your child is born, you are told your infant's blood type. Often in a fog, many new mothers may forget, but luckily there are doctor's records to keep track of such vital details. Without cheating, do you know your child's blood type off the top of your head?
Source

Do You Know Your Child's Blood Type?

You bet I know it.

Ummm.... I think I do!?

No. I'd have to look to see.

Do You Keep Your Kid's Secrets from Your Spouse?

lilsugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:00:06 -0700

A friend of mine called the other day and divulged that her five-year-old had blackmailed her into keeping a harmless secret from her husband. Her little one returned home from his first week of kindergarten and announced that he loooooovvvvvveeeesss his new teacher. When his mommy and daddy asked why, he wouldn't say, but later decided to tell his confidential tale to his mom if she promised not to tell anyone in the world (including daddy).

It turned out the secret was that the teacher gave the class cookies during snack time, but junior assumed his parents, who don't like him to eat sugar, would be upset. My friend and I had a good laugh, but she admitted she felt like she couldn't tell her husband because she has promised her son, even though it was a minor thing. Do you keep your child's so-called secrets from your spouse or do you give in and share?

Source

Do You Judge a Parent by Her Children?

lilsugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:00:18 -0700

Mother to Apple, 4, and Moses, 2, Gwyneth Paltrow recently chatted with Oprah motherhood and her friend Madonna. Ultimately, the actress told the talk show host that you can measure somebody by his or her children. Do you agree with this sentiment?

Bauer-Griffin

Do You Judge a Parent by Her Children?

Yes — Offspring say everything about a person.

No — You can't judge parents by their children.

Other — I'll tell you below.

What Are Your Thoughts on Unschooling?

babysugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:00:55 -0700

I like to hear different perspectives on parenting — sometimes I am enlightened and other times I am left shaking my head. After reading an article by Joanne Rendell titled "Unschooling — Why my kid won't attend school this fall - or maybe ever", I was puzzled. An author married to a college professor, the two New York City dwelling parents decided not to send their five-year-old son, Benny, to Kindergarten for various reasons. Simply stated:

Unschoolers believe in letting a kid's curiosity, interests and natural hunger for knowledge guide their learning. . . But un-kindergarten for us means Benny can sleep late so I can write. It means we don't have to worry about bedtimes and can go out on the town with friends any night of the week. We can go to Europe and visit my family when the flights are cheap. Un-kindergarten also means we can pick and choose how we spend our days and who we spend them with. Benny can go to free classes at the Metropolitan Museum in the week when it's less crowded. He can read a book on sharks when he feels like it. He can experiment with bungee cords while eating his breakfast at noon.

As a mother and former teacher, my knee jerk reaction was to question the author's sanity and values. But as I try to do with most things in life, I looked at it from a different perspective and pondered her arguments for unschooling. While I still don't particularly agree with her notion of keeping her child up until midnight, letting him sleep until noon, taking him to bars and flicks like Juno, there are some valid lessons that I am sure he is learning through her "teaching" process. But what she described above sounds like the perfect weekend. Surely Benny could take advantage of schooling during the week while soaking up valuable family and exploratory time on Saturdays and Sundays.

How the child will adjust to "normal" life after a few years of home unschooling is yet to be determined. That is where I fear the tot could encounter his biggest challenges as sleeping until noon is not acceptable for grades K — 12 and bar hopping is definitely a no-no under the age of 21. Personally, it sounds like the wee one is living the life of a college aged pupil when he should be learning more structure and ABCs. But hey, that's just me.

Tell me, what do you think of Mrs. Rendell's unschooling perspective?
Source

Would You Want a GPS Device for Your Child?

babysugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:00:40 -0700

A friend of mine asked me if I would install a GPS chip in my child if I could. I immediately thought "no." It's a lil too "big brother" for my taste and we've managed alright without one so far. There would certainly be perks to having such technology like being able to locate children if they went missing. In that sense, it seems like a no brainer. The mysteries of Caylee Anthony and Madeline McCann might already be solved if the girls had such chips. But, I have a hard time believing most parents would use such information on a "need to know" basis. If a teenage girl goes to prom and misses curfew by an hour, her father might be tempted to log on and see where she and her date are spending the evening. In instances like these, I think the chip would hinder a child's ability to flourish as the gift of independence and trust is not entirely granted. Would you consider implanting a GPS chip into your child's body? Why or why not? Source

Would You Want a GPS Device for Your Child?

Yes! I'd love to have extra security for my child's well being.

No way! I think it's too intrusive and scary.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Lil Links: Pam Anderson Talks Sex Tape With Sons

lilsugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:22:19 -0700

Pam Anderson on explaining her sex tape to her sons — Celebrity Baby Scoop
The Cradle searches for America's best baby boutique — The Cradle
Ashton Kutcher's new site inspired by Demi's daughters — Parent Dish
Jane Kaczmarek refuses to give up family time — Celebrity Baby Blog
Tween girls want a boy kiss — Alpha Mom
Clothes addict? — Wondertime
Halloween safety tips — Woman's Day
Eco hipster onesies from Pumpkin Girl — Inhabitots
School lunch envy — The Poop

Babysugar Diaries: From Hangover to Mommyover

babysugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:00:44 -0700

On my bus ride into work the other day, I noticed one of the regular riders on board. Typically, the fashionable Lucy Liu look-a-like is suited up to the nines for a day in the office. This particular day, however, she looked like a wreck — perhaps too many martinis and not enough sleep the night before.

As I sat there wondering about her personal life (which shows you how interesting mine is), I came to a sad realization. I used to be that girl. Back in my NYC days, I used to drag myself to work and wonder whose paper I could grab at the last minute if I started to heave from a heavy night of partying. Thankfully, I never had to resort to that. Gone are those days and to them, I say good riddance. In their place, age and mommyhood have taken their toll on me. So instead of looking a disaster from dancing on the bars until the wee hours of the morning, I look like a mess because my daughter was up all night with diarrhea and my nanny showed up late.

Unlike hangovers, a mommyover is not curable with a pill that restores your energy and it will not go away after a good long snooze. But, the smiles, giggles, pouts, hugs and kisses are sure to cure any mommyover in an instant.
Source

Do You Use an Alarm Clock?

babysugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:00:00 -0700

As a mother to a 22-month-old, the last thing I need in my life is an alarm clock. Aside from occasional use for early airport trips, my daughter is up with the roosters and ready to crow.If there were ever a day where I thought sleeping in may be a reality, I'd go with it. I'd leave the kitchen a mess, phones ringing and the world waiting while my child let me rest peacefully. Dream on you say? Well, I would if I could. Source

Do You Use an Alarm Clock?

Yes — I need one to get my day started.

No — My children are my alarm clocks.

Sometimes — I still sometimes need an alarm clock to get up on time.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Did You Always Know You Wanted to Be a Parent?

lilsugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:00:18 -0700

Latin singer Ricky Martin's reps confirmed he became the father to twin boys who were born via gestational surrogacy last week. It was a surprise to most of us, but according to People, Ricky always knew he wanted to be a parent. In fact, he told People many years ago:

I would love to have children of my own because I know I can offer them a good life...I genuinely like kids.

I find his quote incredibly endearing and it reminded me that I have always looked forward to being a parent. Did you always know you wanted to have children? Source

Did You Always Know You Wanted to Be a Parent?

Yes! I always imagined myself as a parent!

Not exactly! I can't say I daydreamed about having children.

It just sort of happened naturally.

I don't plan on having children.

Something else. See my comment below.

What Do You Use as Bribe Bait?

lilsugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:00:19 -0700

Sometimes a sweet treat is all the incentive a tot on the verge of a meltdown needs to pull it together. A whopping 88 percent of lilsugar readers said they've bribed, ahem given their children an incentive to achieve an end result. So what is your kid's poison — lollipops, television time, new toys? Source

Wonder Women: Olympic Mamas

babysugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:00:57 -0700

While much of the mama focus throughout the Olympics has been on 41-year-old swimmer Dara Torres, she is just one of 20 mothers on Team USA this Summer. Many of these gold medal moms claim that parenting has made them better athletes, often bringing them a new-found perspective on the importance of their sport in their lives. They juggle parenting with intense training regimens and robust travel schedules, leading us to marvel at how they manage it all.

The answer, as many of them confessed on the Today show this morning, is forgoing sleep. While a majority of you told us that you get between six to eight hours of sleep each night, these winning women often perform with minimal shut-eye in order to get the job done.

Tell us, since becoming a parent, what have you sacrificed in order to pursue your dream?

Do You Know Your Parenting Philosophies?

babysugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:00:49 -0700

Parenting books can be overwhelming as everyone has a different opinion on how to best raise baby. One suggests holding your baby all the time and another says that will spoil him. Some advocate co-sleeping and others says it's a big mistake.

Since there are so many philosophies to choose from, we want to know how much you know about the subject!

Source

Keeping Lil Escape Artists Safe

lilsugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:00:56 -0700

At 21-months-old, my son thinks he's a man of the world. We live in a flat so it's hard not to bump into each other, much less lose a child. The other day I glanced down the hall past my husband and saw that the front door was open. Our lil guy had slipped out and was headed down the stairs. I asked him where he was headed and he replied, "I have to go. Bye-bye!"

Luckily, we have a gated tunnel entrance so the chance of him getting out to the sidewalk is slim to none, but we don't put anything past our pint-sized Houdini. Ten minutes later, he was out the kitchen door and down the back stairs to the yard. Such is life with an escape artist — you can close the windows and doors, but he eventually finds a way out so take precaution. To see our tips,

Do You Have Mom Guilt?

lilsugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:00:04 -0700

Whether you are a working mother or stay-at-home mom, sometimes there aren't enough hours in the day to bake cupcakes for preschool, read bedtime stories, run the soccer field cheering for your favorite lil player, and have intriguing conversation over a healthy dinner. At times, mamas have to let something go or take some time for themselves.Do you feel bad when you let something slip or take a mommy trip? Source

Do You Have Mom Guilt?

Yes — Guilty as charged.

No — I never feel bad.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Are Schools Set Up for Stay-At-Home Parents?

lilsugar — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:00:35 -0700

When a child enters school it's quite a commitment for parents. While most moms and dads want to be involved in their offspring's education, it gets hard to pencil in all the activities as the majority of the sports sign-ups, teacher conferences, holiday parties, plays and field trips are during regular academic hours. Some parents set on taking an active role are forced to use all their vacation to attend those "not to be missed" moments. Even stay-at-home parents have to find sitters for their other children to make it to some of these occasions. Do you wish your child's school were more family friendly? Source

Are Schools Set Up for Stay-At-Home Parents?

Yes — It's overwhelming.

No — One is expected to make sacrifices.

Other — I'll tell below.

Do You Ever Bribe Your Children?

lilsugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:00:50 -0700

It's the oldest trick in the book —a couple of dollars for chores, a gift for good grades, or a lollipop for standing patiently in the check out line. Call it what you will — an incentive, a reward, or a bribe. Many moms and dads have no problem offering their lil darlings something in exchange for a desired behavior, action, or accomplishment. Are you guilty of giving your kids goodies to get them to do what you want? Source

Do You Ever Bribe Your Children?

Yes — We both get what we want and everyone's happy.

Sometimes — There's a time and place when bribes become a bargaining tool.

No — Kids should not expect things in exchange for their actions.

Other — I'll tell you in the comments.

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.

Lil Tip: A Suitcase of Their Own

lilsugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:30:00 -0700

If your child gets sad at the thought of being separated from his parents when you steal adult time away — take him suitcase shopping. When you are headed out of town, frame the weekend as his trip. Rather than talking about where you are going, focus on how much fun he will be having at grandma's house or with the babysitter. Once he selects a bag that fits his fancy, help your son pack. Then when the luggage is zipped and ready to go, throw in a few surprises that he can uncover during the vacation.