lilSugar -- Mommy's little helper.

Mommy Dearest: Nanny Share Without Compensation?

lilsugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:00:53 -0800

Mommy Dearest,

I'm a stay-at-home mom with a part time nanny that helps out when I need to run errands, work out, lunch with friends or take a night out with my husband. She watches our two sons, ages 5 and 7, for $20 an hour. My best friend and I usually go to the gym together so she drops her six year old off at my house and the children play while we are away. He's well behaved and they get along great. My nanny always welcomes him, but told me yesterday that a playdate is one thing and my friend dropping her child off on a daily basis is another. She is willing to watch him, but expects to be compensated for it. I was taken back because we've had this arrangement for about a year and she never seemed to mind. Is it fair for her to ask for more money now?

— Should Nanny Get Compensated

To read the response from Mommy Dearest,

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?

Ecomomics: Hire a Sitter Who Is Collecting Unemployment?

lilsugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:00:44 -0700

In light of the economy, laid off workers are trying to make ends meet. For many, unemployment checks aren't enough to pay the bills so some people have taken to "off the book" jobs they don't have to claim like nannying. Would you hire a babysitter that is also collecting unemployment checks? Source

Ecomomics: Hire a Sitter Who Is Collecting Unemployment?

Yes — If the sitter's qualified, her finances aren't my business.

No — It's not appropriate if she is collecting unemployment.

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.

Can You Tell the Difference Between Moms and Nannies?

lilsugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:00:14 -0700

My husband spends a ton of time at the playground with our kids and swears he can tell the difference between moms and nannies and dads and mannies. When I asked how, he said it's obvious when you watch their interactions. I'm not so sure I agree, but it did make me laugh when we saw a too perfectly primped woman pushing a double stroller with newborn twins in it and he declared "nanny." Then moments later, he called "mother" on a woman holding her tot sideways as she crossed the street. Do you think it's possible to call out parents from caretakers based on observations?Source

Can You Tell the Difference Between Moms and Nannies?

Yes — You can tell the difference.

No — I think it's impossible.

Other — I'll tell you below.

How Many Hours a Day Do You Spend With Your Kids?

lilsugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:00:02 -0700

Quality time with your children can be hard to come by as parents juggle work and home life. Since kids spend lots of time at school, participating in activities, and being tended to by nannies, babysitters, and daycare centers, it can leave mom, dad, and tot lil time together. On average, how many waking hours do you spend with your offspring?Source

How Many Hours a Day Do You Spend With Your Kids?

Fewer than three

Three to five

Five to seven

Seven to 10

More than 10

Hardly any on the weekdays and lots on the weekends.

Other — I'll tell you below!

How Often Do You Hire a Babysitter?

lilsugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:30:19 -0700

Some moms have help around the clock, and others scarcely take a night out without their tots. Whether you have an on-site au pair or a preteen who cares for your children when you want to go watch a movie in peace or have a date night with your husband — how often do you hire a sitter?

How Do You Tackle Adult Subjects Around Tots?

babysugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:00:36 -0700

In one of my favorite scenes in the Sex and the City movie, the gals sit around their favorite brunch table with Charlotte's adopted daughter, Lily, and attempt to talk about sex without using any graphic words. They end up improvising by comparing it to "coloring." While it made for a hilarious rift in the film, talking about adult subjects in front of children is always dicey. Most parents create their own grown up lingo, spell out the naughty words or reserve inappropriate talk for nap time. How do you keep the conversation rated G around your lil one?
Photo courtesy of New Line

Do You Belong to a Mommy Group?

babysugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Joining a mommy group has become a staple part of urban and suburban parenting. Group activities like trips to the park, museum or even a local mom's pad encourage new mommies to get out of the house, meet with other parents and kids and foster new relationships. Of course, moms aren't the only ones making group playdates — many dads, nannies and grannies join play groups in an effort to make friends and meet neighbors. Has your family joined a mommy group?Source

Do You Belong to a Mommy Group?

Yes. I am an active member of a mommy group and proud of it.

My husband, partner or babysitter is part of a mommy group.

I tried it, but it wasn't for me.

Nope, I haven't joined one.

Something else. See my comments below.

What Do You Know About Chickenpox?

babysugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:00:15 -0700

Most of us have had chickenpox when we were lil and can expect our own children will have to suffer through the itchy illness as well (unless they have received a vaccine). While finding that first mark can be traumatizing for parents and tots, the illness is a lot less scary than most of us remember.

Are you ready to combat the big red dots? Take my quiz and find out!

Source

Do You Help Get Daddy Involved?

babysugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:00:21 -0700

A while back, I asked if your baby daddy did his part in taking care of the child. Over half of you said that he played an equal role in child rearing — sometimes bearing more of the responsibility. A new study released in the June issue of Journal of Family Psychology indicated that if mothers want their partners to play an active role in parenting, they need to give them the confidence to motivate them. One study said: It was the mom's behavior that dictated the dad's involvement. [Researchers] found that the dads who knew what they were doing had partners who encouraged and complimented them as they changed the baby's clothes. But the dads who looked less confident were accompanied by partners who critiqued their methods during the entire observation.

Do you give your partner the room to care for your child? Source

Do You Help Get Daddy Involved?

I let Daddy do what he pleases.

I am the gatekeeper — he needs guidance.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Wee TV: Teens Raise Their Brothers While Parents Work

lilsugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:00:37 -0700

Do you believe in built in babysitters? Last night, I caught an episode of Supernanny where two teenagers were raising their three younger brothers while the parents worked. The girls, ages 14 and 17 for all intents and purposes had taken on both the roles of mother and father.

Between cooking, tending to housework and caring for their lil brothers, ages 2, 3, and 4, the young ladies were also expected to home school themselves. While this situation seems appalling, the parents didn't see anything wrong with it. And, that proves true for so many Americans who believe in the built in babysitter — parents, in-laws, friends and relatives who take on part of the responsibility of raising babe without any compensation. I believe that tots are solely their mom and pop's charge and that anyone else who lends a hand should be given kudos and appropriate payment, be it literal or verbal. Do you share this sentiment?

You Know You're a Mother When: Lunch Break

lilsugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:33:25 -0700

Most working moms eat or run errands during their lunch break, I once spent mine in an alley. My husband got called into a last minute meeting with the owner of his company so I took my lunch break to watch the kids in the car as we worked a short distance from one other. Since it was to be a quick conference, we parked outside the downtown building and I kept my son and daughter occupied with snacks and books. But unfortunately, the meeting ran long — close to three hours long— and my husband hadn't taken his phone into the restaurant. To see what happened,

Baby Planners Take Care of All the Baby Business

lilsugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:00:19 -0700

Once baby is on its way, mamas-to-be get a crash course in child gearing — the rearing comes later. The thin pink line on the pregnancy stick indicates that it's time to prepare. From nursery themes to stretch mark balm and choosing bottles to taking strollers for test rides, the nine months are jam packed with all kinds of activities.

Some women could care less which carrier and diaper cream they end up with while others don't have time to do the research — so two moms made a business out of lessening the pregnant woman's load. Melissa Gould and Ellie Miller founded The Baby Planners, a service that takes care of all those time consuming tasks for a fee. To see what services they offer,

Reasons For Lack of Physical Activity at Daycare Revealed

babysugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:00:45 -0700

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute presented a study to the Pediatric Academic Societies that said flip flops, lack of warm clothes, and in some cases, less than enthusiastic caretakers were to blame for the lack of physical activity in youngsters.

In 34 child care centers, caretakers sat with researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to dish on child activities.

To see what they had to say,

Three-Year-Old Overdoses on "Date Rape" Drug

lilsugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:00:49 -0700

A thirsty three-year-old girl overdosed on GHB, also known as the "Date Rape" drug after mistaking it for water. The preschooler and her older sister had accompanied their mother to a National City apartment to score drugs.

There, the tot drank what appeared to be bottled water. The near fatal mistake landed the youngster in the hospital, her mother in jail and her sister at a relative's place.

Do you think this mama deserves another chance with her children?

Raising Baby: Urban Area or Suburbia?

lilsugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:00:29 -0700

My kids are sixth generation San Franciscans and since we have so much family here, I can't imagine raising them anywhere else despite the expensive cost of living. But relations aside, this town is a place where just about anything goes so my children have been exposed to different lifestyles, demographics, cultures and cuisines. On the other hand, I have friends who swear by their decisions to rear their kids in suburbia. Which did you choose — city dwellings or country roots? Source

Raising Baby: Urban Area or Suburbia?

Urban

Suburban

Rural

Biggest Surprise of Bringing Home Subsequent Babies?

lilsugar — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 06:00:44 -0700

Nothing prepares parents for their first child and the second brings an equal amount of surprise.

The Poop founder, Peter Hartlaub recently wrote a hysterical post about bringing home his second son (Congratulations!). He said:

While my wife and I discussed the possibility that Child Number Two wouldn't look and act exactly like the first, I really did expect a complete clone.

To see the other topics he mentioned,

Did Your Husband Take Paternity Leave?

lilsugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:00:51 -0700

Many working husbands take paternity leave to help lessen the new and recovering mama's load when it's time to bring babe home from the hospital.Actor and daddy-to-be, John Cho recently told USA Today what he will do when his wife, Kerri Higuchi gives birth. He said:

"I've been working for a while and I'm going to take a break and be home with the kid. I'm going on maternity leave," Cho says. "I'm so freakin' excited for this kid to come, and I'm so scared they're going to hand me a small human being to take home and I'll be responsible for the human being living."

Did your spouse take leave? Source

Did Your Husband Take Paternity Leave?

Yes — Paid leave.

Yes — Unpaid leave.

No — He continued to work.

Other — Leave comment below.

Tending to Baby: Don't Leave Baby in the Car

babysugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:00:13 -0700

For so many reasons, you should never leave your child alone in the car. But, now you can add this reason to the list – heaven forbid the vehicle gets TOWED away!

According to the La Crosse Tribune, a Dallas woman left her snoozing seven–year–old boy in her illegally parked car while she ran upstairs to grab something from her apartment. But, she was gone long enough for a tow truck to come and take the car.
To see what happened,

Have You Experienced Lost & Found With Your Lil One?

lilsugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:00:17 -0700

Kids are magicians at making themselves disappear — they climb into clothing racks at the mall, wander off at the park or can be hard to see in crowds of big people. So most moms have had at least one of those moments when your heart drops to the pit of your stomach and for one terrifying instant you think your child is lost. It's enough to drain the blood from your veins and knock your knees out from under you. Has it happened to you? Source

Have You Experienced Lost & Found With Your Lil One?

Yes — Worst moment of my life.

Yes — Has happened a time or two.

No — Haven't had that happen.

Other — Leave comment below.

Kidmazing: Letter Carrier Saves Falling Child!

lilsugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:34:45 -0700

Mamas can never be too careful with wee ones around windows!

A woman in Albany, NY, is thanking her lucky stars that a postal worker was passing by when her 1-year-old crawled out the home's second story window. To see what happened,

How Long Have You Been Away From Your Kid?

babysugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:00:00 -0700

The wedding season has started for my husband and me. We have nine friends getting hitched in the next few months and are wondering what to do with our babe during these mostly adult–only weekends.My saintly mother took care of our daughter this past weekend as we jetted off for the first of many nuptials. We've done this before but as baby girl gets older and more attached, it is becoming tougher to leave her. After I kissed her goodbye, I went into my closet where my tears could not hide. Gone for four nights, I'm not sure I could take much longer. What's the longest you've been away from your wee one? Source

Mommy Alert! Sex Offenders Living at Childcare Centers

lilsugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Mamas should make sure to do their research when it comes to placing their lil darlings in daycare facilities.

A recent comparison of 75,000 licensed California centers with the state's address database of sex offenders had more than a few matches. To see what happened,

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Outside Kids

lilsugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:30:35 -0700

My children couldn't care less about the loot in their toy boxes or drawer full of DVDs. While those things occupy them at home, they are outside kids to the core.

Nothing makes them happier than tearing across an open field, climbing a playground structure, or splashing in water. Lil ones thrive from feeling the sun or wind on their faces and being able to run free without the confines walls and ceilings. But, I'm not sure if it's nature or nurture with our offspring. To see why,

Who Drives the Sitter Home?

babysugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:00:13 -0700

Every time my husband and I go out, we argue about who will drive the sitter home. Being a woman, I feel vulnerable driving around late at night on my lonesome. My hubby argues that it's an uncomfortable ride — older man and younger woman with not much to talk about so we usually take turns.Who drives your sitter home? Source

Who Drives the Sitter Home?

Yours truly.

My partner.

Other – leave comment below.

Tending to Baby: Sue the Nanny?

babysugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:00:16 -0700

There's no need to have our nanny sign a confidentiality agreement since my husband and I aren't celebrities.

And besides that, the only thing she'd have on us is our messiness.

But, life for Rob Lowe is a different story because inquiring minds always want to know what happens in the lives of stars. To see what happened,

Mommy Dearest: Husband Won't Babysit

lilsugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:00:06 -0700

Mommy Dearest,
I have three kids — ages two, four and six. I love my husband, but he believes that it's my job to raise the children. He goes to their sporting events and attends parent-teacher conferences, but refuses to babysit if I want a night out with my friends or to go on a solo shopping trip.

The other day, I hired a babysitter so I could go to lunch with a friend. While our neighbor watched the kids, my husband lounged on the couch. We're not well off so I think it's a waste of money to pay someone when he could easily take over the duties. What do you think?

— Wondering Wife

To read the response from Mommy Dearest,

Did Your Baby Numbers Align?

lilsugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:00:14 -0700

While dating, my husband and I agreed on the number of children we hoped to have.

But, what happens when a couple can't come to a consensus? Or, if spouses initially have the same plan and then one person has a change of heart?

Actress Brooke Shields made a recent comment that confronted this issue.

At the Prada Trembled Blossoms event, the mother of two, Rowan, 4, and Grier, almost 2, expressed her desire for a son. To see what she said,

Family Ties: Grandmas Rule

babysugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 06:00:20 -0700

I've told you what a sweet mother–in–law I am blessed to have. But, I've neglected to share stories of my own mama.

Simply put — she is the bomb. Whatever positive adjective you can think of, she embodies it. To see why my ma rocks,

Tending to Baby: Nanny Poaching

babysugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:00:24 -0700

A good nanny is hard to find. And when you come across one you LOVE, you don't want to let her go. Since competitive offers lurk at the park, many mums are fiercely protective of their caretakers.

I was recently warned by another mom not to take her help away. To see what happened,

Dennis Quaid Talks About His Twins' Close Call

lilsugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:00:00 -0700

Expectant couples and new parents put their trust in the hands of hospitals. And, for Dennis and Kimberly Quaid doing so resulted in a close call with their infant twins.

According to People:

Last November, Thomas Boone and Zoe Grace Quaid – who were hospitalized due to a suspected infection – nearly died at Los Angeles's Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after mistakenly being given a massive overdose of the drug Heparin, an adult-strength blood thinner, rather than Hep-tock, a much-weaker version of the drug routinely given to clear IV lines in pediatric patients.

And, now the Quaids have made it their mission to raise awareness about the hospital errors that result in 100,000 deaths each year. To hear what happened,

Mommy Dearest: Mother-in-Law Quit Watching Kids

lilsugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:00:17 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

My mother-in-law offered to watch our son before he was born and provides us with daycare five days a week while my husband and I work.

Yesterday, when my husband went to pick our 2-year-old up, his mother told him we would have to find someone else to watch our son starting this Summer.

She said she is having a hard time keeping up with him and would also like to do some traveling.

My husband doesn't think it's that big of a deal, but I was completely thrown off guard. Not only do we have to find another responsible person to care for our son, but we have to make major financial adjustments to afford the caretaker.

My MIL has a wishy-washy personality so I think I could persuade her to continue watching our child. Only, my husband disagrees and called me ungrateful when I suggested it. Should I ask anyway?

—Daycare Dependent

To hear what Mommy Dearest has to say,

Does Mother Know Best, Even If She Breaks the Law?

lilsugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:00:29 -0700

As moms we get an onslaught of advice from our peers, parents, pediatricians and just about everyone in between. But, when it comes to the law, there's not much room for flexibility.

And, in one case my mother's intuition (and plain ol' common sense) told me I knew best.

A few months shy of his first birthday, my son's legs were so long that they were squished up the back of the chair in his rear facing car seat.

He'd shriek in pain when he stretched because he was crammed in such an uncomfortable position. And, being that he was the size of a child six months older, I turned his seat forward. To see what happened,

Have You Ever Left Your Kids in the Car?

lilsugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:00:52 -0700

Update: The charges have been dropped.

Carting kids to and from your vehicle is part of being a parent. But, sometimes it hardly seems worth the hassle when you are stepping just feet from the car when dropping a letter in a mailbox or running an errand in full view.

A Chicago mother of three is now paying the price for leaving her sleeping tot in a locked and alarmed car while walking less than ten yards away for a few minutes.

According to an MSNBC article:

But that was long and far enough to land her in court after a police officer spotted her sleeping 2-year-old daughter alone in the vehicle; Coyne had taken her two older daughters to pour $8.29 in coins into a Salvation Army kettle.

To see the charges she faces,

Nanny Cam Caregiver Arrested!

lilsugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:00:30 -0700

About a month ago, we did a post about a Sugar staffer's friend who caught incriminating footage of her nanny on a hidden camera. In it, the twin babes had been manhandled, left in extremely unsafe positions and put at high risk for injuries. If you missed it, you can view the video above. Thankfully, the boys were not injured.

Today, an MSNBC article reported that the 26-year-old caretaker has been charged with two counts of child abuse. It said:

The charges are class 1 misdemeanors and each has a maximum penalty of 120 days in jail.

Do you think justice is being served?

Tending to Baby: Mommies Lose It When Nannies Cruise

babysugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Whether you've got your mama or a full–time nanny, every parent needs a helping hand every now and then.

For some mothers, especially those with time consuming careers, nannies or caretakers offer much more than assistance.

And when that help disappears, it sometimes sends a mum into shock and hysteria. I know of one single mother who relies so heavily on her daughter's caretaker that she has panic attacks when the employee leaves.

To read about Kate Moss's experience,

Does Your Baby Daddy Lend a Hand?

babysugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:00:00 -0800

When discussing diaper duty with my pregnant pal, her hubby admitted, "I will never change a diaper. I just don't do that." My jaw hit the floor and I looked at my friend in disbelief. She was speechless. I am lucky to have a husband who happily splits parenting duties down the middle. He changes diapers, gives baths, reads books, and puts our babe down for naps every day. Does your partner help you out with parenting duties? Source

Does Your Baby Daddy Lend a Hand?

My partner helps me out a ton!

I have to ask for some help.

I pretty much do all the work.

Not an option – I'm on my own.

Other – leave comment below.

Mommy's Lil Spy: The Nanny Cam

lilsugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:00:35 -0800

It's hard to know who to trust with your child so some parents turn to in home surveillance devices to keep a watchful eye on their caregiver. A friend of a staffer here at Sugar HQ decided to invest in one to ease her concerns about her nanny, despite the woman's great references and clean record. Thankfully, she did.

In this shocking video from the hidden cam, the mother learned her twin babes had been manhandled, left in extremely unsafe positions and put at high risk for injuries. After viewing the footage while at work, she promptly went home and fired the nanny. The police are now involved and fortunately, the lil boys were not harmed.

To learn more about nanny cams just

Mother-In-Law or Nanny Watch Your Babe?

babysugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:00:42 -0800

My mother–in–law, whom I adore, just visited us for a long weekend. She loves our babe and is always eager to spend every second with her. As I work on Fridays, my babe usually spends the afternoon with her nanny. But since "Mimi," as we call her, was here and available, she offered to watch my babe and give the nanny a paid day off. This situation got me thinking, would you prefer to have your sitter or mother-in-law watch your tot?

Mother-In-Law or Nanny Watch Your Babe?

Mother–in–Law

Nanny

Other – leave comment below.

Did You Have Help?

babysugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:00:00 -0800

These days, it's not uncommon for new moms to hire an extra set of hands to help her out with the family's latest addition. Whether it's a baby nurse, night nanny, or a sitter for a few hours during the day, it seems that the latest generation of mothers have figured out a way to lighten their new load. While it may help relieve the much dreaded insomnia, some argue it takes away from the learning and bonding experience that takes place in the first days of parenthood. What do you think?Source

Did You Have Help?

Yes — Helpers lightened my load.

No — We were on our own.

Other - Leave comment below.

Family Ties: Friends Turning into Family

babysugar — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:00:49 -0800

Like many San Franciscans, my husband and I are transplants to the city by the bay. Since many of our close friends are in the same boat, we have become each other's families.

When I was pregnant and laid up with a gnarly cold, friends left baskets of food and flowers on my doorstep. When motherhood arrived, they brought homemade dinners to our house. And when hubby and I needed to escape to LA for a Foo Fighters concert, they babysat overnight. As far as I'm concerned, that deserves a ticket to sainthood. To see why I feel so lucky,

Tending to Baby: What Not to Do

babysugar — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:00:00 -0800

While there are a million DON'Ts involved in parenting, the ones that are shown in this slideshow are pretty obvious. I have to warn you, viewing these illustrations may require a tissue as they are absolutely hysterical and will likely bring you to tears.

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Potty Training

babysugar — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:00:16 -0800

Apparently it's time for my babe to start potty training. I feel like I did when I was first pregnant – totally lost. I wasn't sure if I should get the potty that sits on the ground or the kind that fits over the regular seat? Clearly there are drawbacks to both.

The former option means I go from changing dirty diapers to cleaning out a toilet. Not much of a step up, even if it's only a phase. The latter would require me to take the seat on and off every time she uses it because we are a one toilet family. That wouldn't be much fun either.

I went shopping and heeded to the store clerk's advice and purchased the $25 Baby Bjorn that sits on the ground. She said the other type is better once tots are a lil bigger and can sit on the adult toilet.

All of this potty talk makes me dizzy. I'll update you on my progress, but if you have any advice, please dish it in the comments section.

Tending to Baby: Cost of Childcare

lilsugar — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 06:00:53 -0800

The cost of childcare can be astounding for new parents especially if they live in a metropolitan area. While hanging out at a San Francisco park with my kids, a nanny said she gets paid $24 an hour for her single charge. And, this is in a working class neighborhood.

Then, a friend employed by a corporation known for having progressive family policies told me it would cost her $1700 (the reduced rate) to place her infant in the office's on-site daycare.

While these numbers may seem shocking, it's not likely that they will take a plunge anytime soon based on a working mothers need to find quality child care.

A recent MSN article about the expense said:

"Forget about the angst and expense of finding shelter that is safe and warm for your new arrival. I'm talking about the sticker shock of handing over a significant chunk of your paycheck every month just so you are free to work."

To finish the post,

Tending to Baby: I Saw Your Nanny

babysugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:00:46 -0800

One of the toughest things you have to do as a mother is to trust someone else with your child. It's hard enough with family members and friends, but when a nanny is in charge you just hope that she or he cares for your children as if they were their own.

Sadly, that's not always the case. In an effort to keep nannies in check and parents aware, isawyournanny.com was started. People who have witnessed dangerous situations involving caretakers can report the incidents and even post pictures on the site.

While some (and probably most) of the messages are never picked up by the parents they are intended to reach, it keeps parents and nannies on their toes. The down side is some of the posts may be fabricated or describe a situation out of context which could potentially tarnish an excellent nanny's reputation. Consider all of these things, before you drive yourself crazy searching the site.

Do you use sites like this to keep an eye or ear on your nanny?
Source

Bringing Baby to Work?

babysugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 06:00:18 -0800

Childcare can be tricky for countless reasons, but one of the main ones is finding the right caretaker solution. TIME highlighted the trend with a recent piece on bringing babies to work.

Since so many moms are heading back to work, more and more companies are allowing them to bring their children to the office. While many people are initially opposed to the idea or have reservations, it seems that often the naysayers come around and end up liking being in the company of kids. To see what people have to say about it,

Tending to Baby: Downloadable Babysitting Chart

lilsugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:00:30 -0800

It's 2008 and mama's gotta get back into the swing of things! Whether you need a night out on the town, a day at the spa or time at the office, this darling and downloadable babysitting chart will help you get your offspring's information organized.

Fill out the tabs, slap it under a magnet on the fridge, or laminate and post it on the back of the door and you're good to go. In the event of an emergency, the caregiver can easily access your child's medical information, statistics and emergency contacts.

Tending to Baby: CareSquare

babysugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:01:30 -0800

Your best friend's party is tomorrow night, your babysitter canceled, and your mom has the flu. What's a party-starved mom to do? CareSquare.com to the rescue.

The website is a place where parents and caregivers can connect and gather information on each other. Each sitter posts a profile, schedule, references, and notes. You need not worry about babysitters misrepresenting themselves since you can check out peer reviews and feedback for each one.

Getting started is simple — just post a profile. Once it's up, you can recommend sitters and book them. And, an availability calendar makes it easy to find specific times and dates.

Then, you're off to the party.

Tending to Baby, Part 3: Nanny Share Option

babysugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:00:18 -0800

To finish up our three part Tending to Baby Series, we're exploring the nanny share as another option. We've talked about the advantages and disadvantages of daycare and nanny care and doing a nanny share can combine the best of those worlds.

For those who don't know, a nanny share is when one family shares a nanny with another family. This cuts the costs for both families and provides a friend or friends for the child.

Some things to consider for a nanny share situation: